HELOISE Scented laundry products did not smell good

Dear Heloise: I read with interest your answer to the reader regarding scented products. I recently learned that beauty-care products are not the only culprits when a friend told me that my clothes had an odor. When I sniffed all my laundry products, I was astonished to find that several of them reeked, with a liquid fabric softener being the most offensive. I think this particular fabric softener had a pleasing scent at one time, but not anymore, although the manufacturer says my finding is atypical. I am now searching for "unscented" laundry products, but after reading about hair spray and the definitions of "unscented" and "fragrance-free," I have a feeling I'm spitting in the wind. Arlene Schneider, Salem, S.C.
Well, Arlene, we spoke to a major manufacturer of laundry products, and a representative had this to say:
"Unscented" means the products/ingredients used in the product might have an odor, and usually not a pleasant one, so the manufacturers use a masking fragrance to eliminate any odor.
"Fragrance-free" indicates there is no fragrance/no perfume or masking of fragrance in the product.
When at the store, remove the lid on the product and give it a smell to see what you think. Good luck! Heloise
Here are a couple of uses for an old blanket:
USew several small baby blankets together to make a cover for an older child.
UPut it in the trunk of your car for a picnic, sporting event or emergency.
USave and use to cover plants in winter.
UUse as a cover for stored furniture.
UGive to your local pet shelter.
Dear Heloise: I would like to know how to make perfumed dusting powder. My favorite one is no longer made. Thanks so much for your help. Karen Ann Gelsleichter, Orrtanna, Pa.
You can start with plain talc powder, baking soda or cornstarch. Then you simply spray a little (or put a few drops) of your favorite perfume in and close the container tightly. Keep closed for a couple of days so the fragrance has time to permeate the powder. Enjoy! Heloise
Dear Heloise: While Halloween stuff is still in the stores on sale, it's a good time to buy a few extra glowing sticks. These keep indefinitely until activated (by sharply bending and then shaking) and are a much safer substitute for candles in the event of a power outage. L.G., Via E-mail
Dear Heloise: My pet peeve is with hotel and condo owners on the beach. With so many buildings that look the same, they need to put a sign with their establishment's name on the beach side of the building as well as the front.
Vacationers who walk the beach would no longer have to walk to the front of the building to assure themselves of having found the correct one. Laura from Alabama
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate