Dear Heloise: I, too, live in Tucson, Arizona, and follow the same ritual for rinsing recyclables in dishwater as J.B. I also put some items in the dishwasher when there is room. Most loads always have a spot or two where a dish or cup may not fit, but a recyclable might.

— Valerie Golembiewski, in Tucson, Arizona

A GEM OF WISDOM

Dear Heloise: Sometimes the best way to win an argument is to say, “You are right.” The shorter version is: “Yes, dear.”

— Chuck N., in San Antonio

THE MIGHTY TOMATO

Dear Heloise: I’ve been reading about various foods to avoid, and tomatoes have come up a few times. I thought tomatoes were supposed to be good for you.

— Bridget, in Scottsdale, Arizona

Bridget, if you have acid reflux or some other condition that your doctor tells you is aggravated by tomatoes, then it’s probably best to avoid them. However, tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, folate and vitamin K.

They are also a major source of the antioxidant lycopene, which is believed to reduce the likelihood of cancer and heart disease. Most tomatoes are about 95% water, with the remaining 5% being fiber and carbohydrates.

— Heloise

FROZEN DOGS

Dear Heloise: I used to freeze hot dogs in the entire package, but they were difficult to separate when I only needed one or two. Now I remove them from the package, lay them one by one on a cookie sheet, and freeze them. While they’re still frozen, I place them in a freezer bag, and when I am ready, they come right out and don’t stick together.

— B.R., Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

NAPKINS AND PUMICE POWER

Dear Heloise: I read your column in the Statesman Journal, and I’d like to share these hints with your readers:

We use cotton napkins instead of paper napkins. After washing them, I spread them out flat to dry, even stacking them because they dry quickly. Once folded, they pass as ironed napkins. Also, if all else fails when getting out a grease spot, I vigorously rub hand cleaner with pumice into the spot. It contains a degreaser.

— Cindy, in Oregon

Cindy, pumice is made from volcanic ash; it has a rough and grainy texture!

— Heloise

DID YOU HEAR THAT?

Dear Heloise: I would love it if cellphone users wouldn’t talk on their phones while they are in a public bathroom stall. Ugh. Surely the sound of flushing can be heard on the other end!

— Ann, via email

Send a great hint to Heloise@Heloise.com