Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: I can’t be the only one having this problem! With deep-pocket bedsheets, my sheets now roll into a BALL in the clothes dryer — usually with the pillowcases in the middle of the ball. I have to unroll the ball, continue the drying cycle and stop it again several times to unroll the ball. The end result is the same: very wrinkled sheets. Is there any way to solve this problem? By the way, my dryer is a large-capacity dryer. I am so frustrated! — Mickey in Houston

Mickey, I hear you. It’s bothersome, and takes up extra time as well. I’ve tested several hints, and the following Heloise hint seems to work the best: Before putting a flat sheet in the dryer, put all the corners together and straighten the sides. Tie two corners together into a loose knot. Put it into the dryer, and the sheet dries without ending up in a ball. For a fitted sheet, put the elastic sides together and tie two ends in another loose knot. Do shake out pillowcases and shirts. Don’t just throw items in a lump of wet material. Do use a lower heat setting for a longer time. Don’t dry on high heat! — Heloise CARPET MILDEW Dear Heloise: How do I get mildew out of a lightcolor carpet by the front door? I read you in the Billings (Mont.) Gazette and enjoy all your hints. — Laverne B., Billings, Mont.

Hi, Laverne. Thank you and all of the other friendly folks in Billings who write. It’s a beautiful place to fly hot-air balloons, as my husband and I did years ago. I may have flown over your house! Mildew can be a pesky problem, and the location is an indicator that the mildew is from repeated or continued exposure to moisture/water. You may be able to lighten up the stain by cleaning, but it most likely will reoccur. Check to see if warm air or moisture leaks in under the door. Or do a lot of wet shoes and boots walk over the area? You can try cleaning the area with a vinegar-and-water (1/4 cup of white vinegar to 3/4 cup of water) solution. Dry well with a thirsty towel. A professional cleaning may be needed. — Heloise