Heloise: How to clean hair clips and brushes

MAGNETIC CALENDARS

I took one of those magnetic calendars distributed by real-estate agents and mounted it to the backside of my bathroom-cabinet mirror. I circle the day to change razor blades and also when I start a fresh toothbrush. - Curtis in Nevada

PRICE COVER-UP

When you're giving a gift, instead of struggling to cut off the price from the tag or cover it up with ink, use a tape version of typewriter correction fluid. One small strip covers the price without a mess. - Nancy George, Findlay, Ohio

BAGGING A MOVE

We moved many times during my husband's career in the Navy, and zipper-topped plastic bags were my favorite pre-packing items.

In the kitchen, I bagged silverware and set it back in the compartments of the plastic holder in the drawer. All kitchen utensils went into plastic bags.

It was quick and easy for the packers to wrap paper around the bags, and at the other end, unpacking was a breeze, with everything sorted and clean.

For moves where movers would pack dresser drawers, I put lingerie and socks in the bags.

Bathroom items were bagged so that not everything would smell and taste like soap.

Pens, envelopes, stationery and other desk items stay sorted and come through in better shape when put into plastic bags. - Susan from Texas

MONTH'S OCCASIONS

Toward the end of each month, I look up the next month's occasions (birthdays, anniversary, etc.) and buy cards for all of them. I sign and address them, then slip them into my desk calendar on the day I want to mail them. I write the date on the upper right-hand corner (where the stamp will cover), so if they should fall out, I know when they should be mailed. I never, ever miss anyone's anything. - Shaye in California

CLEANING HAIR CLIPS

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.

This story was originally published November 26, 2009 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Heloise: How to clean hair clips and brushes."