LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: I have shirts belonging to my 5-year old with oily stains on the front. How can I remove the stains once they have been through the dryer?
- A Reader in Santa Fe, N.M.
DEAR READER: Well, you might be able to, but since they have gone through the dryer, it might be tough. First, treat the area with a pre-wash spray or stick. Then rub liquid laundry detergent onto the area until it soaks through, and wash in hot water (or the hottest water that’s safe for that fabric). Rinse and air-dry. Do not put in the dryer. It may take two or three times.
DEAR HELOISE: When I purchase a new hair dryer, curling iron, etc., I save the old one unless it is completely unusable. I take the old ones with me when traveling and leave the new, better ones at home. This way, if I forget it on my trip, it’s not a big deal - I know I still have one at home.
- A Reader, via e-mail
DEAR READERS: Have you ever heard of letter boxing? Are you looking for something fun to get your family outdoors? Letter boxing is a scavenger-hunt game. You take the clues provided and search for “hidden” letterboxes.
According to Letter boxing North America, there are roughly 5,000 letterboxes hidden throughout North America, many in local parks or attractions.
All you need to get started is a logbook (a blank notebook), a personal stamp (which you can make or buy), an ink pad, a pen and some clues. Once you find a box, stamp its logbook with your stamp, and stamp your logbook with its stamp. With all the boxes out there, think how many stamps you could get! For a list of clues to boxes in your area, visit letterboxing.org . Grab your supplies, and let the family adventure begin! P.S.: A team member of Heloise Central did this with her young son and loved it.Almost free and lots of fun, plus fresh air and exercise.
DEAR HELOISE: The first time our new lawn care men came to the house, they left the back gate open and my dog got out. I drove around for a couple of hours and was lucky enough to find her. Since then, I have placed signs on both gates saying, “Please close the gate.” I haven’t had a problem since.
- Janice in Texas
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
MovieStyle, Pages 34 on 01/25/2013