Dear Heloise: My elbows are clean but dark. I hate it! What can I do to lighten them up? — Ruth, in Minnesota

Ruth, first, use a loofah or a stiff body brush with lots of soap to scrub your elbows in a circular motion while you shower or bathe, but do not break the skin. Next, cut a lemon in half and rub it on the area for about 5 minutes per elbow. Finally, pat dry and use lotion on your elbows. Repeat if necessary. — Heloise

A BIG FAN

Dear Heloise: I live in an area where summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit for days in a row. Using the ceiling fan makes my house feel cooler.

My question is this: Should I turn off the fans for a few hours each day to let them “rest,” or is it OK to let them operate 24/7? — Sarah P., in Bakersfield, California

Sarah, operating a ceil

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