HELOISE Chart shows meaning of universal laundry symbols
Dear Heloise: I'm constantly forgetting what the universal laundering symbols mean on clothing tags, and my husband (who occasionally helps with the laundry) is even worse! I can't tell you how many times we've shrunk something in the dryer because we confused the no-dryer symbol with the no-bleach symbol.
I went to a Web site and printed out a copy of all of the symbols and their meanings, and I taped it to the wall next to my washing machine. No more ruined clothes, and now my husband can't use this as an excuse for not doing the laundry more often! Valerie Sheridan, Germantown, Md.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words! Knowing what those clothing-care symbols mean might be worth thousands of dollars in savings, too.
For anyone else who would like a copy of this handy chart, go to the Federal Trade Commission Web site at www.FTC.gov, where you'll find a printable version of the Clothing Care Symbol Guide in the Consumer Information area. Heloise
Fast facts
Dear Heloise: Candle jars are too pretty to throw away, so here are a few additional uses:
UPut colored marbles in them and add either dried or fresh flowers for a quick and pretty arrangement
UStore cotton balls or swabs in them and use in the bathroom or baby's room
UUse as canisters in the kitchen or storage for macaroni, dried beans, etc. (make sure the candle scent does not remain -- Heloise).
UStore beads, threads and craft items in them.
UPlant seedlings in one and watch it grow. Donna Irvin, Atlanta, Texas
Dear Heloise: When we went on a family vacation, we took digital pictures of our kids in the clothes they would be wearing on the days of air travel. We printed the pictures out with names and emergency contact numbers just in case we were separated. The children had a copy of them in their carry-on travel bags, and so did the adults. Melinda H., New Mexico
Dear Heloise: I enjoy your column and read it every day. I just found a "new" use for my clip that I use to close a bag of chips. I like to read my book while I eat lunch, and I was having trouble keeping it open to my page while I ate my sandwich. Today, I decided to try these clips on the top corners of the pages, clipping them to the hard back, and it worked beautifully. Linda in Texas
Dear Readers: My compliments to hotels and motels that have the newer "contoured" shower-curtain rods, and to the ones that have the shower curtains with a clear portion so the person taking a shower can see through. It is also great when there are several towel hooks in the bathroom for robes and wet towels. This is especially handy when there's more than one person staying in the room. 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