Dear Heloise: We had an upstairs leak in the master bathroom that left us with a water stain on the ceiling. It’s not terribly noticeable, but I know that it’s there. (And it’s annoying.) It makes my dining room look shabby to me. How can I get rid of the water stain without repainting the whole ceiling? We just had this done two weeks before the leak happened! — A.S., in New York

A.S., here is a solution you might like to try: Mix 1 cup of bleach with 3 cups of warm water and stir well. Then dip a sponge into the solution and wring out the excess so that the sponge is wet but not soaked completely. Gently apply this only to the area that is affected by the water stain. Do not oversaturate it. — Heloise

REMOVING

LIGHT BULBS

Dear Heloise: My light bulbs are always so difficult to remove after they have burned out. I tried to insert them loosely, but it just makes the bulb flicker. How can I get bulbs out of their socket without breaking them? — K.D., in Ohio

K.D., try this hint: Before you insert a light bulb into its socket, take a little petroleum jelly on your finger and give the metal end a light coating. This will ensure an easier removal when the time comes. — Heloise

DRYER SCREEN CARE

Dear Heloise: Most people think that removing lint from the dryer screen is enough, but it’s not. Chemicals from the dryer sheets build up on the lint screen, making it difficult for it to catch as much lint as it should. It also creates a fire hazard.

Run the dryer screen under the water from a kitchen faucet and see how much water runs through. If there is a buildup that will not allow water to go through the screen, use some dishwashing soap mixed with a 1/2 cup of vinegar. Use the rough side of a clean sponge and scrub the screen. Rinse and allow it to air-dry. — L.W., in Florida

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.