Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: I noticed my vacuum cleaner wasn’t cleaning as well as it used to. I changed the bag, but it didn’t seem to help. Then I turned the vacuum over and had a look at the rotary brush.

Over the years the brush had become wrapped by dozens of bits of string and threads, which had eventually compressed the brushes on the cylinder. I got a pair of scissors and removed the strings. The brushes straightened out and my vacuum works like a charm once again! - Lindi Hobbs, Colorado Springs, Colo.

It can get pretty disgusting under there. A periodic check may save a burned-out motor too! - Heloise

Send your money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, PO Box 795000, San Antonio TX 78279-5000 or fax it to 210-HELOISE. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.