Permanent marker removal makes for a challenge

Dear Heloise: How can I remove permanent marker from a shirt pocket? Teresa Burch, Texas

Teresa, the word permanent is, well, problematic! Getting these stains out can be a difficult task. Always try cleaning methods on a hidden area first to be sure it doesn’t damage the fabric.

Put a couple of thicknesses of white paper towels in the shirt pocket and under the shirt. Then, using a clear, nonfragrance, acetone-free nail-polish remover, gently dab the stain. As color is absorbed into the towels, replace them. Don’t rub or overuse the remover — it might spread the stain. Rub laundry detergent into the spot and launder. Let air-dry, and re-treat if needed. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Coffee filters are not just for making coffee:

•Filter wine if a cork breaks or crumbles.

•Use to polish shoes or boots.

•Keep a frozen ice-cream treat from making a drippy mess by poking the stick through a filter. Renda, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: After washing and drying sweaters, bluejeans, hooded sweats, etc., remove lint from the inside of all pockets by turning wrong-side out and rubbing briskly with an emery board. This works like a charm. Betty Hill, Grove City, Ohio

Dear Heloise: As a preschool teacher, I receive gifts from my students. Often these are body wash/body lotion sets, which are wonderful, but I can use only so many.

I was in need of refill soap for the pump in the bathroom. I found a bottle of bath gel (liquid soap), so I thought, “Why not?” and filled the bottle. It works, and I won’t have to feel guilty if I don’t use the gifts from my wonderful children. Jani, Fort Worth, Texas

Dear Heloise: The little tubs you buy soup in are very useful for other things. I wash them out and use to reheat leftover food, veggies, soup or gravy. They are so useful when you want to microwave a small amount. Do not throw away the lid, because it also is used when reheating.

Do not throw away the perfume inserts from magazines. I shred them in my shredder and use as potpourri. Doris J. Sutka, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Sound Off

Dear Heloise: Please advise people who leave messages on answering machines requesting to be called back to speak clearly and slowly when pronouncing their name and telephone number. This telephone courtesy will ensure a return call. Barbara Woolever, via e-mail

Nothing is more irritating than having to listen to the same message several times just to get a name or number. Folks, please repeat the number at the end of the message, too. Heloise

• Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate