DEAR HELOISE: My observations with top sheets having unwanted creases in the wide top hem is that they are more readily rectified if the sheet has not yet been used or washed. This way, the unwanted crease fold does not start to wear thin.

If the crease comes back after the sheet gets wet, ironed and put to use, then it may be necessary to repeat the process, then stitch down the length of folded fabric to keep the layers permanently fixed in their position. For wetting the fabric, I use a spray bottle filled with tap water.

• Charles Dainton,

via email

DEAR HELOISE: This is in response to Sally, who was wondering how to get her coffee grounds out of the can. How about just placing a coffee filter on top of the can and flipping it over? Tap out all the coffee grounds and voila! You can start a new pot of coffee. Or you can also line up the old can on top of a new can and tap out the grounds.

I read your helpful hints in the New Hampshire Union Leader.

• Elise F., in Nashua, New Hampshire

DEAR HELOISE: When I visit the local supermarket, I will grab a cart from the cart return and take it inside with me. Sometimes the size I need is not available in the store, and they are all outside in the cart returns. This also helps the employees who have to retrieve and push dozens of carts in during the day.

• John S.,

in Billings, Montana

DEAR HELOISE: You recently had a reader ask how to make fluffy scrambled eggs. Purchase an inexpensive malt mixer. Add a little milk and blend for 2 minutes. This will put air in the mixture. You will have very fluffy eggs or a fluffy omelette.

• Bob, in Lafayette, Louisiana

DEAR HELOISE: In a recent column, someone suggested a little red box of raisins as a healthy snack for children. However, please be careful if you have dogs or cats. Grapes and especially raisins are toxic to them. Even a small amount (as little as one raisin in some pets) can cause severe kidney failure and/or death.

Contact your vet immediately if they ingest grapes or raisins as this can be a medical emergency. Please educate your children, or better yet, for the safety of your pet, choose a different healthy snack.

• Barbara,

in East Aurora, New York

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