DEAR HELOISE: Having a front-loading washing machine, I have battled the funky smell that can plague them. I've found that when I add white vinegar to the fabric-softener cup (instead of fabric softener) to all my loads, the odor disappears.
After all my wash is complete, to prevent mold buildup, I put a clean washcloth under the rubber flap in the front part of the seal to absorb moisture. Leaving the door open overnight also is helpful.
-- Linda A., Sacramento, Calif.
DEAR READER: Linda, this is an ongoing debate in my column. Readers either like their front-loaders, or they hate them. Your hints will help those who have problems with that funky smell. Vinegar to the rescue again. Love it!
DEAR HELOISE: During a recent family event, my long-distance sister wanted to contribute food and flowers. Her unique solution was to send coupons for quick meals and postage stamps printed with gorgeous flowers. Perfect!
-- Phyllis B., Canandaigua, N.Y.
DEAR READER: It's brilliant and caring. Flowers are lovely, but they last only so long. Thanks for sharing.
DEAR HELOISE: I'm an older woman, and I'm concerned about facial hair. Do you or your readers know of safe ways to get rid of unwanted facial hair?
-- Ruth N., Colorado Springs, Colo.
DEAR READER: Ruth, this is a problem for women of all ages. Let's look at some options:
Tweezing. This is the best solution if you have a few stray hairs.
Waxing. Waxing is good for larger areas of the face. A professional is your best bet. This lasts the longest, just as it does on legs.
Trimming. Use a facial-hair trimmer (really just a female version of an electric shaver).
Shaving. Yes, women shave their faces, and there is nothing wrong with it. And no, the hair will not grow back coarser.
Bleaching. Lightens hair and makes it less noticeable.
I hope one of these options helps.
DEAR HELOISE: I have a shelf in my closet, and I used to lose things at the back of the shelf. I bought a stepladder, leave it in the closet, and now I have easy access to that shelf, with no lost items.
-- Diane M., Morgan City, La.
DEAR HELOISE: When I see someone with an outdated sticker on his or her license plate, I make it a point to tell them. I even leave sticky notes on the car. It works.
-- Shirley U., Rushville, Ill.
DEAR HELOISE: I've been a reader for years. I love your column. My hint is in regard to eyeglass cases: I store extension cords in them.
-- Beverly D., Mission Viejo, Calif.
DEAR READER: I'm sure we all have lots of glasses cases lying about, cloth or hard-shell. Readers, what are your hints to reuse these little carrying cases?
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 on 06/23/2016