Dear Heloise: I’ve put down flooring of all kinds for over 25 years, and I have a few suggestions for you and your readers:

Got squeaky floors? Sprinkle baby or talcum powder (or graphite) all along the boards that are squeaking, and this should silence them. If this does not silence the noise, try a liquid furniture wax that is squeezed through a nozzle along the edges. Wipe away any excess.

If you decide to put down new wood flooring, the tongue-and-groove kind uses boards that are about 6 inches or less. Shorter boards will go down easier, and if any of the boards should happen to buckle, the shorter boards are easier to remove and replace.

Wood rot is sometimes a problem where there is moisture and in very humid climates. Take a screwdriver and tap areas where you suspect that rot might be happening. The board will usually crumble or seem to be spongy if there is fungus at work. You can rub those areas with a wire brush, then rub table salt into the area. However, it’s usually better to just tear out the problem boards and replace them.

— Howard J., Abilene, Kansas

CLOTHING CARE

Dear Heloise: Here are some hints on how to care for your clothing:

If you have a pair of dark jeans or dark T-shirts, it’s always best to turn them inside out and wash them in cold water with minimum soap. This is especially important if you hang your clothes outside to dry.

To get rid of mothball odors, hang clothes outside for about 1 hour, then place them in the dryer for 10-15 minutes to fluff the fibers. Drying them is an added measure to get rid of the mothball smell.

Use a handheld steamer to get wrinkles out of wool. Do not saturate an area with the steam.

Never store your clothing in a plastic or nylon bag. Garments need to breath, and a polyethylene bag emits a gas that can alter the color of your clothing. Cloth or even paper is a better choice for clothing storage. And always fold your sweaters!

— Bonnie E., Lexington, Massachusetts

ANIMAL SHELTERS

Dear Heloise: With winter coming and cold, snowy days just around the corner, I’ve been busy creating a place for my feral kitties. I found some nice outdoor shelters that anyone can make or purchase. There are usually inexpensive. You can add an old rug inside or old blankets that have been washed, or even a nice, thick layer of straw. It doesn’t take much to provide shelter and comfort to a feral cat or a family pet. Just remember that your pets are members of your household and should be taken inside during the worst part of the winter.

Please keep in mind that if you wouldn’t want to be outside on a freezing cold night, neither would your dog or cat.

— Susan R., Missoula, Montana

AIR DRAFT CHECK

Dear Readers: If you haven’t already, now is a good time to check the windows and doors around your home for air leaks and drafts.

Blocking escaping heat will lower your utility bills this winter.

— Heloise

Send a great hint to Heloise@Heloise.com