Dear Heloise: This is in response to the women complaining that their sheets do not tuck in on the sides of the mattress. Unless they have a king-sized bed, the solution is simple. If they have a standard bed, buy a queen-sized flat sheet. If it’s a queen bed, buy a king-sized flat sheet. This is what I do. You can usually find one to match the color of your fitted sheet.

— Rich, via email

SLEEPLESS READER

Dear Heloise: Your sleepless reader might enjoy having a CD player close to his bed with a recording of rain on it that can start with a push of a button. He might be asleep before it ends. If I’m in bed and awake, I simply push the button for rain.

— Glenda D., via email

CLEANING DENTURES

Dear Heloise: I went on a weekend trip to a wilderness area and found I had forgotten my denture-cleaning tablets. I went to a local store (about 15 miles away), and they didn’t carry denture tablets. So, I bought some white vinegar and soaked my dentures in a solution of vinegar and water overnight. Just one more reason why vinegar is so useful!

— Bill H., Cheyenne, Wyoming

EMERGENCY ICE PACK

Dear Heloise: Ever need an ice pack and found that you didn’t have one? When a large lump began to form on my husband’s forehead from a fall, I used a frozen bag of peas. We arrived in the emergency room with my husband still holding the frozen bag against his head, but the swelling was going down.

— Keegan S., in Florida

LEVERAGING YOUR BAKING

Dear Heloise: My hint, which I have done for years when stirring cookie dough and other mixtures, is that I put the bowl in my sink. With the leverage of it being positioned lower than my countertop, it makes it easier to stir with not as much effort. If it spills over the side of the bowl, it is also easier to clean up.

— Sue W., via email

REFRIGERATOR tips

Dear Readers: Who has a messy refrigerator? If this sounds like you, it’s time to get organized. First take everything out and put it on the counter. Now you can see what you have. Then turn back to the fridge; it’s time for a deep clean!

Spray the shelving, drawers and walls with a solution of 4 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with water. Wipe down with a clean cloth. Get in all the tight places; cotton swabs may come in handy. Wipe dry with paper towels.

Throw away anything you don’t need or recognize. (This means anything fuzzy.) Combine items like two open jars of pickles or vegetables that can be grouped together.

Now it’s time to restock. Avoid overstocking the fridge; the cold air needs to circulate. Keep milk and juices up front for easy access. Store tiny fruits like strawberries in a basket inside the fridge.

P.S. Where is the best place to store eggs? According to the American Egg Board (IncredibleEgg.org), you should keep eggs in their original container on a shelf in the fridge, not in the door. This keeps them insulated and protects them from cracking or absorbing other flavors.

— Heloise

Send a great hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.