Try using vinegar to clean pesky plastic containers

Dear Readers: Plastic containers are so useful for storing everything in a refrigerator, but they can retain a smell.

To get rid of it, fill the containers with half household vinegar and half water. Soak overnight. Then, rinse well with hot, soapy water and air-dry.

Store containers with the lids off to prevent a musty smell from occurring. — Heloise

SHIPPING TOES

Dear Heloise: When I shop online, I almost exclusively buy products that I can return for free. Since I am shopping online, I cannot try something on or touch it before making the purchase, so I often return items once I receive them because they did not work out.

While the return shipping label may be free, packaging is not. When you return an item using UPS, FedEx or another delivery service, the item must be packaged properly before shipping. You can purchase packaging material from the shipper or at a store, but it costs money. And why spend money when you can get it for free?

Do this instead: Keep a large tote or some other container in your house or garage to store shipping material. Next to the tote, keep scissors, packing tape, permanent markers, an ink pen, a box cutter and anything else you might need for shipping a package.

When you receive a delivery, carefully open the containers so that you don’t damage them. Remove the shipping material and set it aside — being careful not to damage those as well. Most shipments come in a padded shipping bag, poly mailer or cardboard box and contain packing material such as bubble wrap, packing paper, foam pouches, packing peanuts and other fillers. All of the items can be reused.

Make sure to remove the shipping labels from each container. Most can be easily peeled off; if it cannot be removed, use a permanent marker or colored tape to cover the label. You can also turn shipping bags inside out and use the clean side to attach the return label.

Keep all of this in your shipping tote and use it anytime you need to return a package. You will never need to pay for shipping material again. Reusing these items is also a great way to recycle and cut down on landfill waste. Thank you. — Shelly Lott, Ohio

HOMEMADE HONEY FACIALS

Dear Readers: You can make your own beauty products that can be effective, such as with honey. First, clean and steam your face. Apply honey over it and leave this on for two to three minutes. Then remove with a warm, wet washcloth. Honey facials work great and clean out pores. — Heloise

PAN GREASING MADE EASYDear Heloise: I’ve found a less messy way to grease cookie sheets and pans. Place a quart-size storage bag over your hand and scoop up your desired amount of shortening. Apply to surface that will be used for baking. When finished, remove the bag and discard. No more messy cleanup or greasy hands. — Linda Whitenton, via email

Send hints or questions to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio TX 78279-5001 or email [email protected].

Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,racist or sexually-oriented language.PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.Don't Threaten. Threats of harming anotherperson will not be tolerated.Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyoneor anything.Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ismthat is degrading to another person.Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link oneach comment to let us know of abusive posts.Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitnessaccounts, the history behind an article.Terms of Use. The complete terms of use policy canbe found at the bottom of this page.

SHIPPING TOESDear Heloise: When I shop online, I almost exclusively buy products that I can return for free. Since I am shopping online, I cannot try something on or touch it before making the purchase, so I often return items once I receive them because they did not work out.While the return shipping label may be free, packaging is not. When you return an item using UPS, FedEx or another delivery service, the item must be packaged properly before shipping. You can purchase packaging material from the shipper or at a store, but it costs money. And why spend money when you can get it for free?Do this instead: Keep a large tote or some other container in your house or garage to store shipping material. Next to the tote, keep scissors, packing tape, permanent markers, an ink pen, a box cutter and anything else you might need for shipping a package.When you receive a delivery, carefully open the containers so that you don’t damage them. Remove the shipping material and set it aside — being careful not to damage those as well. Most shipments come in a padded shipping bag, poly mailer or cardboard box and contain packing material such as bubble wrap, packing paper, foam pouches, packing peanuts and other fillers. All of the items can be reused.Make sure to remove the shipping labels from each container. Most can be easily peeled off; if it cannot be removed, use a permanent marker or colored tape to cover the label. You can also turn shipping bags inside out and use the clean side to attach the return label.Keep all of this in your shipping tote and use it anytime you need to return a package. You will never need to pay for shipping material again. Reusing these items is also a great way to recycle and cut down on landfill waste. Thank you. — Shelly Lott, OhioHOMEMADE HONEY FACIALSPAN GREASING MADE EASYDear Heloise: I’ve found a less messy way to grease cookie sheets and pans. Place a quart-size storage bag over your hand and scoop up your desired amount of shortening. Apply to surface that will be used for baking. When finished, remove the bag and discard. No more messy cleanup or greasy hands. — Linda Whitenton, via emailKeep it Clean.PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.Don't Threaten.Be Truthful.Be Nice.Be Proactive.Share with Us.Terms of Use.