Dear Heloise: I just read the suggestion of the lady from Louisiana about using crib sheets to protect pet beds. I discovered a king-sized pillow would fit a large-sized travel crate. That was my little doxie’s, Charlie, favorite place to nap in the daytime. Before I put it in the crate, I covered it with a water-proof pillow protector and put a pillowcase over that. I bought washable pillows. They lasted until he finally chewed a hole and started taking the stuffing out.

I read your column every day in the San Antonio Express-News. — Glenda Duming, San Antonio

ALWAYS CARRY YOUR KEYS AND CELL PHONE

Dear Heloise: Regarding Michael Noll’s suggestion about always taking a house key when going outside as a safety precaution — that’s good advice, but please also remember to take your cell phone, too, if you don’t have an emergency call button. If you fall, you may not be able to get up, and then you will be at the mercy of the elements until someone sees you and comes to your aid. — Sara R., Sebastian, Florida

REMOVING STAINS FROM STAINLESS THERMOSES OR CARAFES

Dear Heloise: I recently found a good, safe method to remove stains from stainless (not really stainless) coffee cups, thermos bottles or carafes. It removes coffee or tea stains. Mix 1/2 a cup of hydrogen peroxide with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Put it in the thermos or carafe and let it sit for about a half an hour. It can be easily rinsed with hot water, and you don’t have to worry about using any toxic cleaners. Have a great day. — Mike Hopton, via email

ROBOCALL SHOCK

Dear Heloise: I enjoyed the letter from Steve about dealing with robocalls. I recently received calls with automated messages from “Amy” every three days. I hung up each time. The fourth time, I had a response when she asked how I was doing. I said, “I just fell off the roof and am waiting for an ambulance.” I received absolute silence. She hasn’t called again. I am 79, and she was selling prepaid funeral plans. — Linda, via email

PLUG SOLUTION

Dear Heloise: I am losing my vision and could not figure out how to plug in my cell phone, tablet or ear phones. I bought some inexpensive and different colored nail polish and put a dot on the correct side of the plug as well as a dot on the device so that I could tell where to plug it in.

I use different colors for different plugs, since each is a different size. — Jill, via email

CLEANING REUSABLE FOOD STORAGE BAGS

Dear Heloise: I like using reusable food storage bags to store leftovers, premade green smoothies, and soup. I freeze the food in heavy duty storage bags. The bags take up less space and can be used over and over again.

Cleaning the bags is easy, but getting them to dry completely can be a challenge. I’ve tried different methods, but my favorite is to wipe out the inside with a clean, soft towel. Then I ball up a small, clean dish cloth and place it in the open bag to help the air circulate. By the next day, the bag is completely dry and ready for storage. I don’t worry about lingering moisture during storage. — Theresa V., Hamilton, Ohio

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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.