HELOISE Tips sought for prolonging swimsuit life

Dear Heloise: Is there a way to help make my brand-new swimsuit last longer? I've heard there is something that you can wash it in -- do you know what it is? Deb, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
I don't know of a specific product that will make your bathing suit last longer, but I do have a hint to help keep it looking good and possibly prolong its life.
Chlorine that is used in pools "helps" a bathing suit fade before its time. If you launder or at least rinse the suit right after wearing, it will help cut down on the fading.
Then, as soon as you can, fill a sink with cool water and add a drop or two of chlorine remover. You can find it in aquarium stores or the pet section of some discount stores. It is used to remove chlorine from new water poured into an aquarium.
Swish the water around after adding the drops and mix well. Add the suit, swish it around, then let it soak for a couple of minutes. Caution: Do not add your swimsuit until the drops have been mixed well, because undiluted chlorine remover could stain your bathing suit.
There's no need to rinse -- just remove the suit, roll it up in a towel and twist and squeeze to remove excess water. Hang it to dry out of direct sunlight. Also, never dry a swimsuit in the dryer, unless the label says otherwise. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I cannot do many things by myself. One of them is lifting the mattress to put on a bed ruffle.
So, I cut the bed ruffle in half, hemmed the cut edges on my sewing machine and then slid one under each side of the mattress.
When changing the sheets, I just lift the mattress up easy so I don't pull the ruffle out. Harriet L., Morgantown, W.Va.
Dear Heloise: I have a tip for hanging pictures and whatnots:
I break off a piece of burned candle wick and rub soot/ash onto the back of the picture where the nail is supposed to go. Then I hold the picture up to the wall where I want it and press the soot/ash onto the wall. I now know exactly where the nail should go without any doubts, and the picture will hide the mark. Angela R., Spokane, Wash.
Dear Heloise: I buy pantyhose in three-pair multipacks. When I get a run in one leg, I cut the one leg off. When I have two one-legged pairs of pantyhose, I then wear both pairs. If the legs are the same, I turn one inside out, and then they are a whole pair.
I am retired but work part time, and pantyhose are expensive. This way, I get extra wear out of them. I told the girls in my office, and they said it was a good idea. Sharon, Harrisburg, Pa.
A favorite of mine that really does help s-t-r-e-t-c-h the pantyhose budget. Heloise
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate