Avoiding

washing

machine odors

Dear Heloise: Just wanted to mention that I always leave the top open after washing clothes for at least a day to make sure the machine dries out. This way, I avoid any bad washing machine odors. It’s never a good idea to close up anything that is wet or moist inside. — Liz Nass, via email

FINDING

YOUR CAR

Dear Heloise: I wanted to add on to the discussion about finding your car in a parking lot. I always pick a parking spot near an easily recognized landmark, like a light pole with a number on it.

If this is unavailable, I take a look at my surroundings and pick another type of landmark (a sign of the business, a clump of trees, etc.) that can help me narrow down my search. I also take a quick picture of the area around my car. — Jim Schlagheck, in Colorado Springs, Colorado

GARAGE

SALE HINT

Dear Heloise: Making a garage sale more enjoyable was a topic in a recent column. During the third day of her yard sale, my daughter put up signs saying “donations only today,” and all money/donations went to a local cat rescue organization. She made a considerable amount for her cause! — Gail Powell, via email

CLEANING

COFFEE CARAFES

Dear Heloise: In response to Gail, in Ohio, who cleans her coffee carafe with stain remover powder, I prefer to use a couple tablespoons of sugar with a little bit of water, then wipe the inside with a paper towel. The sugar causes soft abrasion, cleans the glass fast, and is very safe. — Gina Seaton, in East End, Arkansas

WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?

Dear Heloise: My husband, who is now retired, came up with a couple of ideas I’d like to share:

I used to cut olives up by hand until he suggested that I use an egg slicer. I can put four or five olives in at a time and slice them.

When picking up or delivering hot foods, heat up the inside of an insulated bag with a hair dryer first. It keeps everything warm. — Kathy B., in Ohio

GETTING

CREATIVE IN

THE KITCHEN

Dear Heloise: Yesterday I baked a boxed devil’s food cake. In place of the required 1 cup of water, I substituted coffee from breakfast. After it was baked, I removed the 13-by-9-inch cake pan from the oven and immediately sprinkled chocolate chips all over the top of the cake. In no time, the chips melted, so I spread them with my spatula to make frosting. I even added walnut bits to complete the creation. — Marilyn K., in California

IS THIS FRIED?

Dear Heloise: Your readers should be aware: If an item on a menu is described as “crispy,” “crunchy,” “browned,” “breaded” or “golden,” you can bet your bottom dollar it’s fried. — Delores, in Dallas

A CLEAN BLENDER

Dear Heloise: My sister told me just to squirt dishwashing liquid in my blender and pulse it a couple of times. Then voila, you’ll have a clean blender!

This is OK, but every other week, I like to take the blender completely apart, scrub it with a bleach cleaner, and let it dry thoroughly. Tiny seeds and other residue can get stuck in there, so a deep cleaning is necessary. –Marie, in Ohio

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.