Dear Heloise: What is the standard time frame for washing bed linens? This would involve bedding for two adults who bathe at least once every day. Is it two times a week, once a week or once every two weeks? — Trisha, Via E-mail
Well, the answer to this question is really based on individual preference. However, we took an unscientific poll in my office and found that the majority wash sheets once a week, while twice a week was also mentioned.
One of my assistants (who shall remain nameless for obvious reasons) said that her college-age son didn't wash his bedsheets for several months, and she tossed them out rather than try to clean them! Readers, what do you have to say? — Heloise
Dear Heloise: A great use for plastic newspaper bags — when packing, use them to put shoes in. This will keep other articles clean, you can readily see what color you need when dressing, and it will keep your shoes together. — Billie S., Bakersfield, Calif.
Dear Heloise: I just read the suggestion about adding a mashed potato to the yolks to make extra stuffing when making deviled eggs. I have a suggestion, too:
Since an egg white or two always break or get dinged or cracked when peeling and halving them, those that are too damaged or unsightly should get smashed up with the yolk filling. I always have enough filling to make nice, full deviled eggs. — Lori, Via E-mail
Yumm! Deviled eggs are tasty, and this is a good way to stretch the recipe while cutting out a few calories. — Heloise
Dear Heloise: Sore, swollen hands kept driving from being the pleasure it once was for me. I looked for driving gloves to soften the shock of the steering wheel, but found none in stock. I settled for weightlifters' gloves, and they are even better because they provide more padding in the palm where the pain is. — Jerry Hatfield, Texarkana, Texas
Dear Heloise: Since my face and eye creams are in identical containers, the writing on the jars is very small, and reading without my contacts is impossible, it became necessary to find an alternative way to identify them. I attached a different, brightly colored dot to the bottom of each container. This saves fumbling for glasses or using the wrong cream. — Ann D., Forney, Texas
Dear Heloise: After a building project, if you have pieces of pressure-treated wood (which cannot be burned), use them to make pathways or dividers in your yard or garden. They will not rot. — M.E.W., Ashland, Ore.
Dear Heloise: Before giving my old clothes to charities, I take out the shoulder pads. I pin them on hangers to use under my good tops. They don't stretch at the shoulder, and they remain free of wrinkles from folding. Presto! They are ready to wear. Saves drawer space as well. — Marianne Dorsey, Capistrano Beach, Calif.