Dear Readers: Still getting those annoying robo calls from fake charities, fake IRS calls and other nuisance calls? It’s important to report them to federal agencies so they can gather evidence and put a stop to these people. Be sure to:

Report all scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission online or call 877-382-4357.

≤ Report all robo calls or unwanted telemarketing calls to the National Do Not Call Registry at 888-382-1222. You also can go to donotcall.gov online and check to see if your phone number is registered. If it isn’t, you can place it on the list to avoid those unwanted calls. — Heloise

BOOK EXCHANGE

Dear Heloise: My friends and I love to read, and we enjoy having a lunch together every month. We put all the books we’ve read into a sack and take them to the place we’re lunching at and do a book exchange. If there is a certain book that no one seems to want, we donate it to a local nursing home or hospital, which are always grateful to get them. — Beth, via email

LINEN NAPKINS

Dear Heloise: To avoid ironing linen napkins after washing, spread very wet napkins on a smooth, clean surface, pushing out bubbles. Let them dry completely, then peel them off, and you will be amazed at how crisp and smooth they will be. Try it and enjoy your good linen napkins! — Betty C., via email

IS IT REALLY FREE?

Dear Heloise: Just a warning to consumers: If they get a phone call from someone offering something for free, be very alert for fraud. It might sound good to be offered a free hearing aid or a $100 gift card, but it’s usually a scam to get as much information from you as possible. Under NO circumstances should you answer any questions from the scammer who calls you. I learned the hard way. — Thomas in Indiana

SLEEPING BAGS

Dear Heloise: In a recent column, I read about airing out a sleeping bag to get rid of the smell. I wash my sleeping bags in my washing machine with mild soap. I have no dryer, so I hang it on my clothesline. The sleeping bags are the same as quilts to wash. When it gets used for a few days, then it gets washed. — Opal A., Garden Grove, CA

MASCARA CLUMPS

Dear Heloise: Sometimes mascara starts to form clumps. If you find a clump of mascara on your mascara wand, simply take a textured paper towel and wipe the end of the wand on the paper until all clumps are gone. Do not use facial tissue or cotton pads, as the fibers will stick to the mascara. — Barb in New Mexico

EDITOR’S NOTE: Send your great money-saving or timesaving hint to to Heloise at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, Fax to 1-210-HELOISE, or email to Heloise@Heloise.com. She can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in her column.