Dear Heloise: I just read your column in the Dallas Morning News and wanted to relay how I’ve almost eliminated the use of paper towels:

I keep a stack of the cheapest white kitchen wash rags that I find at the grocery store. I fold them in half and place them in a dollar-store plastic shoe box under the kitchen sink. I grab them for almost all spills and messes. I only use the paper towels for the grossest of the gross messes. (Think animal accidents.)

The stack of wash rags are easy to wash and bleach, if necessary, as well as return to their box. They are all the same size, so the stack is easy to maintain. They are also cheap to replace.

We have used this method for years and rarely replace the paper towel roll. We do keep paper towels at an inconvenient spot so they aren’t readily available. I always look forward to your column and hope this suggestion is helpful to your readers. — Judy Schimek, via email

LAUNDRY VACUUM

Dear Heloise: I have a small shop vacuum in the laundry room.I use it to clean the dryer lint filter. It does a great job, and there is no lint floating in the air! — Dusten Galbraith, East Moline, Illinois

NEEDLE AND THREAD

Dear Heloise: I am sure that most of your readers are familiar with this high-tech tool — a needle and thread. They are wondrous for reattaching lost buttons, repairing popped seams, and hemming clothing. They also provide a bit of independence and many possibilities with hobbies.

Due to the diminishing vision, flexibility and coordination that has crept in with age, I was increasingly frustrated at the time and effort needed to thread a needle to do my basic independent living duties. Then, when searching for my long-lost needle threader, I came upon my stash of hand-quilting thread. It was easy-peasy to put this stiffer thread through the needle’s eye.

It was very durable, easy to knot, and available in a variety of colors. Back to hand sewing and repairs! — Cindy Ridley, Uniontown, Pennsylvania

CLEANING TOILETS

Dear Heloise: One way to spend less time cleaning the toilet is to spray a bleach-containing tile cleaner, often used in the shower, around the toilet bowl before going to bed. It cleans while you sleep. — Anthony K., Tucson, Arizona

PLASTIC SEALS ON CAPS

Dear Heloise: I am responding to J.N., in Ohio, who had difficulty opening bottles with plastic seals around the caps and other items in plastic. I went to my sewing box and got a seam ripper out. It works great for these items. I keep one in my kitchen drawer and one in my bathroom drawer. — T.M.B., in Iowa

HARD WATER AND ­TOILETS

Dear Heloise: Living in San Antonio, we struggle with calcium and deposit buildup. I decided to leave a small spray bottle of bathroom cleaner in each bathroom. After we flush, we spray the bowl and the water.

It doesn’t take a lot of effort or time. Make sure you spray it after the last flush before going to work. I waited a few months before writing to you to check its efficacy. No more hard water rings! — S., in San Antonio

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.