Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: Several years ago, you mentioned ways those little bags of crystals that come in new shoe boxes could be reused. Could you repeat these? – A Reader, via e-mail

Sure I can, and these handy little silica gel packets (desiccants) are great to help absorb moisture in places like:

a mailbox;

camera bag;

shop drawers where you store nails, screws or other things that can rust;

plastic storage crates (especially when storing household goods or clothes). – Heloise

Dear Heloise: As one who dislikes shoulder pads, I remove them from dresses, blouses, etc., and make a “mitt” to dust my blinds. The cotton ones are best. – Gilda DelSignor, Washington, D.C.