HELPFUL HINTS

LITTLE ROCK — DEAR READERS: In a recent column, a reader named Sylvia wrote about a problem she was having with her bath towels looking as if someone had spilled bleach on them. Well, you had a lot to say on the issue:

1. “I found out that the culprit for my towel spotting was the new whitening toothpastes people are buying to whiten their teeth,” said Sally, via e-mail.

2. “As a mother of three daughters, I believe at least one of the causes is any medication or face wash that contains benzoyl peroxide. It doesn’t show up until after the wash,” said Jean, via e-mail.

3. “Same thing happened to me with two sets. Turned out to be my wrinkle cream that I use at night,” said Jane, via e-mail.

4. “I’ve had the same problem as Sylvia. I discovered that after washing whites with bleach, you always should rinse inside the tub while filling for the next load. The next load should be light colors or delicates that aren’t affected by bleach,” said Helen from Nebraska.

Absolutely yes to Nos. 1 and 2, maybe to No. 3, depending on the ingredients, and possibly to No. 4.

DEAR HELOISE: A hint for runners who travel: I save the cardboard from folded dress shirts that I get from the dry cleaners. I put it under my running shoes when I put them back in my luggage. It keeps the dirt out of your luggage, and you can recycle the cardboard.

• Roger B. in Houston

DEAR READER: Also, you can use the plastic dry cleaning bag that usually is hanging in the hotel closet. I use it for shoes, soiled clothes and even to hold fresh flowers I may bring home.

DEAR HELOISE: I found an easy way to ID my camera without giving out too much personal information. The very first picture is of my business card, with my name and phone number showing.If it gets lost and someone checks the photos, my contact information is right there.

• David in Florida

DEAR HELOISE: A lot of restaurants put paper coasters on the table for your drinks. Once my drink starts to sweat, the coaster sticks to the bottom of the glass. I found a solution: Sprinkle a little salt on the coaster or napkin, and your glass will no longer stick.

• Abby, via e-mail 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

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