Save money by saving glass coffee carafe

Dear Heloise: The glass coffee carafe that comes with inexpensive coffee makers many times costs more to replace than the coffee maker. I save old ones from worn-out coffee makers. If you break one that comes with an automatic shut-off valve, you can substitute an old one by taking out the automatic valve. — Oscar, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: Here's a quick hint for your readers: Some folks have a Global Positioning System stuck to the dash of the car. Rather than unplug the GPS every time my dad runs an errand, he just takes off his hat and plops it on the dash of his truck. You can't see the cords, the GPS or the suction-cup attachment. Works like a charm. — L.W. in Texas

This is also an important reminder because these units show your home and how to get there from any location. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I was wondering if you have any hints on how to remove dried-on hair spray from plastic hair clips.

I've tried soaking them in hot water and scrubbing them with a toothbrush, but that didn't work. — Amy, via e-mail

The solution is cheap hair shampoo. Partially fill the bathroom sink with warm water, and mix in a squirt of shampoo. Add the clips and let them soak awhile.

Use an old toothbrush or scrub brush and gently scrub the gunk off. If you come to some stubborn spots, just put shampoo on them and scrub.

To keep clean between washing, soak clips, combs and brushes in a solution of 4 tablespoons of baking soda to each quart of water. Let soak for several hours and then rinse well. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: In this electronic age, an unsightly side effect is the accumulation of wall chargers for electronics. Reduce the clutter by stashing cell-phone chargers in a small, decorative box while not being used. — Richard from Texas

Since many electronic devices have the same type of chargers and "wall warts," be sure to label so you can tell at a glance which is which. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Every week when I clean my clear-plastic toothbrush holder, I add a few drops of antiseptic mouthwash to the bottom of the holder. The blue color is pretty, and it keeps the holder from getting scummy at the bottom. — E.S., via fax

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