This Is A Hammer: Readers to the rescue

Q: Recently in your column, you responded to a question from Pat in Atlanta regarding difficulty in identifying the burner controls on stoves. It is a well-known problem, but there is a simple solution. Burners are different in size. Pull off the plastic knobs of the smaller ones and get a handyman to file them down until they are visibly and tactilely different, even in dim light. Range manufacturers should have thought of this. — H.T.H., Orlando, Fla.

A: Many thanks! Smaller burner controls corresponding to the smaller burners on a stove is a very practical idea. Come to think of it, filing the controls into a different shape (like a square rather than a circle), would make them instantly identifiable. You’re right, range manufacturers should put more thought into this.

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Q: In answer to “Virginia,” the person who was having trouble cleaning hard water spots from her windows, there is a simple way to clean these spots from your window panes. Believe me, I tried everything on mine. Then in desperation I got a can of WD-40, sprayed a little on and presto, clean as a whistle. I did use window cleaner to get the oily film off — or a little warm water and soap will do it, too. Hope this helps. — Edna L., Apopka, Fla.

A: Man, is there anything that all-purpose penetrating oil can’t do? Thanks, Edna, for passing along a great tip!