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Dear Heloise: To drop your utility bill, close your closets. Keep the doors shut and unplug as many appliances as you can. If the coffeepot turns itself off, unplug it. You don’t need to heat or air-condition closets, or waste money on plugged-in appliances when they’re not in use. — Hector J., in Arizona
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DOWN COMFORTER HINT
Dear Heloise: Many of us will be getting out our down comforters in preparation for the cold nights ahead in the fall. If you can wash your comforter, use cold water on a gentle cycle. The best way to dry your comforter is on a clothesline or over a shower curtain rod. However, you can also use a dryer with mild heat. You’ll need to remove it occasionally to adjust it for the areas that are still damp. The last thing you need is mildew growing on your comforter.
If the tag says to “dry clean only,” then do not wash it. Always use a duvet to cover your comforter, and you’ll find that this keeps dirt and dust out, which means fewer washings and trips to the dry cleaners. When you’re going to store your down comforter for the warmer months after the winter, make sure to use a cotton bag — never a plastic bag or box. Plastic can encourage the growth of mildew. — Sharon T., in Grand Forks, North Dakota
MEATLOAF … WITH PRETZELS?
Dear Heloise: A couple of nights ago, I decided to make a meatloaf. I had everything except breadcrumbs, so I rummaged through my pantry and found a bag of pretzels. I crushed these up and used them in place of breadcrumbs. It really seemed to perk up the flavor of my meatloaf.
In the past, I’ve also used corn chips, potato chips and crushed cornflakes, but my husband seemed to like the pretzels best! I love your column. — Betty K., in Beaumont, Texas
SEPARATING COFFEE FILTERS
Dear Heloise: I need to share my hint regarding nested bowl-shaped coffee filters. I aim a hair dryer at full speed around the edges to separate a stack of 50. Upon using them, if two stick together, I then blow them apart. I enjoy your column in the Dayton Daily News. — Diane B., in Centerville, Ohio
RECYCLING PLASTIC BAGS
Dear Heloise: I just read your column that discussed using plastic bags. They shouldn’t end up in a landfill no matter what they contain. Our local grocer recycles plastic bags, so I save the bags and return them. I’m grateful that we have this service. Your readers should check to see if this resource is available in their area. — Donna B., in Youngstown, Ohio
CLEANING DIRTY SCREENS
Dear Heloise: I have a thick pet-friendly screen on my front door. It has been getting clogged and dirty. For the heck of it, I tried a common lint brush. Not the sticky kind, just the cloth type that you can use in two directions. I was amazed at what a good job it did. It was basically like new! — An Avid Reader, via email
TOOTHPASTE TABLETS
Dear Heloise: Toothpaste tablets can be found online. They’re great for traveling, especially when you’re trying to reduce the amount of liquids in your carry-on luggage. — Rosemary, in Long Beach, California