Helpful hints make laundering easier

Dear Readers: Let's test your laundry IQ. How many pounds of laundry does the average household do in one week?

a. 25 pounds

b. 50 pounds

c. 75 pounds

Hmmm? If you guessed 50 pounds (according to our friends at the Soap and Detergent Association), then you must "b" the one who does laundry in your home.

• Set the water level of the washing machine to the load size. If you're washing only a few items, use the low setting.

• Don't overload the machine. The clothes won't get clean, and you will have to wash them again. Don't stuff the machine!

• Use the water temperature that is best for the load. Heavily stained clothing needs hot, while you might be able to use cold or warm for items that are lightly soiled. Did you know that almost all the energy used by washers is for heating the water? So if you can use cold water, you can save quite a bit on your energy bill.

• Stained items should be pretreated before washing, and remember: Don't put items in the dryer until the stain is completely gone! The high heat from the dryer might set a stain, making it impossible to remove.

• Add the right amount of laundry detergent. Too much is not always better! Read the detergent label to see what is suggested for the type of washer, temperature of water and condition of the clothes. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Whenever I travel, I take my own pillow with me. I had the terrible habit of forgetting it at the hotel or motel. Then I thought that if I put a bright-colored pillowcase on the pillow, it would be a little easier to spot and not leave behind. — Carol Post, Spokane, Wash.

Good hint! Many travelers take along a pillow, and your hint will certainly help prevent leaving it behind. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: It has come in handy several times when I needed an approximate measurement to know that U.S. paper currency is a tad more than 6 inches long and just a bit more than 2 1/2 inches wide. — Ward in Texas

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 210-HELOISE (435-6473) or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column. © King Features Syndicate Inc.