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.
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!-Heloise
LONG-DISTANCE LOVE
Dear Heloise: During a recent family event, my long-distance sister wanted to contribute both 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.
It's brilliant and caring. Flowers are lovely, but they last only so long. Thanks for sharing.-Heloise
HAIR BEGONE
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.
Ruth, this is a problem for women of all ages. Let's look at some options:
1. Tweezing. This is the best solution if you have a few stray hairs.
2. 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.
3. Trimming. Use a facial-hair trimmer (really just a female version of an electric shaver).
4. Shaving. Yes, women shave their faces, and there is nothing wrong with it! And no, the hair WILL NOT grow back coarser.
5. Bleaching. Lightens hair and makes it less noticeable.
I hope one of these options will help.-Heloise
EASY REACH
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.-Diane M., Morgan City, La.
SEE IT AND SAY IT
Dear Heloise: When I see someone with an outdated sticker on his or her license plate, I make it a point to tell them.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.
THE EYES HAVE IT
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.
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to [email protected]. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate