Dear Readers: Here is this week’s Sound Off, about restaurant and store air fresheners:
“One of my biggest pet peeves is going into a restaurant or store restroom and the air freshener is so strong that it is causing my COPD to act up. I understand the air freshener being there, but have they ever heard of it not being so overpowering that you can’t breathe? I avoid stores that sell candles or bath fragrances, and some home-decorating stores.” — B.S., via email
Some stores do “crank up” the holiday aroma during this time of year. Many times in a public restroom, especially if the building is older (which can mean old plumbing), the strong scent is used to mask other odors. About the only thing you can do is exactly what you are doing. You don’t have to go into a store, and you can order via phone, mail or online. — Heloise
Dear Readers: Other uses for three-ring binders:
■ Store coupons in them in plastic sheets.
■ Tear out magazine articles and keep in sheet protectors.
■ Punch holes in greeting cards and place in a binder to save.
■ Keep children’s artwork in one.
— Heloise
Dear Heloise: I want to know how to clean self-sticking fabric tape. I read your column in The Washington Post. Thank you very much. — Melissa M., via email
Melissa, thanks for being a regular reader, especially of The Washington Post. My column has been running in this paper for a long time, and I used to live in Arlington, Va.! The answer to the gunk the tape is full of is a stiff toothbrush or crochet hook. Just brush in one direction. Don’t go back and forth — it will just ball all up. To keep the sticking fabric tape clean, “refasten” or stick the ends together when not in use. — Heloise
Dear Heloise: My husband and I have to move often due to our jobs. We rent homes so that we can feel grounded. Before moving in, I do a thorough walk-through and make note of anything that is damaged or needs repair. If it’s major, I take a photo. We go over this list with the owner or rental agent before we sign a lease, and on move-in day, too. We’re covered if anything comes up that they say is our fault when it’s time to move on. — Allison in New Mexico
Dear Heloise: My young son sometimes gets up in the middle of the night. I have worried that he might unlock an entry door without us knowing. My father-in-law installed a latch lock at the top of each door. It was pretty easy to do, and now I have a little peace of mind, knowing that my son cannot reach those locks and wander off. But, being a mother, I still listen for unusual sounds in the middle of the night. — Nicole in Texas
HELOISE is a syndicated columnist with King Features Syndicate, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio 78279-5000, fax 210-HELOISE.