HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: When you are riding in the back seat of a car, cab or ride-sharing service, do you buckle your seat belt? It’s a great idea to do so. Adults, children and animals all should be in approved restraint devices, regardless of where seated.

Remember physics class? In the event of a collision, your body will continue to move unless something acts against it (the seat belt, in this case, to restrain you). If your body is moving, you can become a projectile and seriously injure other people in the vehicle, and become injured yourself.

It may or may not be the law in your state. Check the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA.org) for the laws of your state, and remember, safety is always priority No. 1.

DEAR HELOISE: I hate the “new” washing machines. I like water to fill the tub. My towels have an odor like mildew. I hope you can help me.

— Dana W., Memphis DEAR READER: Here are some hints: Don’t overload the washer. Layer towels evenly in the washer.

Fabric softener is not good for towels — it can impede absorption.

Using the hottest washer setting, add ½ to ¾ cup of baking soda with a small amount of detergent in the washer. Launder as usual, and dry. This should help eliminate the sour smell.

Did you know that baking soda is a workhorse around the house? It’s great for cooking, cleaning and beauty.

DEAR HELOISE: I live in a retirement community. Every other year, our card club has a home decor exchange and luncheon.

The ladies bring their items to my house, and I stage them, then we shop. The items left over, we donate. The following year we do fashion items, which includes clothing, shoes, jewelry and more.

What a great way to reduce, reuse and recycle.

— Georgia C., via fax

DEAR HELOISE: I’m so accustomed to my cellphone offering “autocorrect” that I wish my PC would do the same. True, I have spellcheck, but that autocorrect is faster.

— Jimmy Y. in St. Louis

DEAR HELOISE: I keep an old leather belt in the trunk to loop through handles of shopping bags to carry more of them more easily.

— Jenna B. in Arizona