DEAR HELOISE: What can I do to make the grout on my bathroom floor look clean? Most of it looks gray, and I have not found a cleaner that will restore it.

– Julia O'Connor, North Little Rock, Ark.

DEAR JULIA: If the grout has been discolored for a long time or is just plain old, it may be harder to clean, and even bleach may not help, but here's what to try: Mix 1 cup of household bleach with a gallon of water. Apply to grout and let it sit for 20 minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush (a powered brush would work especially well). Wear rubber gloves and old clothing in case the bleach splatters. Rinse with water, and when dry, see if the grout is lighter. If you own a steam cleaner, that would be a good tool to use also.

One of my assistants cleaned grout in her kitchen when moving into an 8-year- old home. She added a quality floor cleaner to some water (check bottle directions), got on her hands and knees, and scrubbed the grout with a scrub brush. She used an old towel to immediately wipe away the dirt and yuck. Do a small section at a time, so you don't redeposit dirt.

It took time, but the result was a beautiful floor.

It may be time to regrout or use a grout paint and sealer if it's still gray after cleaning.

DEAR HELOISE: Hot tea is one of my comforting and enjoyable beverages. I flavor it with solid, hard candy, such as butterscotch; usually I crush it in a plastic bag, using a rolling pin. This increases the rate at which it dissolves as you stir.

Sugar-free hard candies are low-calorie and beneficial to those who must be careful of their sugar intake.

– Margarette Mattern, Temple, Texas

DEAR HELOISE: Here are two hints for summer travel:

• Lighten your wallet and purse. You don't need warehouse-club, video-store or coffee cards away from home. Leave only the important cards in your wallet, like driver's license, medical, travel discount and a couple of credit cards.

• I've traveled with only two or three credit cards. In case you lose your wallet or a suitcase in which you've stashed your receipts, you've got fewer credit-card companies to notify.

– Sue Bibi, Pittsburgh

DEAR HELOISE: A friend has a terrific idea for using her candles. She has a fireplace with glass doors. She puts three or four candles in the fireplace and lights them.

It gives the room a warm glow. This is good for people with allergies but who aren't bothered by candles.

– Faith, via email

DEAR HELOISE: My wife says I've ruined her nonstick pans by putting them in the dishwasher. Is there any way they can be repaired?

– L. Foust, via email

DEAR L.: I'm afraid I have bad news. According to a major manufacturer, there's no way to repair pans after they've gone through the dishwasher and are no longer nonstick, are scratched or have lost some of the nonstick finish.

Most instruction booklets specifically state not to put nonstick cookware in the dishwasher for cleaning.

Don't use cleaners that are abrasive or caustic, and don't use bleach or dishwasher detergent. Use only regular dish soap and water.

There is now nonstick cookware that is dishwasher-safe, so keep this in mind if you buy new cookware.

DEAR HELOISE: My sister loves to entertain, especially outdoors in summer. I saw this hint at her last party.

When she brought out a bunch of drinks, she had covered each one with a cupcake liner. This way, no bugs get into the cup. After a sip, you simply return the top, and you're all set.

– Joanne In Texas

DEAR HELOISE: The back side of a thin mouse pad, such as is used for home computers, makes an excellent gripper for opening jar lids and bottle caps.

– B.D., Joplin, Mo.

DEAR HELOISE: Living alone, I rely on frozen vegetables in bags. I put the opened bags, clipped shut, together in a mesh bag in the freezer. When I want some veggies, I pull out the bag and sort through it on the counter.

That way, I don't have to keep the freezer door open while I decide what I want.

– Rosalie V., via email

DEAR READERS: Many recipes call for just a tablespoon or two of tomato paste. What to do with the rest? No one wants to waste food, so here are some hints for using the paste:

• Make small pizzas with tortillas or English muffins. Spread on a little paste, then add cheese and toppings.

• Mix with okra and season for a tasty side dish.

• Make tomato juice. Mix 1 part tomato paste with 3 parts water until smooth. Add salt to taste.

– Heloise

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Send a great hint to Heloise, P.O. 79500, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

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