Dear Heloise: I just read the letter from your reader about the steps that their security company recommended for home safety. They all make good sense.

However, they left out a really effective way to keep your home safe: Police statistics show that your home is much less likely to be broken into if you have a dog that barks at noises or strangers. I have three mini Doxies, so there’s no worries here.

Another great reason to have dogs is that people who have pets live longer, with dog owners topping the list. — J.R., in California

YOUTUBE SAVES THE DAY

Dear Heloise: I was having problems with my toilet and had a representative from a company come out, but they couldn’t fix the problem. They said I would have to get a new toilet, which I could not afford at the time. So, I went to YouTube and searched the problem, which was that the toilet would not flush. It showed me a video with complete instructions.

I did exactly as the instructions said, and I am still using the same toilet and haven’t had any problems since. It’s been about five years.

Thanks for all of the hints that you have provided all these years. — R.B., in Alabama

PROTECTING A CAST-IRON SINK DIVIDER

Dear Heloise: A good way to protect the cast-iron sink divider is to cut to size a piece of meshed shelf paper and drape it over the divider. This doesn’t cause mildew like the rubber mat ones do, and they stick. This can be changed as often as needed, and each piece lasts a long time. Now I don’t have to scrub these new ones, and they are reasonably priced at the dollar store. — T., via email

BAD CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Dear Readers: Gift-giving can be tough sometimes, so here are some bad Christmas gift ideas to avoid:

— For kids, skip the clothing. Find out what toys they like or what hobbies they’re interested in.

— Be very careful about gifting kitchen appliances. Many people don’t consider it a “gift” unless they asked for a particular appliance.

— I don’t recall anyone ever asking for a vacuum under their tree. Think of something more creative or entertaining!

— If someone is on a strict diet, don’t get them a box of chocolates or “a pastry of the month” club membership. This also goes for skydiving lessons, yoga classes, ballroom dancing, or any other activity that the recipient has not expressed interest in. — Heloise

REMOVING MINERAL DEPOSITS

Dear Heloise: How can I get rid of the white chalky film on the stainless-steel sink in my kitchen? I tried everything, but this is an ongoing issue. — C.D., in Louisiana

C.D., try this: Soak a cloth in vinegar and press it against the white area of the sink where the chalky film is. Let it stay there for 15-20 minutes. Then sprinkle some baking soda on the area and scrub off the caked-on mineral deposits.

You might also want to try spraying the filmy area with fresh lemon juice. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, then scrub off with a steel wool pad that is infused with soap.

Mineral deposits are difficult, but they are not impossible to remove with a little bit of elbow grease. — Heloise

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.