Tips from Heloise: Microwave safety tips and more

FOLLOW THESE MICROWAVE SAFETY TIPS

Dear Heloise: The person who wrote about putting baby oil on microwave hinges had a great idea. You can use a syringe with the oil in it to do this type of job. There are also things called “needle oil” that have lightweight oil in them and a very small, needle-like metal tube on the end that works well for getting into small, tight spaces.

Never try to work on a microwave unless you know how! There are very high voltages in there around the magnetron tube. I once had a door lock and I found a company that had the parts. They were reluctant to sell me the parts to fix it until I showed proof that I did this type of work.

I also have a microwave leak detector to ensure that none of the harmful microwaves would leak out the door. These waves can be harmful to humans, which is why the inside of a microwave oven is a ferrite cavity. The microwaves are in the unit. — D. Hansel, in Houston

OPENING USES

Dear Heloise: If you have trouble opening cans, a pair of rubber strap wrenches will be a great help. Use one to turn the jar clockwise and the other to turn the lid counter-clockwise. Hold the can down with your chin so it doesn’t fly when the lid comes off. These wrenches are available online and in hardware stores. — RS, Charlottesville, Virginia

MEDICINE AND LYMPHATICS

Dear Heloise: In the past, Medicare covered physical therapy for someone with lymphedema. Starting this year, Medicare now covers compression garments at no cost when prescribed by a doctor. Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for three sets of garments every six months at no cost to the patient. In my case, it’s three pairs of compression stockings every six months.

Others may need compression sleeves or wraps. Thanks for letting people know! — Pat S., of Fort Wayne, Indiana

PLASTIC GARMENT BAGS

Dear Heloise: When I get clear plastic bags from department stores or cleaners, I fold them up and place them in one of three plastic bags labeled either 36-inch, 50-inch, or 72-inch. I then use these bags to put my patio cushions in for the winter and store them in the garage so when I want to get these items out the items are clean.

I also store my monthly front door flower arrangements in these bags, although clear bags don’t prevent the flowers from fading as much. Also, I keep smaller but heavier plastic bags in my suitcase so I can pack dirty clothes in them. — Marilyn Burres, via email

CLEANING THE DRYER FILTER

Dear Heloise: To clean the pull-out screen filter on my dryer, I have always used a dryer sheet that has already been tossed in the dryer. It removes lint instantly. — Mary Goodenough, Camarillo, California

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: This is our new daughter, Darcy, who was born on November 30, 2019. She weighs about 4 pounds now and is a loving little Maltese. We are in training, and she is a very good student learning all the basics. She is an absolute doll and a wonderful dog. We are so lucky to have her in our lives! — Bernie and Judie, via email