Dear Heloise: I recently read a letter from someone who suggested using a tackle box as an earring holder. I have another idea that works great for me — I use plastic ice cube trays. They hold 12 sets of earrings each. They’re stackable, and you can see all the earrings in a single tray, making it easier to choose a pair.

They also don’t take up a lot of room and are very inexpensive. I have a lot of earrings, so I have four trays that are stacked together. I read your column in the Orange County Register. — Kristen H., via email

Kristen, we received a large number of letters from readers who do the same thing. Apparently, ice cube trays can be bought in various colors, so some readers said that they use a blue tray for silver jewelry and a white one for gold items to separate the various types of jewelry. — Heloise

Jewelry holder

Dear Heloise: You recently had a reader write in about using a small tackle box to keep earrings paired. I use a box that individual candy comes in or egg cartons. It works great! — Pat R., via email

Duvet solution

Dear Heloise: Please tell Jan that there’s a very simple solution for a duvet in a king-sized bed. The Germans (and almost every other country from this area) use two duvets on each bed. The normal European dimensions for each one is 133 by 200 centimeters. I have three different sets and weights of duvets, as well as many varied covers. They’re all washable.

Although the quality isn’t quite as good, and the sizes are a tiny bit different, IKEA sells some pretty decent ones. My late husband was quite tall, and I’m 5 feet, 8 inches, but I’d never go back to the American style. I change the covers every seven to 10 days. Both partners have complete control over their own body temperature.

You can buy duvets that are silk (my favorite), cotton and goose down. I always like to stick one foot/leg out when I get too warm. Material and colors for the covers are endless. I hope this helps! — Mitzi S., via email

The long and short of it

Dear Heloise: I’m “vertically challenged” (short), which makes its hard to lean over a queen-sized bed to change the sheets. Sometimes I walk around the bed a dozen times.

First, I fold my sheets lengthwise; the center crease makes it easier to center the sheet on the bed. Then I decided to get rid of the wooden footboard since it’s just decoration, which makes pulling the corners of the sheets on easier. Having an adjustable bed, I then raise the head area six inches, which makes the corners go on even easier. But I still have to walk around the bed many times.

What a way to get your steps in for the day! — Cathy, in Buffalo, New York

Purse lining

Dear Heloise: I read your recent hint about removing moldy smells from a purse, and I have a different challenge. The lining of a very nice, vintage, designer bag has become flaky — almost to the point of it being powdery. Do you have any hints for how to scrape it out, clean it or remove it, or is this a lost cause? I’ve read your column with my mom since I was a little girl. — L.J., in Arkansas

L.J., I wouldn’t call this a lost cause, but it’s really labor-intensive. First, you’ll need to scrape off the old lining if it’s stuck. Then measure the inside and select a new lining for your vintage purse. Or — and I highly recommend this — if you know of a shoe repair place or a craft store in your area, call them and ask if they do this type of work or know of someone who does. There’s much more to replacing a purse lining than you might imagine. — Heloise

Produce labels

Dear Heloise: How can I deal with plastic produce labels that won’t break down in compost? — Gordon C., in Corona, California

Gordon, these stickers cause a lot of trouble for anyone who composts. Plastic fruit labels refuse to decompose, so you’ll find them scattered in your finished compost, even if one slips by.

Your best bet is to handle them right at the kitchen counter. Peel the labels off as soon as you put away the groceries and toss them straight into the garbage. Set a dish or cup nearby so that you have somewhere to drop them; otherwise, they get buried under peels and scraps. It only takes a couple of seconds, but it saves you a real hassle later when working through your compost pile.

I also wish labels were biodegradable, and I’m sure that plenty of folks feel the same way. Until somebody makes the switch, adding in this quick habit while prepping food keeps your compost clean and ready to use. — Heloise

Spot-free dishes

Dear Heloise: My dishes keep coming out with these weird gray and black streaks, even after a wash. Could vinegar fix it? — M.B., in The Villages, Florida

M.B., dish streaks usually stem from machine buildup, like hard water minerals or food debris. To fix this, rinse the filter and clear the spray arms. Next, run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack to dissolve mineral crust and haze.

Ensure that you use the correct amount of detergent for your water type and avoid overcrowding racks to allow the proper water flow. These simple steps should restore the shine to your dishes. Good luck! — Heloise

Pups and rug corners

Dear Heloise: How can I stop my young corgi from chewing up the corners of my new area rugs? — Laurie, Rapid City, South Dakota

Laurie, puppies explore by mouth, and rug corners are prime targets. Start by providing your pup with durable chew toys and rotate them regularly to maintain their interest.

To protect your rugs, tuck corners under furniture, or use grippers to keep the edges flat and inaccessible. Supervise them closely for a few weeks, redirecting the pup with a toy and offering praise for the right choice. Consistency is vital, as are frequent walks and playtime to expand your pup’s energy and prevent the destructive chewing. — Heloise

Dog pills

Dear Heloise: If you ever need to give your dog a pill, buy some pill pockets. These are little canisters that are filled with irresistible-smelling dog food. (Irresistible for dogs, anyway.) Put the pill into one pocket, then pull a second pocket into pieces. Call your dog and offer him a piece of the second one. If you’ve trained your dog by using treats, have him sit first. Give your dog the other pieces one at a time.

The trick is to get him excited, rather than suspicious, about the treats. After a few bites, the dog’s excited and eager for his next treat. Now you can give him the pocket that contains the pill. Chances are, he’ll gobble it down without even noticing that there’s a pill inside of it! — Carrie, in Orange, California

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. Copyright 2026 by King Features Syndicate Inc.