Dear Heloise >> I glued a piece of rough indoor/outdoor carpet and put it face down underneath our coffee table. My two beagles, Poppy and Ruby, love to go underneath the table and scratch their backs to their heart’s content. I read your column in the Orange County Register!

— Angelo Summa, Mission Viejo

Dear Readers >> Tiny knife cuts are natural wear and tear for chopping block countertops because they are designed to be cutting surfaces. So, the countertops must be scrubbed with soap and water. Small crevices can harbor bacteria, so make sure to occasionally disinfect the counter or chopping block with a mild bleach solution (2-3 tablespoons of bleach to 1 quart of water).

Always rinse well, then rejuvenate the surface with a thin coat of mineral oil. Let soak for 30 minutes, then buff.

Dear Heloise >> I’ve read you and your mom’s columns since I can remember. My husband and I never miss it. I wanted to write in about something that I never read about in your column.

As in any city, we have problems with erratic and dangerous drivers -- and too few police officers. So, I adopted a new policy several years back. When I see a company vehicle driving in this manner, I commit to never calling them for service. This includes plumbers, trash pickup companies, food delivery services and others. It’s irresponsible to drive this way, and you would think companies would crack down on it. But I see a lot of people in management doing it, too.

This is my way of contributing to stop the problem, and my hope is others will also do the same. Thank you for all you do!

— Frannie, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Dear Readers >> Always apply a decal on sliding glass doors at eye level so that no one will mistake a closed door for an open one. And you can even apply one down at eye level for your dog.

Dear Heloise >> I always read your column and pick up a “pearl” or two. Being retired and dealing with exor-bitant utility rates and inflation, I try to find ways to avoid waste and,

hence, keep more money in my pocket. In our area, the newspaper has gone digital, so I’m forced to print the puzzles, which takes up three sheets of ream paper.

A lot of the other paper I use is to scan and send documents, which use up no ink. So, one of my ways to save paper is to take the printed sheet, reverse it and reinsert it into the printer to get two sheets in one.

It might sound too cheap or frugal, but it doubles my ability to print documents when necessary and reduces waste. I feel that I’m doing my part to be frugal, save money and help save the planet in my own small way. Best wishes!

— D.Z., in Arkansas

Write to Heloise at P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; Fax 210-Heloise; or email: Heloise@heloise.com.