HELPFUL HINTS

LITTLE ROCK — DEAR READERS: Here is this week’s sound off, about flour bags:

“Why can’t flour manufacturers create a bag or other container that is easy to open and close again?

“Many flour canisters aren’t large enough to hold 5 pounds of flour, so the partially full bag must be reclosed and stored. It is so frustrating to grapple with the glued seam to get it unsealed, then try to fold the top part of the bag back down and secure it. Opening was much easier when the top seam was sewn and the string could simply be pulled to open the bag neatly.

• Peggy in Nebraska

DEAR HELOISE: Are the mattress ads now running about needing to replace your mattress every eight years just a sales ploy to replace your mattress sooner?

• Pam in Dallas

DEAR READER: It is an exaggeration that a mattress doubles in weight every eight years. There really is no set formula for when to buy a new mattress. Just remember to check the manufacturer’s recommended care guidelines and warranty before purchasing a mattress.

According to the Better Sleep Council (bettersleep.org ), you should factor in how often the mattress was used and if it was cared for correctly. You also should ask yourself a few key questions, provided by the council:

Are you waking up with aches and pains?

Are there obvious signs of wear on your mattress?

Is your sleep better or worse than it was a year ago?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, a new mattress might help.

DEAR READERS: Many of you have written asking about what a carabiner is.

A carabiner is an oval or D-shaped metal ring often used in mountain climbing to fasten ropes. It usually has a spring-loaded catch on one side. They come in many sizes, colors and shapes, and can be used for many things. Have a hint on how you use carabiners? Let me know.

DEAR HELOISE: I have small children who tend to be messy at mealtimes. I found that using paper napkins wasn’t working. The kids would just shred them, and didn’t clean up the mess. We now use washcloths. They are reusable, and when dampened make cleanup a breeze.

• A Reader in Utah

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