Heloise

Dear Heloise: Regarding the recent hint suggesting we plug in extension cords behind heavy pieces of furniture for future use. This can be a serious safety hazard if proper precautions are not taken. Any such cords can be a hazard to young children or pets if they play with or chew on them. They should also be rated for heavy duty and as short as possible. Light duty cords, if used with devices or appliances that draw significant current, will heat up, creating a potential fire hazard. Longer-length cords increase this effect. They are also inefficient due to the voltage drop that will occur. Today, most power cords of all types have a tag attached that give the rating in watts and/or current. You should know the wattage or current draw of anything you are plugging into an extension cord before using one. This is especially important when using an extension cord that has multiple outlets. An electrician can give advice on this subject matter. — Francis W., Hickory, NC

WATER WASTING

Dear Heloise: I want to respond to Charlie M. regarding “water-gobbling golf courses in California.” We are aware of the importance of not wasting water, however, golf courses provide beautiful habitats for animals, recreation for people of all ages, and jobs for golf pros, managers, groundskeepers, food service workers, cleaners and many other staff. Even if you don’t play golf, you can appreciate the green, park-like settings they encompass. I would much prefer a golf course to a parking lot or high-rise building. — Liz C., via email

ROUGH TOWELS

Dear Heloise: I have read your hints/advice for over 50 years and thank you! I sure hope that you can help me.

When my sweet mother passed away, I became the owner of her many beautiful towel sets. These have tags from Wamsutta Suprima or Cannon. Unfortunately, while these towels absorb, they are stiff and feel rough when drying off. I have tried adding vinegar to the wash, baking soda to another wash, vinegar and baking soda together to the wash, fabric softener to the wash, and even fabric softener sheet in the dryer to no avail. What is the answer?

Do towels lose their “softness” over time and with many washings? Should I just donate these towels? Thank you for advising me. — T. Bing, Klein, Texas

T., if your towels are dried outside on a line they will indeed be stiff after drying. Use a dryer and either dryer balls or sheets to soften. If your towels are gray, it could be your detergent or that you are using too much laundry soap. If the towels are white, you could also use just a little bleach. If this doesn’t work. Maybe it’s time for a few new towels. — Heloise

CARTON DATE

Dear Heloise: Mary in Minnesota says she always writes the date on the end of the egg carton before it goes into the refrigerator.

There is already a date on the end of the egg carton. The three digit number between 000 and 365 is the number of days in the year. For instance, 032 is February 1. New Year’s Eve is 365 (or 366 in a leap year). — Ronald P.

Dear Heloise: I just read about the damage that hot water can do to PVC pipes. I put a few ice cubes in the sink before pouring hot water down the drain. I think that’s more effective than using cold water. Here in Arizona during the summer, cold water needs to be run for quite a while before actually getting cold. — JoAnn W.

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Heloise@Heloise.com