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.

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.

• 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.

• Heloise

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

DEAR HELOISE: Please tell Jan that there’s a very simple solution for a duvet in a king-sized bed. The Germans 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 7-10 days. Both partners have complete control over their own body temperature.

You can buy duvets that are silk, 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.

• Mitzi S., via email

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 6 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,

Readers can send their household hintso Heloise via email at Heloise@heloise.com

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

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