Dear Readers: If you're planning on bringing out your sterling silver for the upcoming holidays, use the following hints when washing to keep it in beautiful condition for years to come:
1. Clean silverware in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. If your sterling silver is old or valuable, don't put it in the dishwasher, because dishwasher detergent could discolor it after long-term use. The heat from the drying cycle also can loosen knife handles. And never place hollow-handled pieces in the dishwasher.
2. If you have silver-plated or less-valuable silver, you can put it in the dishwasher but remove before the drying cycle begins. Instead, dry with a soft towel to prevent spotting.
3. If the silverware needs polishing, use a polish created for silver and read all directions before beginning to use the product. There are also silver polishing cloths or mitts.
FYI: Did you know that if you place sterling-silverware pieces next to stainless-steel flatware in the same basket in the dishwasher, it can cause electrolysis, which over time will remove the silver? — Heloise
Dear Heloise: I love your column and have a hint that might be helpful to folks. Since the advent of toothbrushes with extra-large handles, I have started using small pots (with the hole in the bottom) meant for plants. They hold the toothbrushes and toothpaste. Each family member can have a different-color pot. — A Reader, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: "Shoulder bumps" are a common problem when hanging shirts and sweaters on hangers. To alleviate this, I usually hang garments inside out. An occasional small "indent" is less noticeable than the alternative. — A Reader, Griffith, Ind.
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-435-6473 or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column. © King Features Syndicate Inc.