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Dear Heloise: Regarding the question on how to get grease out of a jacket, try using hand cleaner and a nailbrush to scrub the stain. This works on all kinds of stains on clothes. Rinse out the jacket and let it air-dry to see if the stain disappears, as you don't want to dry it through a machine again to set the stain even more. -- Carla, in Montana
Carla, I've not tried this method, but I will the next time that I have a grease stain. Thanks for writing in! -- Heloise
ANOTHER GREASE REMOVAL
Dear Heloise: When my son was 6, we came home from a function to which he'd worn white pants that I'd made from a polyester blend material. Our street had just been repaved. Before changing, he sat on the edge of the street to play. The tar from the street ruined his pants -- or so I thought.
My mom took them from the trash, turned them inside out, grabbed all-vegetable shortening and a spoon, and worked this into the pants. She then made a paste of detergent and did the same. He wore the pants until he outgrew them! She said to always work from the backside of a stain so that you don't rub it deeper into the fabric. -- Pattie S., in Huntsville, Alabama
CLEANING ANTIQUES
Dear Heloise: My grandmother raised me from the time I was 8 years old, and I always loved and admired her. She had a home that was filled to the brim with antiques, which I plan to keep and maintain. My only problem is that I was at school when she did her housework, so I never saw how she cleaned things.
I have old china, a grandfather clock, some brass items, and a few wooden pieces such as dressers, tables and chairs. How should I take care of these things? -- Daniel B., in Virginia
Daniel, here's a list for you, but I also recommend looking for a book regarding the care of antiques as well:
-- Leave coins in "as is" condition. Patina adds to their value.
-- Don't place the grandfather clock in direct sunlight or near a heat source. Old clocks should be cleaned and oiled every five years.
-- Mildew on old wooden furniture can be cleaned by wiping the furniture with a damp, soft cloth that's been dipped in a 1/2 cup of water, mixed with a 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Dry off the furniture afterward.
-- Don't polish antique bronze. It destroys the value of the item.
-- Wash ceramics with a mild soap and water, along with a soft cloth. -- Heloise
APPLE ENIGMA
Dear Heloise: This is for the reader who needed a name for the wonderful apple that they found. Fireside apples are everything they described. -- Anita K., via email
MORE APPLE CLUES
Dear Heloise: That heart-shaped apple with the white flesh and red blush might be a tropical custard apple. -- Phyllis S., via email
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.