DEAR HELOISE: If I wash a shirt that has an autograph on it written in permanent marker, will the autograph come out?
- A Reader, via email
DEAR READER: That is a tough question. Permanent marker is meant to be permanent! However, repeated washing (especially with hot water) and drying probably will make the autograph fade. To be safe, it’s better to hand-wash it(turn it inside out first) using only cool water and a mild detergent. Roll it in a towel to squeeze out water, and hang to dry, or drape over the shower curtain. Hope this helps!
DEAR HELOISE: I have always used baking soda to clean the bottoms of my pots and pans, and wondered if it would work on glass-top stoves. It not only cleans them faster and better, but it leaves no film. I love it!
- S.J. in Texas
DEAR READER: Yes, baking soda does the trick cheaply, efficiently and all while being eco-friendly.Make sure the stove top is cool before cleaning! Also, one thing we tend to do is grab the kitchen sponge, which may have grease or oil on it. Try using a new sponge or microfiber cloth. As you rinse the sponge in the sink, scrub your sink with the baking soda that is left from cleaning for a quick touch-up and fresh sink.
DEAR HELOISE: At the end of the year, I buy a new calendar for the next year. I write down all the birthdays and anniversaries for the year. It helps me remember, and I never forget to send a card.
- Gail, via email
DEAR HELOISE: The fertilizer hose attachment that allows fertilizer to mix with water makes an excellent device for washing your pets. Just put your dog shampoo in the reservoir. Spray with clear water first, turn the dial to “product application” and then rinse. Works great!
- L.M., Port Charlotte, Fla.
DEAR READER: As long as the “pet” is large enough, and you must be sure to clean the sprayer several times first.
DEAR HELOISE: I keep a loaf of bread in the freezer just to make school lunches with. It helps the bread not tear when I am trying to put together a sandwich, and it thaws by lunchtime.
- B.R. in Massachusetts
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
HomeStyle, Pages 36 on 01/25/2014