Try these tips for new appliances

Dear Heloise: I sympathize with Sarah; the new appliances are not what we are used to. I’m still missing my old Maytag Neptune washer! The new energy-efficient ones are OK, but I found that for deeper water, after finally reading the manual, I have to use the “deep fill” setting by holding it for 3 seconds. Then I get a deep wash and rinse water. I would never get an electric dryer just for this reason. The last move, I had it changed to gas and got a gas range.

For the dishwasher, I run it at night, open it, pull the racks out a bit, and let it air-dry overnight. For the toilet, check the water pressure as having to flush it twice shouldn’t be necessary. I live in scarce-water country and never have a problem.

Heloise, you’re the best reading in the daily paper! — Janice, in Tucson, Arizona

MORE ON CALCIUM BUILDUP

Dear Heloise: In response to John, in Murrieta, California, concerning calcium deposit buildup on a shower door: I’ve got an easy solution if the door can be easily removed. Take the door off and take it outside, then lay it on a flat surface, preferably waist-high. Pour a can of cola soda over the door and let it sit for a while. Depending on the severity, you might be able to just hose it off or scour it off slightly. There’s no need for gloves. The phosphoric acid and carbonated water do all the work.

I love your column, which I read in the Dayton Daily News (in paper format). — Teresa, via email

EXHAUST FAN TO THE RESCUE

Dear Heloise: I have seen several letters in your column regarding how to cut up onions without causing one’s eyes to get full of tears. I have an exhaust fan over the burners on my electric stove, so I just turn this on before cutting up onions on the cold surface of the stove. No more irritated eyes from onions! — Peggy, in Omaha, Nebraska

TWO COSMETIC HINTS

Dear Heloise: I’ve found that applying powdered eye shadow under my brows makes the individual hairs so much easier to see for plucking with tweezers.

Also, I no longer have to use bar soap or my hubby’s shaving cream to shave my legs. A dab of hair conditioner lets the razor glide easily over my legs and leaves my legs feeling so smooth and silky. Giving the razor a quick rinse under the faucet when I’m finished leaves the razor clean of residue and ready for the next shave. Additionally, my blades last for much longer because there’s less friction when it’s being used. — LaVonne S., in Joliet, Montana

A DRYER SHEET NO-NO

Dear Heloise: I read the hint from Paula on cleaning the dryer lint catcher by using the dryer sheet. How many times do people have to be told that this isn’t a good idea?

Even used dryer sheets contain chemicals that will clog the mesh lint catcher, which can possibly lead the dryer to overheat and maybe even cause a fire. It’s best to use one’s fingers or possibly an old toothbrush — anything that won’t leave behind a clogging agent. — Richard C., via email

GARDENING REMINDER

Dear Readers: Just a reminder that spring is creeping up on us! If you are getting ready to start your garden, remember that mulching in the spring will help retain water around plants that get a lot of sun. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.