HELOISE: Binder clips solve sheet problems

Dear Heloise: During a recent weeklong stay at a motel, we were troubled by bottom sheets that would not stay tucked in. Consequently, the mattress pad would shift around also, and we would be sleeping on the bare mattress by morning. After the first couple of nights, we secured the sheets with large binder clips that we carry for just such emergencies.

J.E., via e-mail

This is one way to solve the problem! Usually the problem is because the hotel may use flat sheets for both top and bottom, or the pockets are not deep enough for a new “deeper” mattress.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Rubber car mats can be cleaned very easily — remove and vacuum them. But for a more thorough cleaning, scrub the mats with a solution of equal amounts household vinegar and water. Rinse well and let dry before returning them to your vehicle. Vinegar is one of the most eco-friendly and cheap cleaners around! For a pamphlet filled with my favorite vinegar hints, please send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (61 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Keep a small spray bottle filled with an equal amount of vinegar and water (along with a microfiber cloth or a roll of paper towels) in your auto to quick-clean windows.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have many friends and family to whom I send greeting cards for birthdays and anniversaries. I have envelopes for each month of the year. On the left side of the envelope is the month on which the special occasion occurs, and on the right is either “B” for birthday or “A” for anniversary. At the beginning of every month, I take the cards I will need, address them and put them back into the envelope until the date I need the cards.

Pat in Ohio

Dear Heloise: If you purchase a garment with an extra button attached to the tags (usually in a plastic bag), either keep the tags with the bag to identify the item, or write on the bag which item the bag belongs to. Keep the bags in a designated place, such as a slot in your jewelry tray, sewing kit, etc. If you are capable of sewing on a button, sew it on the inside of the garment.

Melanie, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: I accidentally used a permanent black marker on my white dry-erase board and thought it was ruined. I needed something to clean off the marker without scratching up the finish. I finally decided to try the cleaner that I use for my glass cooktop, and it came right off with no scrubbing.

Phyllis Sporven, 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