Dear Heloise: Recently, you published a hint on how to revive mascara tubes when they get a bit dry. It stated to heat water in a microwave, then put the mascara in the hot water. The other day, I ran the water in my bathroom sink until it was hot. I plugged the drain and put the mascara in the hot water for a minute. It worked and was easier than having to go to the kitchen! — Joyce M., The Villages, Florida

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Heloise@Heloise.com

REFRIGERATOR “SUN TEA”

Dear Heloise: Because leaving tea to brew in the sun may allow bacteria to grow, it’s safer to make it in the refrigerator instead. I leave mine in the fridge for 24 hours and end up with a nice tea that’s already chilled.

This method also works for making cold brew coffee, although you have to figure out how to strain the grounds later. I put my ground coffee into a cheesecloth bag, then pour the cold coffee through a paper filter after it’s brewed. Cold brew coffee is less bitter than hot coffee.

Also, I keep a thermometer in my refrigerator to make sure that the temperature stays below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You can’t always trust the fridge to maintain a safe temperature.

Thanks for all your helpful hints! — Joan T., via email

Joan, I can’t say I’ve had any problems with sun tea growing bacteria, but I like your idea of using the refrigerator to make cold tea and coffee. — Heloise

SPARKLING STAINLESS STEEL

Dear Heloise: If you want your stainless steel kitchen sink to sparkle and smell better, check out this hint:

Before retiring for the night, dissolve a denture tablet in 16 ounces of warm water and pour it around the sink. Let it sit overnight. I do this once or twice a week and wake up to a sink that looks like new. — D.J., in Arkansas

D.J., you can also use baby oil or rubbing alcohol to make your stainless steel appliances shine nice and bright. — Heloise

COMBINATION KEY SAFE

Dear Heloise: The several letters about hiding a key around the front door or yard are most often unsecure ways of hiding a key. I recommend a combination key safe that securely mounts to a wall. This is similar to what the fire department requires for all commercial buildings.

It usually requires a four-number combination and will hold one to two keys. Even if someone smashes it off the wall, they still won’t be able to open it. It’s also great if you need to allow someone access to your home when you’re away. — T.M., Colbert, Washington

SHOWER CLEANING

Dear Heloise: After wearing out the mesh shower loofah for personal use, I use the old one to clean the shower. Instead of using harsh chemicals, I use dishwashing soap. You don’t need much soap, and the mesh creates enough scrubbing power to clean the shower without heavy-duty chemicals. — Connie Craig, via email

Connie, here at Heloise Central, we applaud clever uses of things that have been recycled for new purposes. What other recycling ideas do you readers have that you’d like to share with us? Write in to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

PROTECTING PETS FROM THE COLD

Dear Readers: With cold weather comes the need to protect your pets. Be sure to bring them in from the cold once temperatures start to drop and feed them a little extra food. Remember, a pet is a family member and a buddy, and they need extra care during this time of year. — Heloise