LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: I have a linoleum floor, and I notice that under the throw rugs, the floor is turning yellow.

Is there any way to get the yellow out?

• Irene, via e-mail

DEAR READER: Sorry to say, there is no magic hint to “remove” the yellow stain.The yellowing is caused by a chemical reaction between the rubber backing on the rug and the linoleum. Experts suggest not using rubber-backed rugs on linoleum floors because of this. Try looking for rugs without rubber backing. Also, watch what else you put on linoleum. Rubber feet and wheels from things like bar stools and rolling carts can stain as well.

DEAR READERS: When typing a text message or email on most smart phones, there’s a way to get the accent marks. When typing, hold down the letter you need, and a pop-up bubble will appear with the special characters.

Don’t have a smart phone? You can still get accents and special characters by scrolling through. Keep pushing the button with the designated letter. If you keep going, you will get to the letters with the accents.

DEAR HELOISE: When an unaccompanied child is flying to visit relatives, stick a large piece of decorative adhesive shelf liner on the outside of the child’s luggage. Give the child a piece of that same contact paper to hand to the relative, or e-mail the relative a photo of the contact paper. The relative can identify the child’s luggage much easier by matching the decorative contact paper.

• Becky in South Dakota

DEAR HELOISE: I enjoy making homemade pizza, but I hate to buy all the ingredients I like and that others want on their portion. I found that if you go through a salad bar at a larger grocery store, you usually can find everything you want on a pizza.

You can buy just the amount you want, and it comes already cut into the right sizes.

• Pat from the Midwest

DEAR HELOISE: When I stay at a hotel, it seems there aren’t any soap dishes anymore. I now take the disposable plastic cup found in the hotel room and put the bar of soap in it instead of on the bathroom countertop. It doesn’t get slimy, and I’m sure it helps the housekeeper.

• Cathy G. in Ohio

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail Heloise@Heloise.com

MovieStyle, Pages 34 on 06/08/2012