Get dirty cotton baseball caps clean in the dishwasher

Dear Readers: Baseball and other sports caps are worn so often during the spring and summer months that they get sweaty and dirty. If you wear wool or vintage caps that get dirty, they should be taken to the dry cleaners. But here’s an easy way to clean cotton baseball caps:

Place the baseball caps on the top rack of the dishwasher (wash alone, no dishes). Attach them with clothespins or use special cap forms that can be put in the dishwasher. You also can hand-wash the bill and the cap with a mild liquid detergent. After they are clean, let the caps air-dry.

— Heloise

Dear Readers: When you buy flour in paper packages, where and how you store it is important. You can keep it in the original packaging or place it in a sealed plastic or glass container. Also, you can store it in the refrigerator. But here’s a hint you should know when you are cooking with it:

If you store flour in the refrigerator, you must remove it and bring it to room temperature before you use it. If you do not do this, the flour may have a hearty texture.

— Heloise

Dear Readers: If you have been outside and come into contact with tree sap, take off your garments as soon as you can. First, read the care labels. For washable clothing, use either one of the following cleaning methods:

1. Buy a stain remover with drycleaning solvent (test the fabric for colorfastness). Place the sap-stained area face-down on a cloth or paper towel. Squirt the solvent on the back side of the stain and press with another cloth to push through. Let air-day.

2. Mix powdered laundry detergent (no bleach) with water to make a paste, and apply to the stained area. Let the mixture remain on the fabric for around 30 minutes. Then wash as you normally do. If the stain remains, sprinkle a couple of drops of ammonia on the area. Apply first on a seam to check for colorfastness.

— Heloise