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DEAR HELOISE: You needed to provide an alert about toxicity in the letter regarding linoleum, as the writer indicated that the linoleum was "old" and ugly. Unfortunately, older forms of linoleum from the 20th century contain asbestos. It should be left intact or removed by a professional that can handle and dispose of the toxic material.
-- Steve, via email
DEAR HELOISE: When I purchased my home, I was told that the glue used to install linoleum in the 1970s contains asbestos. The cost of removing the asbestos was over $3,000. I laid the new flooring over the old linoleum so that the glue wouldn't be disturbed.
When I sell my house, I'm required to inform the purchaser that there's asbestos under the flooring. I hope June Y., in Camden, New Jersey, had the glue on her floor tested before she removed the linoleum. Even breathing the dust from the glue can damage the lungs.
-- Leslie H., in Spokane, Washington
DEAR HELOISE: I take our plastic shopping bags to a nearby recycling shop that gives them to a local food bank. They use them to provide meals to homeless people. Our local Target also has a bank of recycle bins with a variety of options.
-- Charlie G., via email
DEAR HELOISE: Leftover pie crust dough also makes wonderful crackers. Roll the dough out thinly, cut it with cookie cutters. Then brush the cutouts with melted butter and sprinkle them with salt. Bake for 10 minutes, but check on them before then. And try a cracker while it's still warm!
-- Anne S., via email
DEAR HELOISE: I've loved reading your column since I was a child. Many have cited baking soda's usefulness. A great trick for taking care of your hands if you garden, camp or travel is to keep a small container of baking soda and a gentle, small nailbrush. First, clean your hands, dampen the brush tips, and dip the brush into the dry container of baking soda. Then gently use the brush to clean under and around your nails, rinse, and follow this up with moisturizer. I've been doing this for 40 years.
-- Jean W., in Richmond, Virginia
DEAR HELOISE: To keep ginger fresh, pop it in the freezer. Take it out and grate what you need, then pop it back in the freezer. There's no need to peel it. It works wonderfully and lasts for a long time.
-- Leslie R., via email