Dear Heloise: To solve the problem of getting all the toothpaste out of the tube easily, you can purchase a small plastic device that is available in most drug stores. This device slides over the rear of the tube after you have used about 30% of the toothpaste, and you can easily advance it up the tube as you dispense the paste so that the tube is “always full.”

The paste comes out easily until there’s no more paste to dispense. It’s not expensive — maybe $2 to $4 usually for a pack of two. I’ve been using this simple device for years. — Tony S., via email

Binder cups

Dear Heloise: I read your column in The Times of Northwest Indiana in Lowell, Indiana. This is a hint for everyone regarding toothpaste tubes. I roll up the end and secure it with a small binder clip. As the roll gets bigger, you might have to use a slightly larger clip to keep it rolled up. I’ve done this for a long time, and it works great! Thank you for all the good tips! — Anne W., via email

Mail clothes ahead

Dear Heloise: What’s the easiest and cheapest way to send clothes ahead of a trip instead of checking bags? — Dee, via email

Dee, sending a little box ahead to your destination can really cut down on travel headaches. Keep it to just what you’ll actually need and pack it up in a sturdy box or in a padded shipping bag. Make sure to compare rates between the U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx before you commit — prices can vary more than you’d think.

Going with ground shipping tends to save you the most money, as long as you drop it off a few days before you head out the door. Most hotels will accept packages for guests, but it’s a good idea to call and check a hotel’s policy first. I always put my name and arrival date on both the inside and outside of the box, in case the label gets damaged.

Using tracking is helpful, too. You walk right past baggage claim, dodge annoying fees, and breeze through the airport with nothing but a carry-on! — Heloise

Soaking solution

Dear Heloise: As a nurse, I’m on my feet all day in the emergency room. I used to complain about how my feet hurt at the end of my shift. Then one of the doctors said that he soaked his feet at home in a solution that helped him after a long day.

I asked him what it was and tried it. Wow, what a difference it’s made!

For those who use their feet all day, here is a soaking solution that makes a difference after a long shift:

• 1 to 1 1/2 cups of epson salts

• 1/2 cup lemon juice (use real, fresh lemons)

• 3 teaspoons of baking soda

• 5 thin slices of ginger (optional)

Add this mixture to a tub of warm water where both of your feet can fit at the same time and put your feet in for about 30 minutes. Dry off your feet and let the air circulate around them for awhile. I usually do this while I’m on my computer, answering emails or watching TV.

By the way, a million thanks for years of valuable hints! I’ve used a great many of them. — Emily T., in Missoula, Montana

Fresher is better

Dear Heloise: I read recently that the later you wait to freeze meats or ingredients, the more you lose their freshness. So, it’s better to freeze food items as early as possible rather than waiting until the “best when used by” or “freeze by” dates. The longer you wait, the less fresh your produce will be when you get ready to use it.

I use a handheld device that packages and wraps your food, which really helps to preserve it a lot longer than freezer bags do. They are not too expensive and really save you time and money. I hope this is helpful! — Patricia Y., via email

Vegetable battle

Dear Heloise: A couple of years ago, you had a hint in your column about taking a pin out to the garden and gently scratching a child’s name onto a fruit or vegetable. I tried this with my 4-year-old grandson who refused to touch a vegetable unless he was forced to eat it by his dad.

This hint worked like a charm. His mother told him that garden elves selected a watermelon or squash that was just for him, and he ate it without a complaint. He found out that vegetables really do taste good. — Carmen G., in Uvalde, Texas

Labeling paint

Dear Heloise: If you don’t write down what’s in a leftover paint can, it can be hard to remember later. A simple habit can save you the trouble later. Use a marker to write the room or project name and the date on the can lid. Also, write it on the stick that you use to stir the paint before you put it back inside. Writing it makes it easy to find the right color later.

The next time you need to fix a spot, you won’t have to guess or open many cans. It’s important to clean the edge of the paint can before you close it. Cleaning creates a tight seal that stops air from getting in and keeps the paint from drying out. — Julie H., in Manhattan, Kansas

Protect your pipes

Dear Heloise: Can flour or leftover dough clog plumbing when cleaning up after making sourdough? — Donna B., via email

Donna, keep flour and dough away from your plumbing. A mix of water, flour and dough creates a sticky paste that hardens and clogs drains. Always scrape bowls and utensils into the trash or compost by using a spatula or a paper towel before rinsing. Afterward, wash items in warm, soapy water.

Avoid rinsing large amounts of flour down the drain, even with a disposal, as I’ve experienced total clogs firsthand. A few seconds of scraping saves you from costly plumbing repairs. — Heloise

Dishwashing trick

Dear Heloise: I love finding ways to save water! You don’t need to fill up your sink when you only have a few dishes. Here is a smarter way to wash them that saves water and soap: Take your biggest bowl or pot and fill it with warm water and a little bit of dish soap. Use this pot as a small sink to wash all the other dishes in. This trick uses much less water and soap, but your dishes still get clean!

This method is best when you just have a few dirty dishes and don’t want to run the big dishwasher. It also makes cleaning up faster. Saving a little water and soap each time helps conserve our planet’s resources as well. — Don W., in Omaha, Nebraska

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column. Copyright 2026 by King Features Syndicate Inc.