Dear Heloise: My suggestion is about paint storage. Please do not store leftover paint (both oil-based and latex) in the original can unless you’ll be using it within a few days. I store all of my leftover paint in mason jars. The jars are much smaller than the cans, are uniform in size so that they’re easy to store, are air-tight, and will last for many years. Plus, you can see the color through the glass.

Just be sure to label each jar with exactly what it contains (brand, type of paint, color, and color number), the date it was used, where it was used, and how much you used to finish your project. Also, be sure to wipe off the rim of the jar so that the seal will be tight.

I hope these suggestions are helpful! — Pamela Gibb, via email

LITTLE EARTH DAY HINTS

Dear Heloise: I recycle an old washcloth or towel by cutting it into a squares that are a couple inches long. This way, it obviously looks like a “rag” and isn’t laundered with the good stuff. It saves on paper towels.

I also find mini labels on the CVS prescription sheet that is stapled to bags when you pick up your prescription. The label sticker sheet has three to four blank white strips that are ideal for reuse. I challenge myself all year long to reduce waste. — Ann De Stefano, via email

BACON HINT

Dear Heloise: If I don’t use a whole package of bacon and want to refrigerate the remaining slices, I put the package that has been opened in a repurposed plastic bread wrapper. It is just the right size and long enough to put a twist tie on the end. I love reading your column every day. — Jim and Joyce Kennedy, via email

CLOGGED SPRAY-PAINT CAN SOLUTION

Dear Heloise: When you finish with your spray-painting project, and there’s still paint in the can, turn the can upside down and spray out excess paint until clean air comes out. This cleans out the air holes.

I do this all the time on my hairspray cans so that they don’t clog up. It works! — Nada Nuanez, Bakersfield, California

KEEPING TRACK OF TASKS AND APPOINTMENTS

Dear Heloise: I’m so happy that our newspaper is finally carrying your column every day (the Star-Ledger in Newark, New Jersey). My hint regards the need for multiple ways to remember things as we age.

I thought I was all “2025” by keeping appointments in my phone, but after missing a doctor’s appointment, I am now also using the old way — writing down my appointments and reminders of what I need. I also do this on my wall calendar to keep track of things around the house, like checking my oil tank.

If I miss it in one calendar, I should see it in the other. — P. Genschow, via email

BOOK SWAP

Dear Heloise: I’m a teacher, and most of my fellow teachers and I participate in a book swap during school months. We bring in old books and magazines we’ve already read for leisure, put them in the swap box, and pick something we haven’t read. It’s fun and cost-effective! — Darryl R., in San Antonio

(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.)