Dear Heloise: Your method of removing wax from candlesticks for Stacy M., in Royal Oak, Michigan, was to use a hair dryer on medium heat. I find that putting the candlesticks in the freezer (usually overnight) allows you to remove the now frozen wax with a flick of your nails. Good luck with this idea. — Vicky L., Hendersonville, North Carolina

Vicky, yes, freezing wax is another method that works well. — Heloise

ALARMS FOR THE HEARING-IMPAIRED

Dear Heloise: Reading the letter from Margaret, in California, about being able to hear alarm clocks reminded me that smoke alarms can be hard to hear when individuals remove their hearing aids to sleep. However, solutions to this problem are available:

There are alarms that flash bright lights as they sound. There are also devices called bed shakers that are activated when your alarm sounds. These are available commercially, and in many communities, they are available for free through corporate grants to fire departments or the American Red Cross.

For information from the Red Cross, anyone can call 1-800-733-2767. This number can transfer you to a local Red Cross for more information. The Red Cross also holds smoke alarm community events. At these times, volunteers are welcome to spread the word and help distribute alarms. It’s a good way to help your community. — Fran R., in San Antonio

Fran, thank you for this information. Having worked with the hearing-impaired, I know it’s important that they receive as much help with emergencies (such as a fire or a natural disaster) as possible.

Doorbells and telephones can be attached to flashing lights, but it’s a good idea to have a friend or relative check on them from time to time to make certain that they are not being taken advantage of by unscrupulous people or that they’re not in need of medical help. — Heloise

ICE FOR PLANTS

Dear Heloise: Watering my plants always ended up with one or two pots overflowing or spilling and created a mess to clean up. Now I use ice cubes. They melt slowly and saturate the plant soil, and I don’t have stale old cubes in the freezer anymore. — Matt the Plant Whisperer, via email

GRANDMA BASKET

Dear Heloise: I was just writing about an idea that I have been thinking about a lot. I am an older co-worker who gets invited to lots of bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, etc., and know that it will never be reciprocated. So, my co-workers did a wonderful thing for me:

When I had my first grandchild, they gave me a “Grandma Basket” with many useful and wonderful things that I did not have at my house: a sippy cup, baby wipes, a few diapers, a spoon, a bowl, toys, bibs, a baby’s first aid kit, a hooded baby towel, and more.

It was so thoughtful and appreciated. — A Reader, via email

Reader, I love this idea. No doubt there will be times when you’ll have the baby for the day, and having a well-stocked baby cupboard will come in handy. Best wishes to you and your grandbaby. — Heloise

EYE GLASS CLEANER

Dear Heloise: I have been using hand sanitizers (not liquid soap) to clean my prescription eye glasses for years. It works perfectly. — A.H., via email

STRETCHING OUT CLOTHES

Dear Heloise: Frugal plumber here. Everyone likes to make fun of plumbers when they bend over, but I do not have this problem.

I stretch cotton materials before I put them in the dryer or hang them to dry. Doing this makes some quite a bit longer; it adds over 4 inches to my shirts, even after the dryer.

I also do this with my young kid’s clothes. Pants and shirts will last for months and are longer for length. I read your column in the Charles City Press. — A.P., via email

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise@Heloise.com