A clear path for home showerhead

DEAR HELOISE: A few months ago, while helping my dad with some things in the house, we could not figure out how to get calcium deposits off the showerhead in his bathroom. The water was barely flowing.

He dismantled the showerhead and soaked it in a bowl of vinegar. Within 30 minutes, it was perfectly clean and void of any blockage. My mother, who always used vinegar, and Heloise knew what they were doing.

Our water is full of calcium and leaves showers and sinks spotted. I had tried expensive bathroom and tile cleaners. Nothing succeeded until I started pouring straight vinegar over the calcium buildup.

-(Heloise here: Do not pour on real marble.)

Vinegar has become my cleaner of choice. I just wanted to thank you. -- Sherry in New Braunfels, Texas

DEAR SHERRY: Thank you for sharing how super vinegar is. Vinegar certainly is a workhorse around the home, and it is one of my favorite go-to cleaners.

I have compiled a collection filled with money-saving and "green" vinegar hints. If you would like to receive one, please send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (65 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.

Fresh cola stains should come out of most washable fabrics after being sponged with white vinegar. Launder as usual. -- Heloise

Washing station

DEAR HELOISE: Put little pieces of hand soap into the toe of a sock that never has a mate, tie a knot, and you can do lots more scrubbing. -- L.M. in Texas

DEAR L.M.: This is a classic Heloise hint. Also, you can drop the soap into an old pantyhose leg and hang by the water hose outside for outdoor washing. It's perfect when camping or grilling. -- Heloise

Easy removal

DEAR HELOISE: I've just read in your column that you suggested using a terry towel with a little acetone-based nail-polish remover, etc., to take residue off material from a manufacturer's sticker. I have found the best and fastest way to do this is to use duct tape. Just blot the duct tape on the residue several times, and it's gone. Works like a charm. -- Eileen from Florida

Hints from Heloise is syndicated by King Features Syndicate. Send great hints to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; by fax, 210-HELOISE (435-6473); or by email, Heloise@Heloise.com.