Packets of cat litter absorb odors and moisture in shoes

Dear Readers: If smelly shoes are a frequent problem in your house, I have a terrific solution for you. Here's an easy, inexpensive way to deal with stinky sneakers and shoes:
You can make your own odor eliminators with just a few items. You'll need some scrap fabric, a sewing machine and some cat litter.
Start by cutting several 6-inch-by-8-inch or larger rectangles out of scrap fabric to make these odor absorbers. Fold the rectangle in half and stitch up the sides to form a pocket that's open at the top.
Be sure to use a tight stitch, because your next step is to turn the pocket right-side out ... and fill it about three-quarters full with clay cat litter. Then stitch the top closed.
You can slide these little odor sachets in your shoes when you store them. The litter will absorb both odors and moisture. Just remember to keep your litter-filled shoes out of a cat's reach ... or you'll have a whole new problem to deal with! Heloise
Dear Heloise: Yogurt containers are handy to have around. I prefer the containers with a snap-on lid, as the ones with the foil covers don't work as well. Here are some of the uses I have found for them:
Keep craft supplies together.
Keep extra buttons handy.
Use in the utility room for spare nuts, bolts, etc.
I place one on the dryer for collecting lint, etc. Margaret Efferson, Spokane, Wash.
Dear Heloise: I am a caregiver to wonderful elderly people. I encourage them to put address labels on their belongings: walkers, canes, umbrellas, etc.
Actually, it's a good idea for all of us! Mary Ellen Quinn, Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Dear Heloise: I wanted to comment on the recent letter about finding money in the home of a deceased family member.
We cleared out my mother's house last year after her death and found money hidden all over. Some things to check: Flip through all books and magazines; the little drawer found under many old dining-room tables; under the paper lining and underside of drawers; in old, unpaid bills; and pockets in clothing. One elderly couple had money taped to roll-up window shades.
Our search was a time-consuming job, but we left no stone unturned. B.J.S. from North Carolina
Some of the older generations didn't trust banks and hid money at their home, as my mother did also. No place is too crazy! Some folks even put money with food in the freezer. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I appreciate the plastic zip bags that manufacturers are finally using for their products. However, they are difficult to reopen. My husband takes the opened package and cuts a half-moon above the zipper lock on one side. This makes it so easy to separate the sides to reopen the package. Barbara Davis, Conroe, Texas
Send 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