Digital camera helps invalid mom keep track of laundry

Ann, they say a picture or photo is worth a thousand words. And, speaking of laundry, here are some more comments from other readers:

Gayle Brown of Amarillo, Texas, says: "I purchased a new washing machine and was having trouble with some of the items coming out twisted and tangled. In rereading the manual, I noticed that in the instructions for loading the machine, it is recommended to drop items loosely into the washer. Do not wrap items around the agitator. I did change my method, and sure enough, my sheets, especially, were not twisted or tangled anymore."

C.J. of Fullerton, Calif., says: "Before placing clothes that are new, dark or bright colored in the washer, test to see that they will not bleed on the other laundry. This can be done by rinsing the garment in a pan of cold water. If it does fade, launder it with darker or similar colors the first time or two."

Dear Heloise: When I paint, even if it's my regular painting clothes, I turn the shirt inside out. That way, only the inside of the shirt is ruined, and you still might be able to use it again. — Rebecca, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: I read the hint about reusing peanut-butter jars for leftovers, etc. Even after thorough washing, traces of peanut proteins could remain in the jar, resulting in cross-contamination of food that could be lethal for allergy sufferers. Just wanted to pass this along to keep in mind. — Kim G., RN, BSN, via e-mail

Kim, thank you for the good advice, especially for people with peanut allergies. You can't be too careful. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Here's a quick home-safety hint for when you are away on vacation. Set several timers in the house, like on the TV, radio and light fixtures. This way, you have different machines going off in your house at different times, which can discourage burglars. — Lorena from San Antonio

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE 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.