DEAR HELOISE: Manufacturers should be told, since they don’t seem to be aware, that pillows are a lot thicker than they used to be, but the pillowcases are the same size. It takes me longer to get my pillows in the cases than it does to remake my beds.
- Catherine in La.
DEAR READER: Your sound-off is one that I hear a lot, and I agree with you. We have eight pillows on the bed, and I double-pillowcase them. It does take me longer to do the pillows than to make the bed.
DEAR READERS: Other uses for wine corks:
Cut a slit in them and make place-card holders.
Make into a cork board by gluing a bunch of them to a piece of wood.
Use in a tackle box to hold extra hooks or as bobbers.
Use to plug a bottle if the top gets lost.
Glue to the bottom of a plant pot so it won’t scratch the floor.
DEAR HELOISE: I can’t find your recipe for cleaner for laminate that I cut out. I have tried several commercial sprays, but they leave my floor tacky and leave streaks.
- Sylvia, via e-mail
DEAR READER: The best way to clean laminate flooring is with plain water. You may be able to use a solution of vinegar and water (1 cup vinegar in 1 gallon water), but some manufacturers say not to use vinegar and water, so check before using. Also, do one area at a time, dry, then move on to the next.
First, remove as much dirt as possible with a dust mop or electric sweeper. Then use the vinegar solution or just a damp mop. Do not over wet the laminate. Too much water can cause the floor to warp. When done, use a clean cloth or mop to dry.
DEAR HELOISE: I often put my son’s snacks in zippered plastic bags, but he has a hard time keeping them open. If I roll the top of a bag out and down, it stays somewhat open. It is easier for him to reach in and get the snack. - Shelley, via e-mail
DEAR HELOISE: Discussing laundry and how dirty her father’s clothes get, I told my husband’s daughter that I add soda to the wash to help get the dirt out. Her husband then asked, “What brand cola do you use?” Adding baking soda to my husband’s very dirty clothes really helps get them clean.
- Joan O. in Ore.
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 [email protected]
ActiveStyle, Pages 26 on 04/29/2013