Before using linens again, they should be well laundered

Dear Readers: If you're using your fine linens during the holiday season, here's how to leave them in good shape for the next go-round:
UAlways, always, always clean table linens well before you put them away.
UFor wine stains, sprinkle the stain with lots of salt to absorb the liquid; put the tablecloth in cold water and rub out the stain. Soak the cloth for up to a half-hour with an enzyme detergent in the hottest water safe for the fabric and then launder as usual.
UTo remove candle wax, scrape or flick off as much of the wax as possible with a dull knife. Place paper towels on both sides of the stain and press with a warm iron. You'll want to replace the towels often to absorb any remaining wax, and then wash.
UWhen storing linens, prevent creases by wrapping them around empty wrapping-paper tubes or hanging them on rounded hangers in the closet.
UAnd a warning: If you iron linens before storing them, don't use starch -- it might attract insects with hearty appetites. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Every time I used a recipe, try as I may, I always ended up with some kind of specks on the recipe. Not wanting to have to rewrite the recipe, I got the idea of putting the piece of paper in one of those plastic sheet covers (available at any office-supply store) to protect the recipe. Now if I get klutzy and splash any spots, I can easily just wipe it off, and voil & aacute; -- my recipe is safe! If using a recipe book, use a plastic bag instead. This would also save wear and tear (from handling) on the recipe, especially if it's a favorite and often-used one. Here's to clean recipes! Barbara Stauble, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: I just had to write to let you know about the major mistake (and mess) I made this week.
It was time to do a paint touch-up on the scratches, scuffs, etc., in several rooms. The touch-ups went great in the bathroom; it was a whole different story in my bedroom. Thinking I had the right paint, I began to touch up all the little scratches, etc.
Well, once it dried, it did not match. I'm hoping to work with the paint store to adjust the paint that I used. If not, the entire room will have to be repainted. The two most valuable lessons I learned and wanted to pass on are: (1) Always label the paint can with the room/area it was used in; and (2) always paint a small, inconspicuous place first (being sure to let it dry before any other area is touched up) to be sure you have a match. Jan Weede, Manvel, Texas
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate