HELOISE

Dear Heloise: Pet hair embeds itself deep into fabric fibers, making the removal of it especially difficult. Before you go straight to washer, tumble furry items in the dryer on air-only (no heat) for about 10 minutes with a dryer sheet. The dryer loosens fur and static, and most of it collects in the lint trap. Then wash as usual. You’ll notice a significant difference.

After washing, a slightly damp rubber glove that gets wiped over the clothing lifts any lingering hair effortlessly. Keep a lint roller by the door for a quick check before you leave. If your pet has a favorite couch or chair, drape a washable throw on it to protect your clothes from fur. — Ruthanne B., in Bozeman, Montana

OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND

Dear Heloise: Be honest with yourself for a second. The tops of your door frames — when did they last get wiped down? How about the ceiling fan blades, the coils tucked behind the refrigerator, and the slats on your return air vents? Most people go completely blank on this one, which isn’t a criticism; it’s just how it goes. These spots are out of sight, so they stay out of mind, quietly collecting dust while everything else gets cleaned around them.

Ceiling fan blades are the worst in my house. When I turn the fan on, all the dust goes flying into the air. To clean them, I use an old pillowcase. Just slip it over each blade, press the fabric against it, and pull it back. The dust will stay inside the case rather than land on your furniture or floors.

For vents and grilles, try using a vacuum brush attachment to clean the slots. If they’re really dirty, you can remove them and wash them in the sink. Doing this every few months will make your whole house feel less dusty, since you are removing the source instead of just moving dust around. — Rosemary T., in Albuquerque, New Mexico

CUT DOWN PAPER TOWEL USE

Dear Heloise: A few years ago, I made a simple change in my kitchen that I still use today. I keep a stack of small cloth rags right on the counter next to the sink. Old washcloths that are cut in half, worn-out dish towels, and even T-shirts that are past their prime work just as well as paper towels for almost everything. I picked up a small basket from the dollar store to hold the clean rags. When I use one, it goes into a small bin that is nearby until laundry day.

It is easy and takes no extra effort, and I don’t have to run to the store every other week for another roll. I still keep paper towels for things that I don’t want to put in the wash, like raw meat drips or really greasy messes. But for wiping counters, drying hands, or cleaning up spills, cloth rags work just fine. Once you get used to this system, you might forget that paper towels were ever your go-to. — Nancy Jo H., in Greenville, South Carolina

2-MINUTE NIGHTLY HABIT

Dear Heloise: Cleaning the kitchen before bed sounds exhausting, but a 2-minute nightly routine saves 20 minutes the next morning. Before turning out the lights, wipe the counters and stove, rinse or load dishes in the dishwasher, and scrub the sink. Starting the day with a clean kitchen improves your mood, makes coffee taste better, and prevents daily clutter from accumulating. Readers frequently report that this simple habit makes a significant difference in their lives. — Patty D., in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.