Dear Heloise: After reading the letter from Pat D. in Irvine, California, about not putting dishes in the dishwasher with dried food on them, I would like to share my thoughts:

I don’t hesitate to do this very thing. With the newer dishwasher detergent pods, they have enough enzymes in them to take care of dried-on food. Most newer dishwashers also have soft food disposals in them, which easily takes care of whatever food particles are removed from dishes.

One of the biggest problems with getting dishes clean in the dishwasher is that the water is not hot enough. Another thing is not loading it properly or overloading it. However, it is always best to read the use and care manual of any dishwasher to be certain that you are using it properly.

I have read your column for over 55 years and have picked up many good tips. I now read it in the Temple Daily Telegram. — John S., in Belton, Texas

DUSTING LAMPSHADES

Dear Heloise: Recently you suggested using a small paint brush to dust lampshades. The best thing to use to dust a smooth lampshade is a lint roller. It picks up the dust, whereas a paint brush will allow the dust to drop onto the floor or on the furniture. All it does is move the dust from one place to another.

A lint roller also works well on upholstery. It picks up any grit or dust on the sofas, chairs, etc. — Debbie, in North Carolina

THROWING MEDICINES AWAY

Dear Heloise: Never throw medicines, either prescription or over-the-counter, into the garbage. If your garbage goes to a landfill, the medicine might be washed down into the groundwater or someone’s well, or it might be washed into surface water and poison streams, rivers or other people’s water.

Neither wastewater plants nor water purification plants can remove medicines from the water. The next town over has a box for medicines to be disposed of properly. — Andi W.B., in Gardiner, New York

BITTERNESS IN COFFEE

Dear Heloise: I used to be a coffee salesman, and I found that complaints about bitterness were due to using too little coffee for the amount of water used. Coffee has a limited amount of solubles, which are the source of flavor. Once the hot water removes the solubles, what comes next is oil and acid, which gives a bitter taste and often leaves a film of oil on top. — Ed, via email

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Dear Heloise: I absolutely love African violets. Every time I see one, it reminds me of my mother’s kitchen.  She grew them on a long windowsill in her kitchen, and they were just lovely.

I’ve tried to grow them in my home, but I don’t seem to have the talent for making them bloom like mother did.  Her flowers were big while mine are sickly. Got a hint for my plants? — Nora K., in Utah

Nora, place some rusty nails in the soil next to the roots, and you’ll see a difference. Bigger, brighter blooms! — Heloise

(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.)