Funnyoldworld

DURING the Eighties, I lived in Orange County, California, and got used to the American way of doing things. However, the care instructions on a dress I bought in Laguna Beach confused me. ‘For best results: machine or hand-wash separately. Warm water — mild soap. Do not bleach. Tumble dry — low setting. Iron on reverse side. Use cool iron setting. ‘For not so good results: Drag behind car through puddles and blow dry on roof rack.’

Hazel Shepherd, Wimborne, Dorset.