Dear Heloise: I was feeling curious, so I checked the air pressure in the spare tire of an SUV that I bought four years ago. I had never even looked to see where the spare was stored, which was under a floor panel in the back. I discovered that it was functionally flat and would have been absolutely useless in an emergency. Accordingly, I urge everyone to monitor and maintain every vehicle’s proper spare tire pressure. — Jim R., in Houston

ROUGH TOWEL FIX

Dear Heloise: Regarding the inquiry of what to do about rough towels: After our traditional washing machine finally gave out after many years of use, we now live with an insufficient, energy-efficient appliance. Our laundry was not getting clean and was frayed. We discovered that there was not enough water to cover the laundry in the normal cycle, and everything was getting tangled.

We were using the same amount of laundry detergent as we would for a full tub of water. We now have reduced the amount of laundry detergent, use the deep water rinse, and use the cycle for bulky items and sheets so that every load can get the sufficient amount of water.

Also, to note, we have a dishwasher that requires hand-drying of dishes, an electric clothes dryer that requires two cycles to dry most loads, and a water-conserving toilet that has to be flushed at least twice. I enjoy your column in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Thanks for the tips! — Sarah, via email

ZIP UP!

Dear Heloise: Many people, young and old, have trouble zipping up the double-zipper on coats and sweatshirts. This is the zipper that allows room at the bottom of the coat/sweatshirt for sitting, bending or general comfort. The easiest way to zip this up is to firmly hold the top zipper and pull down when inserting the pin on other side of the zipper. Holding it down ensures that the two zippers are fully aligned and ready for zipping! — Therese, in Indiana

ONION EYES

Dear Heloise: I don’t know how many people get really bad burning eyes when they chop onions, but I do. I finally bought inexpensive swim goggles, and they work perfectly! No more burning eyes! I read your column every day and hope this helps someone else. — Patricia McClincy, in Green Valley, Arizona

POWER OUTAGE HINT

Dear Heloise: Here are a few things to have on hand in case of a power outage: canned foods (along with a manual can opener), matches, and pillar (fat, sturdy) candles. Lay a candle on a flat mirror to reflect more light and illuminate the entire room. — A Reader, via email

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: Here is a photo of our adopted cat, Sheena (Queen of the Jungle). She has become the queen of our house. — Barbara Bowman, in Franklin, New Hampshire

Readers, to see Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, as well as our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.