HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I answer the phone for an agency that services the whole state. The following are suggestions that would be so helpful for us when the public calls:

Have a pen/pencil by the phone, and paper to write on.

The information they need in their hand (e.g., name and extension number of the person they need to talk with, etc.).

Also, reduce noises in the room - TV, kids yelling, cellphone, etc.

• Ms. Douglas in Mississippi

DEAR READER: Thanks for your good insight! Hint from Heloise: Always have something to do (read a magazine, clean out a drawer, etc.) so you don’t “waste” time while on hold.

DEAR HELOISE: I have three large dog beds. The stuffing is anyone’s guess, and the labels say “Do not wash.” How do I get rid of the smell? - Emily S. in Texas

DEAR READER: You can open a seam, dump out the “stuffing” and wash the covers to give them a good cleaning. Also, use one of my favorite products: baking soda! Sprinkle the bed generously, rub in well and let sit for a while, then take outside and shake out the baking soda. If you are worried about future smells and stains, cover the bed with a plastic trash bag and then put a washable cover over that. When the cover gets dirty, just take it off and wash. Baking soda is a great product and can be used for so many things. Are Fido’s plastic toys dirty? Scrub with a solution of baking soda and water to clean.

DEAR HELOISE: Just a reminder for all of your readers who travel: When you get to your hotel, check the bottles of shampoo, lotion, etc., to make sure the seal hasn’t been broken and they are new before you use them.

You even can check the coffee or anything else that is provided in the hotel rooms. Housekeeping is very busy, and sometimes they might miss something accidentally.

• Stanley in Oklahoma

DEAR READER: Thanks for the hint.

DEAR HELOISE: This is in response to the lady who couldn’t part with her child’s baby clothes. Have a quilt made from the clothes! If you don’t quilt, go to a local quilt shop, which will help you find someone to do the work. You will then have a treasure forever.

• B.T., via email Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000 San Antonio,Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email [email protected]