Dear Heloise: As a coffee professional, I’d like to add to the conversation about bitterness in coffee. The No. 1 cause of bitterness is overextraction. The brewing method determines the grind size. This is related to the length of time that the grounds remain in contact with the water. If you consistently have bitter coffee, your grind is too fine for your brewing method. — Jennifer S., via email

DONATE TIME TO SHELTERS

Dear Heloise: One of the most important things you can donate to shelters is your time! You can help with feeding and socializing young animals, as well as providing love and pats for new arrivals and others waiting for adoption.

Dogs need to go for walks! Our local shelters are always looking for volunteers to take one or more of their dogs out for a nice walk around their property. You get your daily workout in at the same time!

I always read your column first in the Villages Daily Sun! — Patricia B., The Villages, Florida

DON’T ADD TO THE LANDFILLS

Dear Heloise: Thank you for reminding Patrick M. that using puppy pads to keep a counter clean is adding to the landfill. We need to do everything possible to not increase landfills. Once they’re filled, there are limited uses for the land.

A fire started in a landfill in Southern California, which released noxious fumes and cancer-causing materials. It is expected to burn for decades. Composting, whether at home or through a community-based program, is very important. Decaying organic matter releases methane gas.

Thank you and your mother for the years of information/advice. I read your column in the Ventura Star. — Lilith, in Ventura, California

DOUBLE RODS IN THE CLOSET

Dear Heloise: I just found this out from a professional closet organizer: With double-rodded racks, pants should be hung on the top and shirts on the bottom. Pants are thinner and allow light to hit the bottom rod; it makes it easier to see the shirts. The other way around makes it harder to see the pants. It was an epiphany for me!

I read you in the Colorado Springs Gazette. — Karen M., via email

NO MORE LIQUID SOFTENER

Dear Heloise: Several years ago, clothes were coming out of my washing machine with a rotted smell. I also noticed mold growing inside the area where the liquid fabric softener would go in my washing machine. It didn’t matter if it was a name-brand fabric softener or a lower brand. No matter how often I cleaned out the machine, this would continue.

I chose to stop using softener, figuring something was in it that caused this. I started to use either dryer sheets or wool balls. The smell has never come back again. Problem solved! — Elizabeth M.

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Heloise@Heloise.com