Dear Readers: Today's Sound Off is about mattresses:
"Dear Heloise: Why are mattresses in this age of space technology not made stain- and water-repellent? Why aren't mattresses made in colors that don't show the dirt, and why aren't there handles on the sides of mattresses to make flipping them much easier? Seems to me there's a lot of room for improvement."-Janice M., Waterbury, Conn.
Janice, I'm with you on this! Yes, they do sell mattress protectors, which you buy, then put OVER the mattress. Here is the Heloise Hint: Buy a fabric/ leather protector spray and use this on your mattress. It's best to do several light coats, rather than one heavy.
The handles are supposed to be used when placing the mattress on the box spring, not really to "flip" the mattress. However, most of us do use them when it's time to flip or rotate the mattress. Also, today MOST new mattresses have "pillow" tops, and unless the pillow is on both top and bottom, you can't flip it!
Love your idea of colored mattresses! I'd want purple!-Heloise
FAST FACTS
Dear Readers: Uses for leftover wallpaper:
- Coordinate frame mats with room decor.
- Line shelves in the kitchen.
- Use as wrapping paper.
- Cut to fit for a border trim for walls.
-Heloise
PLANT IDENTIFIER
Dear Heloise: Here is how I make a marker for the seeds I've planted: I go to the dollar store and purchase inexpensive wooden spoons with long handles. Then I paint the front and back of the bowl part of the spoon, plus 2 or 3 inches down the handle from the bowl. When it dries, I write the name of the seeds I'm planting with a waterproof marker on the front of the spoon.
These are cheap and nice-looking plant markers.-Joyce M., Cape Coral, Fla.
CLEAN SOLAR PANEL
Dear Heloise: My husband and I are big advocates of renewable energy, so we had solar panels installed. While I love using solar energy, I don't know how to clean the panels.-Sandy, Mesa, Ariz.
Sandy, good for you, and in Mesa, Arizona, there is a lot of sun, so the solar panels can really provide you with energy. The easiest way to clean them is to just rinse them off with the hose. If they have too much dirt/debris on them, try rinsing well, then cleaning with a MICROFIBER CLOTH OR SQUEEGEE, along with some mild soap and water. Squirt with the hose, and you're done!-Heloise
P.S. Speaking of renewable energy and using MOTHER NATURE to the fullest, wait until it rains, and then squeegee the panels!
GARAGE TREATS
Dear Heloise: When it's time to clean out the garage, I put an ice chest filled with soft drinks, water and some bagged fruit and veggies out there. No excuse to leave!-Tired but Happy, via email
SEND A GREAT HINT TO:
Heloise
P.O. Box 795000
San Antonio, TX 78279-5000
Fax: 1-210-HELOISE
Email: [email protected]
King Features Syndicate