Heloise offers timely tips for housekeepers of all ages

When Heloise spoke at the state meeting of Texas Extension Education Association in Corpus Christi last week, her message was "Everything old is really new again."

Heloise is recognized by her mane of long gray hair, but she's famous for being a home hints diva. She is the author of the syndicated newspaper column, Hints from Heloise and contributing editor for Good Housekeeping. She took over the column in 1977 when her mother, the original Heloise, died.

Heloise spoke to an audience of community volunteers, which ranged in age from 24 to 92. In referring to the new green movement of the younger generation, she compared it to the attitude of thriftiness of the generation who lived during the Great Depression. Young people think they invented reusing a mayonnaise jar to store leftovers, she said. They are amazed that natural products, such as baking soda, vinegar and salt can be used as cleaning products without harming the environment. These products, which are cheap and found in any kitchen, have been the mainstays in her housecleaning arsenal.

Heloise showed a long strip of nylon netting, commonly used for wedding veils. Netting is a favorite scrubber of hers and her mother's. Now, she is a fan of the microfiber cloth, which picks up dust and cleans and polishes with only water. The microfiber cloth is the 21st century version of netting, she said.

"I wish I had invented them," she said.

Housekeeping sounds much nicer than housework, she said. When making a chore list, keep in mind these three principles, Heloise said: Things that must be done; things that need to be done; things that can wait.

Does the back of the sofa really need to be vacuumed? she asked.

"Who will look behind the sofa? And if they do, they can clean it," she said as the audience loudly applauded their approval. "Pick the two or three things that are important to you and focus on those.

"As Heloise, I absolve you from guilt from housework."

Texas Extension Education Association works with Texas AgriLife Extension Service to promote lifelong learning and community service. For more information about a club in your area, call the Hidalgo County Extension office at 383-1026.

Nora N. Garza is a County Extension Agent with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Hidalgo County, a part of the Texas A&M System. She can be reached at n-garza@tamu.edu.