ReadyMade: Instructions for everyday life

CLOTHING & LAUNDRY

PRESSING MATTERS
Keep that iron away from your neckties. Release wrinkles by rolling the ties when you store them, or waving them over a steaming kettle.

POCKET PROTECTORS
Karen Ann Bland of Gove, Kansas, protects her sweaters from wool-seeking moths-and keeps her closet free of noxious moth ball fumes-by placing whole cloves in the pockets to repel insects.

TRUE BOUNCE
Avoid the nasty toxins in fabric softeners (and save a few bucks) by throwing three tennis balls into the dryer with a load of wash. The balls create air pockets that help clothes dry faster and feel fluffier.

PASS THE BAR
Instead of relying on tailor's chalk, designer Heather Bailey recommends using that last sliver of white hand soap to mark your fabric. Its edge creates a sharp line that will wash right out in the laundry.

STOCKING FEAT
Locate dropped contact lenses, elusive earring backs, and other hard-to-find small objects by using the foot of an old pair of pantyhose: Pull it taut over your vacuum cleaner's hose, hold it in place with a rubber band, and turn on the suction to track down (but not swallow up) your precious lost goods.

TWO OF A KIND
Attach matching socks with safety pins before tossing them in the hamper-they'll stay together in the laundry and make it back to the drawer without ever flying solo.

HANG TOUGH
Prevent silk shirts and spaghetti-strapped tanks from sliding down to the dark depths of your closet by twisting a rubber band around the ends of each hanger to hold them in place.

UNDER COVER
Rid your closet of plastic dry-cleaning bags, which can encourage mildew growth, and replace them with garment sleeves made from old pillowcases. Simply cut a small hole in the short seams to slip hangers through the top.

STOP THE DRAFT
Cut off the arms of worn-out sweaters, fill them with (uncooked) beans, and sew the ends shut to make draft stoppers for leaky windows and doors.