Hints From Heloise: Read Newspaper on Tablet

Columnist shares tips for enjoying print media on digital devices

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Heloise, a popular advice columnist, shares reader tips for reading newspapers on tablets, using oven cleaner safely, preventing onion tears, and other household hacks. The column covers a range of lifestyle topics to help readers save time and money.

Why it matters

As more people shift to digital media, Heloise provides practical advice for those who still enjoy physical newspapers and magazines. Her column highlights how technology can enhance traditional reading experiences while addressing common household challenges.

The details

Heloise shares a reader tip for reading newspapers on a tablet by downloading the PDF version of the print edition. This allows the reader to easily navigate, resize text, and access past issues. Another reader suggests using a simple water and dish soap solution instead of harsh oven cleaner for routine cleaning. To prevent onion tears, Heloise recommends keeping your mouth closed while slicing onions. The column also covers storing cords, using dishwasher tablets, and the benefits of cursive writing.

  • The column was published on February 10, 2026.

The players

Heloise

A popular advice columnist who has been publishing her column for many years.

Bob Meagher

A reader from Richmond, Virginia who shares a tip for reading newspapers on a tablet.

Anne's Thoughts

A reader who emails in a suggestion for using a gentle water and dish soap solution instead of harsh oven cleaner.

Ron Schutz

A reader who shares a tip for preventing onion tears by keeping your mouth closed while slicing onions.

Myrna

A reader from Oxnard, California who provides several household tips, including using toilet paper tubes to store cords and propping open appliance doors to prevent odors.

Karen M.

A reader who explains that cursive writing is a form of shorthand that can be written more quickly than print.

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What they’re saying

“To the people who prefer reading a physical newspaper, stating that it's just not the same on their laptop, and to those who worry about spilling coffee on the keyboard, I, too, would never read the paper on a laptop. But I now read it on a tablet.”

— Bob Meagher (tribtoday.com)

“Oven cleaner should not be used to clean anything other than the oven because of the harsh chemicals that it contains. These chemicals can linger on surfaces, enter our water supply and ultimately enter us. Don't count on your local water treatment plant to remove all of them once they're washed down the drain.”

— Anne's Thoughts (tribtoday.com)

“One of the most effective methods I've found, which does not involve any extra equipment at all, is simply this: Do not open your mouth while slicing onions. Keeping your mouth closed really does make a difference. Try it for yourself; it works!”

— Ron Schutz (tribtoday.com)

The takeaway

Heloise's column provides practical, cost-effective solutions for common household challenges, from reading newspapers digitally to using safer cleaning products. Her tips demonstrate how small changes can enhance everyday life, whether it's preventing onion tears or keeping appliances odor-free.