DEAR HELOISE: I’ve discovered a second use for empty cereal bags (that go inside boxes of cereal). I use them for flattening chicken breasts. They’re much more durable than waxed paper, not as slippery as plastic wrap, and more sanitary than just using a cutting board and a meat mallet. I pop the breast into the bag, pound away, and repeat. If I’ve trimmed any excess fat off the meat, it goes into the bag when I’m done, then into the trash.

— Margie, Damascus, Oregon

DEAR HELOISE: A small flannel jewelry cloth can come in handy at estate sales and garage sales. It helps you determine if you can clean the item and it will shine up, or if the tarnish can’t be removed.

— Corrinne B., in Universal City, Texas

DEAR HELOISE: I saw the letter from Olivia V. and totally understand her not wanting to collect plastic table utensils with her takeout food. I save all the plasticware that I get from restaurants and donate it to the food pantry. They love when these items are donated because it’s helpful in feeding the homeless in our community.

— Sandra M.,

in Oxford, Ohio

DEAR HELOISE: I keep a diaper disposal outside to hold all my pet waste until garbage day. This avoids smells getting into the regular garbage pail, and there’s no odor in the diaper pail.

— Saunda G.,

in Tucson, Arizona

DEAR HELOISE: A chlorine filter on your showerhead is not only healthier for you by eliminating the inhalation of dangerous chlorine gas, it also eliminates the drying effect of chlorine on skin and hair. In addition, it eliminates soap scum when liquid body wash products are used instead of bars of soap. Use a squeegee to wipe down shower walls and door.

When the skin on my back starts to become itchy, and my hair begins to lose its natural curl, I know it’s time to change the filter.

— Mary Alyce,

in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Mary Alyce, from what I’ve read, a chlorine shower filter blocks 90% of chlorine and any other heavy metals. So, thank you for this hint!

— Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: I had the same problem when fixing my bed and started with the step stool, but then I discovered that I really didn’t need the box spring. Remove this, and you won’t need to use a stool to fix your bed. But if you’re really short, it will at least make the stool easier to use!

— Kim H.,

in Bakersfield, California