May 17, 2012 4 min read

Dear Readers: A recent column addressed the “serious” SHEET ISSUE! Kidding! Does the top sheet go on the bed facing up or down? The response was overwhelmingly that the top sheet should be facing down! Then fold the sheet back over the comforter or blanket, showing a portion of the “finished” or print side. Here is a sample of the responses we received:

Patti S., via email, said: “I learned in nurses training 50 years ago that the top sheet’s finished or ‘right’ side of material is down toward the sleeping person because it is the smoother, softer side.”

Bev F. in Naples, Fla., wrote: “My grandmother taught me to place the top sheet upside down; you then fold it back over the top of your blanket. This will protect your blanket from getting dirty so quickly.”

Jeanie B. in Colorado wrote: “The finished side goes up. That is like which side of your skirt goes out when you are dressing.”

Finally, Allison C., via email, said: “That’s easy. The person who makes the bed gets to decide.” My favorite!

Thanks so much to all of you who wrote in, especially all those in the nursing community! — Heloise

P.S.: Visit my website, www. Heloise.com, for links to my Facebook and Twitter pages — hints, fun facts and more! Come see photos and check out what’s happening.

LAUNDRY HELPER

Dear Heloise: With all the languages now required on clothing care tags, the small text has become next to unreadable.

I have devised an easy way to tell whether it’s “tumble dry” or “line dry” by marking a large “T” or “L” on the tag with a laundry marker. I’m careful not to mark through to the garment itself.

Now it’s only a quick look to see how to dry each item! This saves lots of time and ruined clothes. — Karen C., Naples, Fla.

CLEANING

VINYL CHAIRS

Dear Heloise: I used to dread cleaning my white vinyl patio chairs each spring. Even though they were covered during the winter, they were always stained and mildewed. I tried everything — commercial vinyl cleaners, homemade bleach solution, etc., without success. I finally found the perfect solution (no pun intended): a commercial deck cleaner. It’s inexpensive, and a gallon will last.

Put some in a spray bottle and spray the furniture. Let it sit for about five minutes. Rinse with the hose, and voila — the chairs are white again. Only the stubborn spots require any elbow grease. It has cut the cleaning time by about 75 percent. — Kim in New Hampshire

YARN HOLDER

Dear Heloise: Being a beginner knitter, I was dismayed when my cat would attack the ball of yarn as I worked. Sometimes the yarn would fall on the floor or get tangled on my shoe.

Now I pop the ball of yarn in a pitcher or teapot, where it can unravel safely. Some pitchers have nice spouts, which helps thread the yarn as it is pulled. — B.T. Manning, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.