Dear Heloise: I read your column in the Dayton Daily News and wanted to share a hint that I’ve never seen before. I always keep a small jar of water in my microwave in case I happen to turn it on by mistake when it’s empty. This tip has saved me from disaster. You can also eliminate unwanted odors by putting some vinegar in the jar and letting it sit overnight. Thanks for all your great ideas! — Molly S., Dayton, Ohio

MEN USING COUPONS

Dear Heloise: I am responding to your question about men using coupons. I’m a happily married 80-year-old man who is financially well-off. I have no idea how long I’ve been using coupons, but it’s been several decades. I used to do most of the grocery shopping, but now that I can’t drive, my shopping has been reduced. I’ve been using coupons for decades. To me, coupons are tax-free money, so why not take advantage of them? — Len Smith, via email

GAS PUMPS

Dear Heloise: At times, I have driven up to get gas only to see the display on the pump telling me that something was wrong. Either it wouldn’t take my credit card, or there wasn’t any paper in it for my receipt.

However, I keep extra plastic grocery bags in my truck, so I will often take a bag and place it over the gas nozzle, showing people not to use this pump.

Sometimes, I will go into the gas station and tell the person behind the counter that the gas pump isn’t working or that there isn’t any paper for a receipt. Most times, they will give me the “OK” or “So what?” reply.

But when I tell them that I have put the pump out of service and no gas will be pumped from it, this usually gets their attention. — D.H., in Houston

EDITOR’S NOTE: Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.