HINTS FROM HELOISE

Dear Heloise: I have a 100 percent-cotton dress that has become blotchy, possibly from fabric-softener sheets.

What can I try to restore the color? -- Ms. Vassall, Scottsdale, Ariz.

If the stains appear to be grease-like spots, they just might be from fabric-softener sheets. The reason can be overloading or underloading the dryer, or using a too-high heat setting.

You can try to remove the stains by rubbing the areas with white bar soap or full-strength liquid laundry detergent. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes and put the garment into the washer, using the hottest water safe for the fabric, then air dry.

If the spots are not gone, repeat the above steps. Afterward, be sure to check the dress for any stains before drying in the dryer since the heat might set them.

Hint: Don't throw a fabric-softener sheet into a hot dryer. It can cause the same type of spots. -- Heloise

FAST FACTS

Dear Heloise: My favorite other use for coffee filters is as backing for machine appliques instead of the tear-away purchased products. The filters are usually on hand and are inexpensive. Most important, they work very well. -- Helen Kurth, Coggon, Iowa