Toothbrush in shower good for cleaning jewelry

DEAR HELOISE: I read your column every day in the Ventura County (Calif.) Star, and I have a hint I'd like to share.

I keep a toothbrush in the shower, but not for brushing my teeth or cleaning the tile grout. I wear my wedding ring almost 24/7, and to keep it (and sometimes other items) sparkling, I clean it with the toothbrush and a very small amount of shampoo while I'm in the shower. It comes out beautiful each time. Of course, it has to be a shampoo without any residue or color to it. Or you can keep a small bottle of a mild dishwashing soap in the shower for cleaning jewelry. -- Karen W., Camarillo, Calif.

DEAR KAREN: This is a real multitasking hint, but may I caution that if there are loose stones in your ring, you risk having one go down the drain. -- Heloise

Green hint

DEAR HELOISE: I am a consummate recycle/reuse fanatic, and lids have always stymied me.

I finally figured out a use for those pesky lids on milk jugs, plastic containers, soda bottles, etc. I use them in the bottom of flowerpots. They're especially effective for those that require a little dampness in the soil, as there will be small pockets of extra water to draw from. -- Wendy P., Salem, Ore.

Shower scrubbies

DEAR HELOISE: As I put my shower scrubbies in the wash, I was reminded of a hint a while ago regarding tossing them out on a regular basis. I thought this might be a helpful hint to extend the life of the scrubbies and be a good steward of our environment.

The night before washing the sheets, I put the scrubbies to soak in a hot-water-and-vinegar solution. In the morning, I toss them in a mesh bag and throw them in with the sheets. This is one time I don't use fabric softener. When the load finishes, I hang them in the fresh air and sun to dry. My bath scrubbies are still going strong after a year. -- Sara, via e-mail

Plant watering

DEAR HELOISE: Refill water bottles with water -- stopping where the neck starts -- recap and freeze. When frozen, carefully use an ice pick to poke several holes in a vertical line. Put bottle, holes down, in a flowerpot. As the ice melts, the plant will be watered. You also can fill, poke holes, then lay in the freezer carefully so the holes are on top. -- Melanie G., Houston

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 e-mail, Heloise@Heloise.com.