Heloise

Dear Heloise: I found that a toothbrush is a great tool to clean the dryer lint filter. It saves my fingernails from getting ruined and does a great job to remove the lint from the filter. It does not harm the filter either. I read your hints in the Abilene Reporter-News. — Delia Elliott, via email

I’M A HUGGER

Dear Heloise: Why do some people think it’s cute to say, “I’m a hugger,” while coming at you for a hug? Not everyone is a hugger, and it’s nearly impossible to graciously back away when they have their arms out a foot in front of you. It borders on being rude when a person feels trapped like this. Thanks for letting me have my say. — Denise, in Pearland, Texas

ANOTHER VASE-GIFTING IDEA

Dear Heloise: I liked the idea of reusing a jar to gift flowers to a host/hostess. I recently reused a jar when going to a friend’s for dinner, and instead of a ribbon, I dressed it up this way:

I have a large amount of peel-and-stick chalkboard labels on hand for leftovers/storage containers. I simply put one of these labels on the jar and write a message. Then the recipient can wipe off the message and keep the jar, regift it, or recycle it. It’s a fun way to jazz up an old jar and repurpose it! — Starshine, in New Jersey

PHOTO TRICK FOR TRAVEL

Dear Heloise: We took a picture of our hotel before our tour of Rome began. After the tour, we were left on our own to return to our hotel. We just showed the picture to the cabbie, and he immediately got us there. — Pat Small, in College Station, Texas

IRONING TRICK

Dear Heloise: As a former road warrior, I had a few mishaps with hotel irons early on. Now I fill the iron with water, turn it to the highest setting, use a lot of steam, and iron one of the hotel’s towels before using it on my clothing. Also, I always pack a couple sheets of white tissue paper and put it over the item before ironing. — Melinda, in Missouri

Melinda, instead of tissue paper, use parchment paper. It’s safer to use with a hot iron than tissue paper. — Heloise

A QUICK STEAL

Dear Heloise: Please make sure your readers are aware that a man on a bicycle or a motorcycle can ride by you in a crowd, grab your purse right out of your hand, and be gone in a flash! Hang on tight to your bag and keep it zipped always. — Melanie T., in Illinois

BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLOTHES

Dear Heloise: When it’s time for back-to-school shopping, I bring my kids along to shop for clothes. I allow them to have a say in what is purchased. If they don’t like it, they won’t wear it. Of course, there are boundaries. Short shorts, crop tops and muscle shirts are a “no,” but we compromise on a T-shirt with a favorite band on it. — Jessica M., in Ohio

WHITE PEPPER VS. BLACK PEPPER

Dear Readers: Have you tried white pepper instead of black pepper when cooking? White pepper is more intense and hotter than black pepper. But hold on to your wallet; white pepper can be three times the price! — Heloise

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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.