DEAR HELOISE: People have written to you with tips on how to dry clothes that you have hand washed, but there’s one step that most people don’t seem to know about. After you wash clothes, wring them out as hard as you can, then roll them up in a towel.

Most people might know about these steps, but the key next step is to then walk on the folded-up towel, flip it over, and walk on the other side as well. The body weight of walking on the towel really gets a great deal of moisture out of the clothing, and it dries much faster!

Also, when trying to keep dish sponges clean, just put your sponge on the top rack of the dishwasher when you run it. It certainly helps clean and sanitize the sponge or dishcloth! Thanks for your hints.

• Susan, in Charlottesville, Virginia

DEAR HELOISE: I’ve been sealing my chips and crackers in bags, which I then put in the freezer. They last for months without going stale by using this method of storage.

•Gayle L., in Hastings, Nebraska

DEAR HELOISE: Traveling can be stressful. There are so many things to manage before you even reach the departure gate, and the last thing anyone needs is to be stopped because of an item that seemed completely harmless to pack. But some everyday items come with strict aviation rules that many travelers simply aren’t aware of. Not knowing them can mean having your luggage opened, getting items removed, and facing delays.

What’s the item? The item is a vape or e-cigarette. Small and personal, it gets tossed into a suitcase without a second thought. But the Federal Aviation Administration has had a firm rule in place since 2016: Vapes, e-cigarettes, and spare lithium batteries must be carried in carry-on luggage only. They aren’t permitted in checked baggage under any circumstances, regardless of the airline or the airport.

• Danielle P., via email

Danielle, thank you for reminding our readers about packing e-cigarettes in their checked luggage.

• Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: In regards to Jacqueline, who recently wrote about spots on a double-pane window that wouldn’t come off, I think the issue is that moisture has gotten between the two panes of glass.

Over time, mostly from unknown reasons, the seal will fail, the gas will escape, and the air space gets filled with ambient air that contains moisture. Over time, the spots and discoloration will increase. The only option is to replace the glass. My comments come from 26 years of working in residential construction and 22 years as a licensed home inspector.

• John F., in Cazenovia, New York

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