Method eases frustration of folding sheets

Heloise

Dear Readers: Surely one of the most frustrating household chores must be folding a fitted sheet. Here’s my method to make it easier:

• Fold the sheet in half, bring the elasticized ends together and invert one into the other.

• Fold again in half lengthwise, bringing one set of corners to the other, so that all the corners are folded into each other.

• Continue to fold as small as you’d like, smoothing the sheets as you go.

• Fold the flat sheet, too, and condense all the sheets into one pillowcase.

Which household chore is your least favorite? Let us know at heloise.com

Dear Heloise: My hint is to use a table fork to stab off a glob or a slab of margarine. Globs are easy: Just stick the fork in, rotate the handle down and scoop. Globs can be easily dumped on veggies.

To slab, carefully direct the fork to a depth for the thickness one wants, then lift. For a slab, one usually has to turn the fork bottom up and “wipe” it on the bread or bagel.

Brad, you must be an engineer! This also would work well for slightly chilled cream cheese or margarine spread. Consult the label for portion and calorie information.

Dear Heloise: I read your column frequently, and I always find good information. Here’s another great use for old pantyhose: If your tomatoes or any other plants need to be staked, pantyhose are excellent ties. They will stretch as the plant grows.

Dear Heloise: A reader said that she turns on the hot water while she brushes her teeth so it will be ready for washing her face.

Running water down the drain while brushing teeth is wasteful. Why not capture that water for coffee, tea or plants? Put it in a bucket.

Dear Heloise: I put my housework on a weekly schedule. Basic tasks — vacuuming, mopping, cleaning bathrooms — are done every week. Other jobs (dusting fans, blinds, baseboards and windowsills, and washing kitchen cabinets) are done once a month. It works for me.

The house is always ready for unexpected guests, even for overnight. I just freshen up the guest bathroom, and we are ready!

Dear Heloise: I purchased a set of four 18-ounce plastic drinking glasses that were nestled inside each other.

When I tried to separate them, they were stuck together, and I can’t get them apart. What do you suggest to get them separated? —

Barbara, this should be an easy fix. Fill the top glass with ice cubes, then circle a bit of vegetable oil around the lip of the second glass. The ice will cause the top glass to contract slightly. Give it a few minutes, and then they should be unstuck.