Bed needs a firm foundation
Dear Heloise: This may seem like a silly question, but do you have to replace a box spring when replacing a mattress? They usually are sold as a set, but if there is nothing wrong with the box spring, why buy a new one? — Janice L., via email
Janice, The answer is yes, you should replace both the mattress and the box spring when buying new bedding. The Better Sleep Council (www.bettersleep.org) tells us that the box spring is what provides the foundation to the mattress. They suggest not putting a new mattress on an old box spring. This is especially important to note if the box spring is very old! It may affect the support of the bedding, making the entire bed not as comfortable or supportive. Plus, the “foundation,” or box spring, is not too expensive. Why risk years of bad sleep? — Heloise
No Yoga
Dear Heloise: After a brief, unsuccessful foray into yoga, I found that the lovely, inexpensive yoga mat I purchased could be turned into myriad household helpers. I cut the mat into place mats and coasters, mats for holding wet or dirty shoes, and as a mat for under the litter box. Best of all, it’s easy to cut and use as long-lasting drawer, cabinet and shelf liners! I find that rolls of lining material are flimsy at best, and expensive. Yoga mats come in great colors/patterns and can be found for as little as $5 at big-box stores. — Michelle B. in Houston
Vaccum Hooks
Dear Heloise: My upright vacuum cleaner has an upper hook and a lower hook for wrapping the cord around. I never realized I could turn that upper hook to the side and down, thereby dumping the entire cord out in one motion. It’s faster than unwrapping all that cord. — Vance B., via email
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.