HELOISE: Readers chime in after bra column

Dear Readers: A recent column queried readers to see if they were wearing the correct bra size, how many bras they had, and did the bras hook in the back or front?

Here are just a few of the many comments we received:

K.M., via e-mail, said: “You made me go through my lingerie drawer and finally sort out the undergarments I don’t wear. Some I donated to charity, while others were tossed. Now my dresser is organized and stores the items I really do wear.”

A Reader, via e-mail, said: “I counted my brassieres — I was amazed that I have 21 in my lingerie drawer. I would say that some of them are at least 15 years old. I still use them, I hand-wash them, and they have kept their shape.”

Sharon in Florida says: “I have always hooked in the back. I just find it easier — personal preference.”

J.R.B. in New Jersey says: “In regard to your recent column in The Star-Ledger, my bra is hooked in the back. The oldest bra I own is from 1953.”

So, the oldest bra seems to be from 1953! That’s pretty darn old!

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have found the following ways to use cat litter around my house:

Freshens musty odors in the basement.

Aids in traction on slippery streets.

Can stabilize flowers in a vase.

Freshens ashtrays.

Sharon L. in Texas

Dear Readers: A cheap and fast way to clean the toilet bowl? Baking soda and vinegar.

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda in the bowl, and follow with 1/4 cup of vinegar.

Scrub thoroughly, then flush.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I learned very quickly that I couldn’t stand the teeth-whitening mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide, but it makes a terrific cleaner for the sink!

I splash a little in the sink, slosh it around with a paper towel, then rinse and dry.

S. Sands, League City, Texas

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

Dear Heloise: Since my navy and black slacks are hard to tell apart, I hang them on the same hanger. When viewed next to each other, it is easy to distinguish navy from black.

Sharilynn Aucoin, Baton Rouge, La.

A simple hint that can save frustration on a busy morning. Say hello to my friends in Baton Rouge! A lovely city — I was totally charmed by it.

Heloise

SOUND OFF

Dear Heloise: Why do the makers of leisure and/or sports shoes put such a complicated grid work on the soles? I realize some of it is to make them more slip-proof and safe. But I can’t go out for a walk in the yard without having to take my shoes off when I get in. Then I take a sharp tool to dig out all of the grass and dirt.

A Reader, via e-mail

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