Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: I unwrap the softer bar soaps as I store them away in the cabinet; this allows them to dry out and harden. When hardened, they don’t dissolve so quickly in the wet shower/tub environment. - T.S., Bradford, Pa.

This is a very popular hint that many of my readers swear by, but the Soap and Detergent Association says it’s really an old wives’ tale.

Actually, storing the soap unwrapped can freshen a linen closet or a musty suitcase. The wrapping is put on by the manufacturers to protect and preserve the bar of soap until use.

If this hint works for you, as many over the years say it does, that’s great.

FYI: Scented soaps may lose some of their fragrance if stored this way. - Heloise

Dear Heloise: I keep my empty thread spools to be used in craft projects, but rather than keeping them in a box somewhere I put them to use.

I push a spool over the hook of a wire coat hanger then hang up my garment. The spools keep my clothes apart and not crowded together and help cut down on pressing time. - Peggy Harkey, Dallas