How to avoid a bad slip in the shower
HINTS FROM HELOISE
HELOISE
Dear Heloise: My walk-in shower has ceramic tile that becomes treacherous as soon as soapy water hits it.
I tried adhesive no-slip strips — they work for a while but eventually peel up and look shabby. What finally worked was a rubberized rug pad that was cut to fit the floor.
A report from Homes and Gardens describes the benefits of fast-drying stone bath mats, noting that the material stays put on tile floors and dries quickly after use. This helps prevent water from pooling as well as mildew odors. It's inexpensive and effective, and I wish that I'd thought of it sooner. — Bob T., in The Villages, Florida
Tangled cords
Dear Heloise: Knotted charger cords are a common nuisance, but binder clips offer a cheap fix. Clip them to your furniture, then thread the cord ends through the metal loops to prevent them from slipping. Avoid wrapping cords around your hand, which causes kinking; instead, use a loose figure-eight loop.
For larger items, store labeled cords in toilet paper tubes. When dealing with a tangle, work patiently from one end rather than yanking the cord. — Bob K., in Spokane, Washington
Clean car habits
Dear Heloise: Keeping a car clean is about preventing buildup rather than vacuuming frequently. Hanging a small bag, such as a plastic produce bag, from a headrest encourages immediate trash disposal rather than letting it accumulate under seats. Switching to all-weather rubber mats simplifies maintenance as they can be easily rinsed or shaken off, unlike carpet mats that trap debris.
Additionally, spend 30 seconds clearing trash every time you get gas and keep a microfiber cloth in the glove box to wipe surfaces during short waits. These small consistent habits prevent clutter from piling up. — Jerry W., in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Leaky trash bags
Dear Heloise: For a long time, I blamed budget trash bags for constant leaks and messes, thinking that the plastic was simply too thin. However, my husband recently found that the leaks weren't due to poor quality. They were due to punctures that were caused by sharp objects such as chicken bones, metal jar lids and even rough edges inside the trash bin.
To resolve this, I've started putting a folded second bag at the very base of the bin to create a durable double layer, where the most weight and sharpest edges settle. I've also found that wrapping wet or messy items in an old newspaper before tossing them helps to significantly reduce odors and prevent liquid from pooling at the bottom.
Finally, I make it a point to rinse the bin with soapy water once a week; this prevents sticky grime from building up and potentially breaking down the bags from the outside. By making these small adjustments, I'm addressing the real causes of the punctures. — Carol M., in Tucson, Arizona
