Dear Heloise: I just read about the woman putting decals on her car to find it. A hanky on your antenna would work better. However, when I get out of the car, I often look at the store in front of me. Am I near the exit door, entrance or in between? Today you can take a picture with your phone. This is much easier than a decal, which you’d also have to look around for. — Sharon Guy, Cleveland, Tennessee

LICENSE PLATES AND TAGS

Dear Heloise: Lately, there has been an increase in stolen license plates and registration tags in my area. I make it a habit to check my plates after I go anywhere. Hexagon/socket screws (instead of traditional flathead or Phillips screws) can help prevent theft. While you’re at it, check your tires for nails. — D.G., Chino Hills, California

BAKING SODA GREASE-CUTTING

Dear Heloise: Baking soda companies often advertise that baking soda cuts grease, and it does. I fill an empty herb bottle that has a shaker top with baking soda and keep it by my sink. Whenever I have a greasy pot or a plastic container to wash, I sprinkle a little of the baking soda on the item and proceed to wash it as usual. The soda makes the soap even sudsier, and there’s no more grease residue on the item. — Lee Miller, Metairie, Louisiana

DOWN TO THE LAST DROP

Dear Heloise: Love your column. I never buy bottles with a pump top but always buy those with a flat top for lotion, shampoo, detergent, etc. Then I can turn them upside down and have gravity help me use every last drop. I don’t need to cut any open to scoop out the remainder. — Jan S., Colorado Springs, Colorado

BETTER HOTEL ROOMS

Dear Heloise: Executives of hotel chains should be required to spend a week in their hotel rooms. There’s nothing a traveler likes more than insufficient storage for clothing, doors that hit you in the face while you are on the toilet, no places to hang towels, insufficient counter space in bathrooms, and no instructions for the TV. — Carol F., Tucson, Arizona

CLEANING AN OIL PAINTING

Dear Heloise: My grandfather was a painter who was well-known for his western art paintings that showed what life was like when he was a boy. I want to hand off these beautiful works of art to my children, but they need to be cleaned first. My grandfather was a heavy smoker. — Karen G., Santa Fe, New Mexico

Karen, you can find a product called a painting restorer for cleaning old paintings. Many art supply stores carry it. However, you’ll need to wear a mask and gloves when you use this product. Apply it with either a soft brush or very soft fabric, using gentle circular motions before wiping the product off. Follow all the directions on the back of the bottle.

Other than that, I’d recommend a professional cleaning, but this can get very expensive depending on the size of the painting. — Heloise

TAP YOUR CARDS

Dear Heloise: After I went through a problem with someone using my credit card, I asked my bank what they recommended. They told me to always tap my card on the credit card machine rather than inserting it.

This way, no one can see the numbers. A person standing behind you could easily use their phone to photograph your card numbers. I now tap my card and have had no more problems with fraud. — Rodger T., Corpus Christi, Texas

SOCIAL PROTOCOL

Dear Heloise: When one is invited to dinner at another’s house, one is expected to bring a favor or something. What latitude does the guest have in determining the favor? Can the host request an alcoholic beverage? Is the required favor kept by the host or shared with the dinner participants? — R.M., via email

R.M., contact the host in advance and ask what they would like you to bring. They are then able to do whatever they wish with the favor. If it’s an item that you’d rather be shared during dinner, clarify this and bring a separate trinket to show appreciation for the host. — Heloise