Dear Heloise: The suggestion about the wire brush was a good one. I use metal scrubbers on my pots, which also shed, so I wipe the pots with a dish cloth after cleaning, just in case.

Not bagging fruits and vegetables does not take into account that the person handling them at the register also handles money, meat and chemicals that have been placed on the conveyor belt, and the bags keep the items together making for easier handling. I save my cleaned bags and reuse them.

ID tags should only have your phone number on them, never an address, which can open you up to theft. Always look forward to reading your hints in some of the magazines and newspapers I have access to. — Ann, Rolla, Missouri

CLOTHING WORN ONCE

Dear Heloise: Regarding closet clothes that have been worn once, and want to be worn again, before laundering, I just face the hanger the opposite way that the clean clothes hangers are facing. Works for me. — J.S., Glendora, via email

DEODORANT STAIN REMOVAL

Dear Readers: To remove most fresh stains left by deodorants and antiperspirants, rub clothes with undiluted white vinegar, and then launder as usual, using the hottest water safe for fabric.

Vinegar is such an indispensable and safe household product, which can be used for cleaning, deodorizing and cooking, as you have discovered. I’ve put together a six-page pamphlet full of vinegar uses that you can have by visiting www.Heloise.com, or by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (84 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. FYI: To help make most rice fluffy, add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to the cooking water. — Heloise

FINDING BLACK CASES IN A BLACK-LINED PURSE

Dear Heloise: I finally got so tired of not finding black stuff in my black-lined purse, computer bag or carry-on bags (even the black car console) that out of desperation, I started marking the black cases with colored electrical tape. I would suggest bright orange or bright yellow. — Barbara Colman, via email

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.