Dear Heloise: Just wanted to mention that I always leave the top open after washing clothes for at least a day to make sure the machine dries out. This way, I avoid any bad washing machine odors. It’s never a good idea to close up anything that is wet or moist inside.
— Liz Nass, via email
FINDING YOUR CAR
Dear Heloise: I wanted to add on to the discussion about finding your car in a parking lot. I always pick a parking spot near an easily recognized landmark, like a light pole with a number on it.
If this is unavailable, I take a look at my surroundings and pick another type of landmark (a sign, a clump of trees, etc.) that can help me narrow my search. I also take a picture of the area around my car.
— Jim Schlagheck, in Colorado Springs, Colorado
GARAGE SALE HINT
Dear Heloise: Making a garage sale more enjoyable was a topic in a recent column. During the third day of her yard sale, my daughter put up signs saying “donations only today,” and all money/donations went to a local cat rescue organization. She made a considerable amount for her cause!
— Gail Powell, via email
CLEANING COFFEE CARAFES
Dear Heloise: In response to Gail, in Ohio, who cleans her coffee carafe with stain remover powder, I prefer to use a couple tablespoons of sugar with a little bit of water, then wipe the inside with a paper towel. The sugar causes soft abrasion, cleans the glass fast, and is very safe.
— Gina Seaton, in East End, Arkansas
WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?
Dear Heloise: My husband, who is now retired, came up with a couple of ideas I’d like to share:
I used to cut olives up by hand until he suggested that I use an egg slicer. I can put four or five olives in at a time and slice them.
When picking up or delivering hot foods, heat up the inside of an insulated bag with a hair dryer first. It keeps everything warm.
— Kathy B., in Ohio
GETTING CREATIVE IN THE KITCHEN
Dear Heloise: Yesterday I baked a boxed devil’s food cake. In place of the required 1 cup of water, I substituted coffee from breakfast. After it was baked, I removed the 13-by-9-inch cake pan from the oven and immediately sprinkled chocolate chips all over the top of the cake. In no time, the chips melted, so I spread them with my spatula to make frosting. I even added walnut bits to complete the creation.
— Marilyn K., in California
IS THIS FRIED?
Dear Heloise: Your readers should be aware: If an item on a menu is described as “crispy,” “crunchy,” “browned,” “breaded” or “golden,” you can bet your bottom dollar it’s fried.
— Delores, in Dallas
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
