HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I have a question about the best way to store sweaters. I purchased some clear totes and thought of keeping them in those with some moth cakes. Would this be the best way to store them?

  • Julie V., via email

DEAR READER: If your totes are plastic, then that’s not the best way to store your sweaters for the long term, but if it’s just a seasonal thing, then you probably are OK. And moth cakes really don’t kill moths; they are supposed to repel them. If the clothes are clean and in a well-sealed container, then there is no need for moth cakes - which smell pretty bad. Before packing away the clothes, wash or dry-clean them, making sure there are no stains. You can roll them to prevent creases.

Sweaters need to be kept away from moisture, so don’t store the container in an attic or a basement, if possible. Find a closet, storage space underneath a bed or some other area in your home with the same temperature, etc., as your bedroom.

DEAR HELOISE: I often mail photos to some of my relatives. I have found a trick that helps the photos get to their destination unbent. I place the photos (I usually send only one or two at a time) in a card with a quick note. Then I take a piece of thin cardboard or card stock that I have saved, cut it to size and place it in the envelope as well. It gives the photos extra support. Just be careful - depending on how much you put in each envelope, the postage may go up.

  • Leslie in San Angelo, Texas

DEAR HELOISE: When I heat a small dish of food in the microwave, I used to put the item in the center of the microwave. When it was done, I had to take out a hot dish. I discovered a better way. I put the item to be cooked off to one side. When it is done, I slip a hot pad into the microwave on the opposite side and place the dish on the hot pad.

  • W.W. in Salem, Ore.

DEAR HELOISE: I have a small child, and spills on the floor are common. To help save our carpet, I place a large blanket on the floor in the room we are in most. It easily can be picked up when we have company or if it needs to be washed.

  • A Reader in San Antonio

DEAR READER: Very smart! Works with some pets, too.

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 Heloise@Heloise.com

Weekend, Pages 38 on 01/16/2014

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