Dryer sheets have many household uses
Dear Readers: One of the most useful items I have found is dryer sheets! They have multiple uses:
■ Take one used dryer sheet and slip it into a pillowcase to keep the pillow smelling fresh.
■ Use under a drawer liner to keep ‘’undies’’ smelling nice.
■ Use in the closet where you store your linens to have sweet-smelling sheets.
I dripped olive oil on my expensive genuine leather couch. Do you have any magic formula to absorb it and get rid of the dark spot? I tried blotting repeatedly, gently sponging with a mild liquid detergent, more blotting, etc., but I am left with the oil stain. Any suggestions?
Dear F. P. B.: You have already tried blotting and soap and water. When an oil stain first appears on leather, immediately sprinkle baby powder or cornstarch on the spot and let it sit overnight, then brush it off with a micro-fiber cloth in the direction of the grain. However, because you have had this oil stain for a while, you might try this:
Mix together the following ingredients to form a paste: cup distilled water cup sea salt
■ teaspoon white fl our
■ 1 tablespoon baking powder
Do a patch test first on an area that doesn’t show, and if it doesn’t lift the dye in the leather, then proceed to ■ ■ apply it to the stain. Use a soft cloth to apply the paste in dabs ( be gentle, and don’t scrub). Let the area dry completely. Carefully wipe off with the grain of the leather. This may require more than one or two applications.
Another suggestion is equal parts lemon juice and cream of tartar. Dab on and gently wipe off after a couple of hours. Some of my readers have had success with this formula.
Dear Heloise: After baking for a big party, the party was canceled. It’s all been put in my freezer. Please tell me if I can invite my family to eat this food: chicken soup, meatballs, lasagna, etc.
— Heloise Dear Heloise:
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, freezer times are as follows:
■ Cooked poultry — four months
■ Uncooked poultry parts — nine months
■ Cooked meats — two to three months
■ Uncooked steaks or chops — four to 12 months
■ Uncooked ground meat — three to four months
Check the food for freezer burn, and when in doubt, throw it out!
I like to buy the 19-ounce size can of soup. It usually has about four or five cubes of meat, about
½ can of vegetables, and the rest is broth. I usually buy a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, cook it, then freeze in small containers and add as needed to the soup. Works great! — Doris G., North Little Rock, Ark.