Hints From Heloise: The Power of white iodine
Dear Heloise: I’ve heard that white iodine helps to strengthen fingernails. Is that true? If so, what is the procedure? Thank you.
Linda S., Eastland, Tex.
Linda: Yes, white (decolorized or clear, also known as yodo blanco) iodine is one way to help strengthen fingernails. Pharmacists everywhere are probably going to be muttering my name under their breath, but here goes:
Use a cotton swab or clean nail-polish brush to coat just the tip and the underside of your clean nail. If you wear polish, put the white iodine on the underside.
Do this daily for only one week, then just once a week. Don’t go overboard — it will make nails more brittle. Too often, too much makes it worse.
Avoid contact with hydrogen peroxide; nails will turn yellow/orange. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning, which is better for your nails and hands anyway.
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Where can you get white iodine? Call your pharmacy first. In some states, it may be kept behind the counter. Also, it’s for sale online and is pretty cheap ($3 to $10) for how long it will last.
P.S.: Weak nails (ruling out environmental causes) may be age- and diet-related. Ask your health-care professional about taking biotin as a supplement.
Dear Readers: Yuck — kids' backpacks! Have kids remove all wrappers, tissues and food weekly! To clean, turn the backpack upside down and shake. Brush or wipe off any crud, then scrub using a damp sponge with baking soda. Baking soda is a workhorse, it's cheap and is a staple in my cleaning arsenal! With all the money-saving hints, I've compiled a collection of my favorites in a handy pamphlet that's perfect for the holiday season! If you'd like to receive one, please send a stamped (70 cents), self-addressed, business-size envelope, along with $5, to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5001. Visit www.heloise.com to order online. Gunk burnt on a pan? Simmer three tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to cover the bottom for five or so minutes. Use a scrub brush, and down the drain it goes.
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Dear Heloise: My sliding glass doors make a grinding sound on the tracks when opening and closing. I’ve vacuumed the tracks and scrubbed and dried them, but still the grinding noise persists. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Share this articleShareHeather F., via e-mail
Heather F.: You bet! Once the tracks (and rollers on the bottom of the door) are clean, they need a little reconditioning. Either rub a candle on the tracks or use a good household metal lubricating product.
P.S.: Do not use kitchen vegetable spray in a can. It will only attract dirt, get gummy and slow things down.
Dear Heloise: Here is my best holiday shopping hint: Don’t forget the batteries! Nothing more heartbreaking for a kid than a gift he can’t play with because it has no get-up-and-go.
Wise Dad of Five, via e-mail
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