HELPFUL HINTS

LITTLE ROCK — DEAR READERS: Here is this week’s sound off, about measuring lines on laundrydetergent caps:

“When pouring laundry detergent, you have to lookfor lines and numbers inside the cap for measurements. Most of these lines and numbers cannot be seen or read. Why can’t the manufacturers make the lines in color?” - Carol P. in Virginia

DEAR READER: You are right, and many, many readers agree with you. The lines are nearly impossible to read. When I open a new bottle, I use red nail polish to mark the line. Makes it much easier to see.

DEAR READERS: Here are your responses on what you would do with old encyclopedias:

“I gave our set of encyclopedias to our interior decorator. She used them toward decorating for other customers,” wrote Sarah, via e-mail.

“I advertised for free in a local newspaper. The set was quickly taken by a homeschooling mom,” wrote Holly in California.

“Put it in the recycling bin. It is full of out-of-date information that will lead a child trying to use it down the wrong path,” wrote B.M., via e-mail.

“Check with group homes for senior citizens. Many of their residents are more comfortable using the books for research than using the Internet,” wrote Norma, via e-mail.

“My sister gave our old set to a teacher at the grammar school that my nephews attended. The teacher was delighted that her students could use them in the classroom,” wrote Doug, via email.

Thanks for all the wonderful hints!

DEAR READERS: Other uses for leftover wrapping paper:

Shred and use as filler.

Scrapbook with it.

Line drawers and shelves.

Wrap other gifts with it.

Decorate storage boxes.

DEAR HELOISE: I found a great way of making hangers for slacks and other pants to keep them hanging without wrinkling. A plastic hanger is easy to cut into on the long bottom of it. Save the empty tube that comes with wax paper, plastic wrap and many other items, and insert the ends of the cut hanger into the tube. It’s a great way to hang pants without a crease.

• V.P. in Arizona 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 Heloise@Heloise.com