Dear Heloise >> We recently purchased a 6-by-9-foot rug and pad online. The rug showed up folded tightly inside a small box! We put it on the floor, and after a week, there was no change — the wrinkles were still there. We rolled it up for a month, and there was only a very small change. We called the company we purchased it from, and the lady on the line told me what another customer had done. So, we tried it, and it worked!

We put the pad down on the patio outside, then put the carpet on top with the top side down. We left it in the sun for half a day, and all but one wrinkle disappeared. We put it in the sun again the next day, and there were no more wrinkles! Thanks to the lady who thought of this, whoever she is, because we really liked the rug!

— Karen Greding, Thousand Oaks

Dear Heloise >> I would like to offer a tip to your readers: Store scented garbage bags separate from your kitchen storage bags to avoid baked goods that taste like perfume. I continue to get homemade baked goods that taste like perfume, and it has got to be from the scented garbage bags. I’ve had to throw away a lot of goods, which is so sad!

I enjoy your column, as always!

— Simone, in Spokane County, Washington

Dear Heloise >> When taking walks around the neighborhood or park, use a fanny pack to hold your phone and ID. My neighbor was holding her phone when she fell on the sidewalk, and her phone went flying! Thankfully, a good Samaritan came along to assist.

A fanny pack will ensure that your phone stays close and doesn’t fly out of your hand or pocket.

— Vonda Morton, Union, New Jersey

Dear Heloise >> A recent hint from Claire about a charitable organization including a postage-paid envelope begs my response. As the director of one of the state’s oldest and largest nonprofit organizations, if you mail one of our postage-paid envelopes back, please include a donation. Better yet, put a first-class stamp on the envelope so that we get money back from the postal service, instead of paying for this convenience for our supporters. Every little bit helps!

With the high cost of printing and postage, we are emailing, texting and encouraging online donations and are mailing less. It is smart and advisable to check out a charitable organization before making a donation to ensure that funds don’t go to high salaries, luxurious offices, or perks for executives. Most organizations consist of dedicated, hardworking people who are making a big difference with what they receive from those who share in their mission. They often have small staffs with lower salaries.

We love what we do and appreciate the support of our work. Thank you. I never miss reading your column.

— Rose M., in Arkansas

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.