DEAR HELOISE: One of your columns featured someone who had "white lint streaks" on her clothes. A washer salesman educated me once, and he's saved me lots of money, time and aggravation. What's showing up as "lint" could be detergent that hasn't been rinsed out of the clothing.
You need only enough soap to make the water feel "slippery."
-- Mary T. in Florida
DEAR READER: Yes, too much powdered detergent can sometimes look like lint. This reader did say she was using a liquid detergent. Most important is not over-stuffing the washer or dryer. The clothes need to move around for the rinse cycle.
DEAR HELOISE: My grandsons are spending some time with me this summer, and they'll play baseball. That dirt can really get ground in. What's the best way to clean the uniforms?
-- Kathryn in San Antonio
DEAR READER: Keeping sports uniforms clean can be a little daunting. The dirt on a baseball field may be made from dirt, clay and silt combined. The mix can be different from field to field. First, let the dirt dry, and brush off as much as possible. Use liquid laundry detergent as a pre-spotter. Apply to the stained areas, rub the material together and let sit 20-30 minutes to work, then into the washer. Most uniforms should be washed in cool-cold water; don't use chlorine bleach or put in the dryer. Always read and follow the manufacturer's guidelines on the label. Sports uniforms are different, and again, no chlorine bleach. Color-safe, powdered bleach is OK.
DEAR HELOISE: Almost everybody has ceiling fans. I couldn't remember which chain operated the fan and which operated the light. I took the plastic tab that comes on the bread bag and snapped it on the fan chain. Bingo! Now I know which chain is for the fan.
-- Dick Adams,
Bakersfield, Calif.
DEAR READER: Clever idea, and one that will save many hours of frustration.
DEAR READERS: If the runners on a drawer are sticky, use one of the following to help you out. Rub over the runner a few times to keep the drawer sliding:
• Furniture wax
• Old candle
• A soap sliver
DEAR HELOISE: When I'm alone in my home, I sometimes talk out loud to myself. It helps me focus on what I'm doing. I remind myself to step over the edge of the throw rug, water the plants and take out trash.
-- A Reader
in Massachusetts
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
Weekend on 07/02/2015