Back to College --Dorm Living Tips

From the expert on lifestyle tips, Heloise shares tips for those 18.5 million students headed for college this semester, particularly those who will live on campus.

Off the bat she warns:

1. Vacuuming sheets and spraying them with Febreze is not as effective as washing them with soap and water. Remember the sheets absorb the sweat and bodily grime. Vacuuming is good for loose dirt but not washing.


2. Black nail polish hides scratches on your iPhone case.


3. If you drop your cellphone in the toilet, take out the battery, then blot the phone with a towel and blow dry.


4. For a quick dry of bras and panties, use a salad spinner.

Today's college-bound students grew up with working parents who didn't have time to teach them basic skills in cleaning, laundry, and cooking. So trial by error becomes the way of life for freshman students which often means bleached spots in favorite jeans or other permanent stains.

Some more dorm hints from Heloise:

1. Overstuffing the washing machine is a common mistake. Pack the machine loosely and remember not to use more detergent than recommended on the packaging. If you soverstuff a dryer, your clothes will take longer to dry and come out very wrinkled.


2. Don't lug a huge box or jug of detergent to the laundry room. It's too bulky and heavy to carry with your bag of dirty clothes. Instead, measure what you need into small plastic bags or yogurt cups.


3. Use dryer sheets sparingly and never with towels. (They can coat the fibers and reduce fluffiness--we never knew this). Don't add a sheet in the middle of a heat cycle because it can leave grease-like spots on clothing. Dryer sheets are good to stuff in smelly shoes, gym bags, drawers and closets.


4. Don't take your laundry home if the airline charges for checking luggage.


5. Turn the computer keyboard upside down and shake it every once in a while to get crumbs out. It will work better.


6. Clean the lounge microwave every once in a while by heating a large bowl of water with slices of lemon or orange for a minute or two. (Maybe this is for the reason you may not have cleanser readily on hand?).