Think before giving out cellphone number; keeping towels absorbent
Dear Heloise: Most people know enough not to give out their Social Security number to just anyone, but we all freely hand out our cell numbers. Your cell number is unique to you and is a gateway to your identity. It provides entrance to all the data contained on your phone, and can connect your other information to you, such as your email address and physical address.
Most Americans are unaware of “smishing,” which is the act of sending a text message containing questionable links to websites that might not be in your best interests to visit.
Last year, approximately 161,000 consumers had their mobile phones taken over by smishing. Be very careful about who has your phone number, and ask why they need it.—David J., Suwanee, Ga.
TOWEL TROUBLES Dear Heloise: What is the best way to make thick Egyptian towels more absorbent?—Frances W., via internet
Frances, here is a tried-and-true method I’ve used, and so did my mother:
First, wash towels in warm water with only half of the normal amount of detergent and a cup of white vinegar.
Do not use fabric softener, because that will make towels even less absorbent.
To make towels even fluffier, add 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, but no detergent, in warm water for colors and hot for whites. Dry in medium heat, not hot. —Heloise
IDENTIFYING MEDICINE Dear Heloise: I carry a few headache pills and other meds in a pretty pillbox in my purse. If I ever forget what the medicine is, I can type the number etched or printed on the pill into the search engine on my phone— it will tell me what the medicine is, and what it’s used for.—Dana C. in Illinois
CLEVER SHIPPING IDEA Dear Heloise: In the past, I saved all the packing peanuts that came in packages, but now everyone seems to use air-filled packaging of one kind or another. Unfortunately, many of those “bubbles” are already popped when the package arrives. Wadded-up newspaper goes flat and offers no protection for items in transit.
My solution is simple: I save all my empty water bottles with a tight-fitting cap. I make sure they are washed and dried and never have liquid in them. This is an economical idea, and the water bottles can be stored in a box and kept in the garage. Make sure they are empty. After all, you wouldn’t want to spring a leak.—A Woodsman, via email