Simple steps can reduce mothball odor
Dear Heloise: I bought a beautiful chest at an auction. It has the smell of mothballs, though, which I can’t remove. Needless to say, everything I store in it smells like mothballs. Is there anything I can do about this problem?
Monroe, La.
You can bank on this tried-and-true Heloise helper: Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and vinegar or lemon juice. Moisten a cloth with this mixture and wipe out the inside of the chest. Important: Leave the lid open until the chest dries, and for a couple of days after that.
Another hint to try is putting a big bowl of baking soda inside the chest, along with some crumpled newspaper. Keep the chest closed for one week.
These hints should help lessen the smell of mothballs. Thanks for writing in!
This time of year, there are lots of items on sale, marked down so they can sell and retailers can clear their inventory. I’ve spent my career in retail; I ought to know. Here is a partial list of items Based on my experience, here are items that often are marked down in January and February:
Appliances, art supplies, baby accessories, bedding, bicycles, boots, carpets, pre-owned cars, curtains, furniture, luggage, men’s clothing, toys and TVs. Happy bargain-hunting.
I just read about thieves who target social-media accounts to see who is posting pictures of their vacation as they travel.
Apparently, when you say you are in some other location, it’s a way to advertise that you’re not home and that the house probably is vacant. This inspires thieves to take a chance and break in.
It’s better to wait until you get back home to post any shots of your vacation. And have a trusted friend occasionally check your home to make sure there are no broken windows or doors that have been tampered with while you were gone.
As we age, we often forget how necessary it is to keep moving. First, check with your doctor to see what he or she recommends, based on your physical abilities, health and endurance. You don’t have to go to the gym every day to stay active; it could be as simple as taking a leisurely walk, raking the leaves or slow-dancing in your own living room. During commercial breaks on TV, stand up and stretch. You might even want to sign up for yoga classes. But above all else, listen to your doctor’s advice concerning what you should or should not be doing, and, if at all possible, keep moving. Kristine M., Hampton, Va.