Dear Heloise: When I wash my paintbrushes after painting, I “shampoo” them with a dish detergent, then “condition” them using a hair conditioner. Afterward, I rinse them really well and let them dry. I’ve been using the same brushes for years. — Jan Nelson, via email

ANOTHER LID-

OPENING HACK

Dear Heloise: Another great way to open stubborn jars is to use an auto oil filter wrench. It adjusts to many different sized lids; however, make sure to do it over the sink. If it takes too much force, you’ll end up splashing pickle juice everywhere. But that pesky lid will definitely come off.

I’m a daily reader of your column in the Journal Gazette. — Richard K., Fort Wayne, Indiana

LIST OF

PRESCRIPTIONS

Dear Heloise: Miss Donna wrote in that she prints out labels with her list of prescriptions to attach to doctor’s forms. I just keep a word document with prescriptions and supplements, plus one for medical history. Then I print out a paper copy to attach to the doctor’s forms, and I write “see attached” in the section that requests it. — M.D., in California

MAYONNAISE HINT

Dear Heloise: I have a kitchen hint. Mayonnaise now comes in squeeze bottles, which are great for making sandwiches. However, it’s difficult to get the last few teaspoons out. So, I add just a splash or two of buttermilk to the bottle. It gets all of the mayo out of the bottle or jar and still keeps it tasting delicious!

Hope you like my hint. — Betsy, Bellingham, Washington

OUTDATED

CALENDARS

Dear Heloise: Another use for outdated calendars is to donate them to a youth group such as the Boys & Girls Clubs. Kids might like a pretty picture to hang in their room, or the pictures can be used to make placemats and other things for such groups. Another group is Meals on Wheels. — Mercy Grace, via email