DEAR HELOISE: Since my wife passed away, I have been doing all the laundry and the many other household duties.
After removing the laundry from the washer, I leave the door or lid slightly open to allow the damp inside to dry out. A shake of baking soda on a small plastic plate will help keep the washer smelling fresh.
When using dryer sheets, I put the open box in a 1-quart zip-close storage bag. This will keep the fragrance from escaping from the open box.
-- Jack B., Lima, Ohio
DEAR READER: Did you know you can pour that baking soda into your next load of laundry, too? Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda along with the regular amount of laundry detergent to boost cleaning power and cut odors.
DEAR HELOISE: I have T-shirts on hangers in my closet. When I pick one to wear, there's always a bump on either shoulder. How do I get rid of them?
-- Matthew in California
DEAR READER: Fold or roll your T-shirts to store them in your dresser. As for the existing bumps, a quick rewash on the "Express" setting on your washer will help. Use a dryer sheet to relax and "reset" the fibers.
DEAR HELOISE: I think my third-grade son may need glasses. He's squinting a lot. What are signs to look for?
-- Mary M. in New York
DEAR READER: Yes, I'd suggest getting your son in to see the eye doctor. Here are more signs to look for:
• Covering one eye when reading.
• Headaches.
• Sitting too close to the TV.
• Slipping grades.
• Rubbing the eyes.
P.S. An optometrist is perfect for basic vision care. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who can treat glaucoma and cataracts, and perform surgery.
DEAR HELOISE: I pour hydrogen peroxide into a glass and place my toothbrush in it and let it soak overnight. I'm amazed at the toothpaste residue on the bottom of the glass, and the toothbrush is clean.
-- Claudia in California
DEAR READERS: Popcorn should be cooked only in microwave-safe containers or prepackaged microwave bags, according to the package directions. Kernels can scorch and catch fire if cooked in nonsafe containers such as brown paper bags.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
Weekend on 01/31/2019
Print Headline: Helpful Hints