NW Democrat-Gazette

HELPFUL HINTS

HELOISE

DEAR READERS: With fall and winter weather on its way, now is the time to pull out your comforters to see if they need to be cleaned. Your cotton, synthetic and rayon comforters get dirty or might be stale from being stored in

a closet. So first check the care labels to know exactly what you need to use to get them cleaned and the right way to do the job. Many comforters should be drycleaned.

If you see that they just need a fast fix, you can freshen the comforter in the dryer on the cool-air setting. Include a fabric-softener sheet for freshening.

But, if they need to be cleaned, first spot- treat stained or soiled comforters. Then wash for around five minutes in cold to warm water on the delicate cycle with detergent and oxygen bleach (if the label says it’s OK). Dry comforters on a low heat (if OK) or hang to dry.

DEAR HELOISE: I just read your post about moving and would like to add a couple of tips.

I always pack a “first open” box with toiletries, bath and dish soap, toilet paper, towels and washcloths for everyone, and the locations of grocery stores and gas stations and anything else I don’t want to search for when I arrive. I also pack a separate overnight bag, just in case. We moved every two to three years for decades, and now in my 70s we are readying ourselves for one last (we hope) move to our cabin.

By the way, all the changes that may happen in a move can be disorienting and cause some level of grief. The loss of familiarity can be more affecting than many of us realize, and knowing it’s quite normal can be a help. Thanks for your kind column, Heloise.

— Lynn D., Springfield, Ohio DEAR HELOISE: I love making popcorn, but if it burns, the smell lingers for days in the microwave. How can I get rid of that awful odor?

— A reader, via email DEAR READER: To remove this stink, fill a large (4-cup) microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and ¼ cup white household vinegar. You can also sprinkle some of your favorite spice, such as cinnamon. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Then allow it to remain inside for 10 to 15 minutes to cool down. Remove the bowl and wipe down the walls with a paper towel. Leave the door open to air it out.

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email [email protected]

Nwa Outdoors

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2021-10-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://edition.nwaonline.com/article/282707640270597

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