Dear Heloise: When a rambunctious child scribbled with a crayon on many parts of the back of the church’s choir room piano (including the black areas), it left the piano looking terrible. To find a remedy, I searched my two Heloise books and three other helpful volumes. In “Vinegar, Duct Tape, Milk Jugs and More,” using mayonnaise to remove crayon was suggested.

So, I used a toothbrush to apply a small amount of mayonnaise and rub it in, then waited a couple of minutes as suggested before rubbing it off using a paper towel. I repeated the process until all areas were restored again. It worked beautifully.

This made me wonder if mayonnaise could help restore wooden furniture and built-in cabinets that were looking dingy, so I tried this at home. There was an amazing transformation. Hopefully, this will help others as your hints always do. — Leah, in Hendersonville, North Carolina

SIRI IS HELPFUL

Dear Heloise: My sweet daughter-in-law set up Siri on my cellphone, and I have found it quite helpful. Being hands-free in the car, I can say, “Siri, text Joe … or call Mary.” And Siri does it for me.

In addition, I found this was a help when I had collapsed on the floor, could not get up, and was able to simply give a command: “Siri, call 911.” I believe Siri is a boon to us in many ways. — Lynn, in Rutland, Vermont

REMOVING BLOOD STAINS

Dear Heloise: Regarding removing blood stains, I just dampen the item of clothing, apply full-strength liquid laundry detergent, and gently rub it on. The blood stain will immediately start to break down, and with gentle rubbing, it will be gone in 2-3 minutes.

If I don’t have time, I just throw the pretreated item into the hamper and launder on laundry day. The blood stain always comes out perfectly.

Stubborn fruit stains from blackberries, blueberries or tomatoes can be removed by soaking the stained item as soon as possible in a dish pan with cold water. Add 2-4 tablespoons of white vinegar, plus a teaspoon of dish soap, then let it sit for several hours. Both of these things have saved me from throwing out clothing items and keep them looking nice.

Also, when at home, I’ve learned to put on a bib apron when I eat or prep meals. I love your column and always read it. I appreciate your advice, and it’s great to get advice from the other readers. — Carol B., via email

CEMETERY VANDALISM

Dear Heloise: My brother is a cemetery administrator. When his cemetery experienced vandalism, they installed motion-detection cameras and caught the perpetrators. — Marguerite Ringwood, in Skaneateles, New York

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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.