Dear Heloise: I cook for one and have a fridge with a smallish freezer. Here’s a few things I do:

— A box of frozen fish filets for sandwiches was half-empty, so I wrapped each one in wax paper and put them in a zipclose freezer bag with the baking instructions, of course.

— I purchased 2-quart containers of soup from church and made soup from scratch. I put a bowlful of soup in individual freezer bags. Each week, I was able to enjoy homemade soup.

— I also bought blueberries on sale and bagged them in small bunches. — Joyce Maurer, via email

PROPER DISHWASHING ETIQUETTE

Dear Heloise: As a student (and later a teacher) in home economics, we learned that when washing dishes, you should start with a sink or container of very hot water and dishwashing detergent. Wash the items that go into the mouth first when the water is hottest and cleanest: forks, spoons, “butter” or “place” knives, glasses, and cups.

Next, wash preparation items and serving dishes. Save the pots and dirtiest items until the end. Rinse all items completely. Always dry with a pristine dedicated towel. And always leave the sharp knives aside on the counter and wash them one by one, never leaving them down in the soapy water where you can come into contact with dangerous sharp edges.

Additionally, I have learned that wearing appropriate rubber gloves allows you to use the hottest water. I also place a container of soapy water on the counter and place food-encrusted flatware (spoon, forks and knives) inside. This helps remove food, requiring less work. Keeping a dedicated dishwashing brush also helps to remove difficult foods such as egg yolk and avocado.

Teaching all family members the correct dishwashing technique is a worthwhile task. You never know when the skill will be needed. Proper dishwashing can help alleviate illnesses. — Judy Marquez, via email

WEDDING DRESS STORAGE

Dear Heloise: I would love to store my wedding dress. I had it dry-cleaned, and it looks nice. But how do I keep it from yellowing? — Joyce, in Tennessee

Joyce, after cleaning the dress, wrap it in unbleached muslin or acid-free white tissue paper. Then wrap it in blue tissue paper and store it in a sealed box in a cool, dry place. It should last for many years to come. — Heloise

CLOUDY TEA

Dear Heloise: My family and I love iced tea but hate when it looks cloudy. So, my sister-in-law gave me this hint: Just add a small amount of boiling water to a pitcher of iced tea, then stir, and the cloudy appearance should go away. — Linda W., in Bear Swamp, South Carolina

CLEANING REUSABLE BAGS

Dear Heloise: Reusable shopping bags are helpful; they decrease the need for paper and plastic. However, they are unsanitary. Hundreds of dirty bags pass through a check stand each day, spreading germs. Let’s clean things up together. — Christine V., in Salem, Oregon

Christine, how right you are! Check the label — some of these bags may be machine-washable, or you can wipe them with an antibacterial towel. — 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.