Dear Heloise: Here’s a hint about maintaining clothes’ absorbency. Perhaps I had previously learned this from you, but it’s worth repeating as long as we’re on the subject. Softeners decrease clothes’ absorbency, so dry them without any softener. — John S., in Newbury Park, California

More Hints

Other readers shared their tips, including using a wrist-licking method to open plastic bags and ensuring the name on your ticket matches your driver’s license.

A reader with hearing difficulty shared their experience with asking people to repeat themselves, and the importance of looking directly at the person speaking to avoid a chorus of repetition.

Other hints included using zip-up compression socks, exercising the mind and body by not taking a list to the grocery store, and sending in money-saving or time-saving tips to Heloise.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.