Rebates spark debate: Are they worth the hassle?

Here is this week’s sound off, about rebates:

“My sound off is about rebates. I like getting money back as much as the next person, but it seems they are making rebates harder and harder to get. You have to log on, print out a form, mail it in with a receipt and UPC code, etc., then wait six to eight weeks to get the rebate. I’m sure they make them so hard so that fewer people redeem them, and it saves the company money, but why offer one at all then?” — A Reader, via email

Dear Reader: You hit the nail on the head! Yes, they do make it difficult so that most people will just say “Forget it!” All the trouble can be worth it if the rebate is large enough. Don’t let them get you down! — Heloise

FAST FACTS

Dear Readers: Here are more uses for empty Parmesan cheese shakers:

■ Place baking soda inside one and use it to sprinkle on carpet.

■ Make seasoning mix and keep it in one to use when cooking.

■ Keep borax in one to use in the bathroom (label clearly).

■ Bought spices in bulk? The shakers are perfect to hold them.

— Heloise

IVORY CARE

Dear Heloise: I have some old chess pieces made out of ivory. I was wondering what the best way to clean them is? Do you have any hints? — Louis, via email

Dear Louis: There are a few things to know when it comes to real ivory. Over time, it will naturally darken or yellow. Liquids, like cleaning solutions, may damage ivory.

A good dusting or wiping with a soft cloth generally is all it takes to keep ivory in good shape. If it has been a while and it needs a little more cleaning, you can wipe it with a dampened soft cloth and dry thoroughly.

To keep the pieces at their best, wash hands before using them. Also, don’t set the chessboard out where it can be affected by sunlight. — Heloise

P.S.: Louis is talking about old ivory chess pieces, not new ones. You should not buy new ivory pieces. Help protect the wildlife that is being killed and butchered for their tusks.

RING SAVER

Dear Heloise: I was always complaining that I didn’t have a place to put my rings when I was cooking or washing dishes. My husband, being sweet, took a small hook and screwed it into the wall right by the sink. Before I start dishes, I slip my rings off and hang them on the hook. — P.A. in Texas

GARDENING GLOVES

Dear Heloise: I have always gone through a number of gloves when gardening. I now put on a pair of disposable gloves over a pair of cotton gloves. It is saving me the expense of new ones. Keeps not only my hands clean and dry, but also my cotton gloves. — Evelyn in Naugatuck, Conn.

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.