HELOISE: Fabric, water softeners do differ

Dear Heloise: What is the difference between fabric softeners and water softeners?

A Reader, via e-mail

Good question, one we took to our friends at the American Cleaning Institute, and this is what they had to say:

Fabric softeners do just what their name implies — they soften washable fabrics. They can make items softer and smoother, and decrease static cling and wrinkling. Always follow the bottle’s label as to how much to use per load.

Water softeners soften water. They can help detergents work better. Again, follow package directions.

Hope this answers your question. If you have any other questions, send them along for Heloise Central to research.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Clothing with beads and embroidery can be hard to press. So, turn a garment inside out and fold a terry-cloth towel under it. That way, the beads and threads can sink into the towel and make for a smooth finish without puckering on the front.

I really enjoy your newspaper column and books, and once I was fortunate enough to meet you when you were in Canton, Ohio. You questioned my name when you signed my book. Yes, it’s on my birth certificate, and there’s a cute story behind my name.

Venetia, North Canton, Ohio

Dear Heloise: Instead of spending a lot of money on plastic containers for gift-wrapping paper, a 5-gallon paint bucket that has been thoroughly cleaned will hold several rolls. Also, you can buy tool aprons for these buckets at many hardware stores. These aprons wrap around the bucket and are held in place with snaps. The various pouches on the apron can hold scissors, tape, ribbon, gift tags and various other supplies needed. Plus, the bucket has a handle for toting around.

Carolyn in Texas

Dear Heloise: After reading about numbering packing boxes, I wanted to let you know that it works really well. I even noted which books I had in my boxes so I could fill my bookshelves with my books in alphabetical order by author. Makes it so easy to keep up with my books and find specific ones.

Kate in Texas

Dear Heloise: After buying shortcake for many years for dessert, I wonder why bakeries don’t make a similar cradle for hot dogs. If they would hollow out the top and the bottom of the hot-dog bun, it would then receive the hot dog and we could pile on the mustard, onions, relish, etc., and it would not fall apart.

Nancy, Fort Worth, Texas

Dear Heloise: When visiting relatives in a nursing home, take family photo albums, with pictures of family reunions, vacations, weddings and graduations. They help create some bright moments.

A Reader, San Angelo, Texas

Dear Heloise: I reuse the big zippered plastic bags that comforters, etc., come in: I make small wreaths for holidays and seasons, and store them in the bags.

Tina from Ohio

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

King Features Syndicate