No shells, bones, glass in disposal

Dear Heloise: Several friends got into a conversation about what items should and should not be put down a sink disposal system, disagreeing on many. Some of these were ice cubes, coffee grounds, potato skins and eggshells, among others. Now I'm more confused than ever. The owner's manual does not provide much guidance.

I have found that a clogged disposal does not contribute to a relaxing evening with my husband. Can you help? — Marilyn, San Antonio

Marilyn, let's see if we can give you some pointers and clear up your confusion. Here are some of the things you should not put down the garbage disposal:

• bones;

• seafood shells — oyster, clam, shrimp, etc.;

• glass, china or metal items;

• grease;

• any fibrous item like artichokes, corn husks, celery, asparagus and potato peelings.

Don't put large amounts of anything down the disposal. Add stuff slowly, and be sure to run plenty of cold water so that everything is ground up.

One note: If you plan on buying a new garbage disposal, keep in mind that the larger the horsepower of the disposal motor, the stronger the grinding ability will be. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: When washing and drying clothes, I discovered by accident that a used fabric-softener sheet is a great way to clean the lint trap of the dryer. I just put the trap over my trash bin and wipe the lint right off with the sheet — no muss, no fuss. It is easy. — Betty G., via e-mail

Dear Heloise: I have a great hint for anyone who knits or does any kind of crafting. These days, almost all bed linens and curtains come in thick, plastic bags with zippers or snaps on them. Some even have pockets of the product information on the inside. These bags are handy to store projects because they are clear, reclosable and, best of all, free! — Patti German, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: Someone wrote to say that when traveling, if the curling iron is still hot and she's ready to pack, she puts it in an oven mitt.

What I do is just unplug it and run it under cold water (just the iron part), wipe it off, and it's ready to be packed — no waiting for cooling down and no packing something hot or warm. — Judith, via e-mail

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Send a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax: 210-435-6473; e-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com. © King Features Syndicate Inc.