DEAR READERS: How often to change the bedsheets was the topic, and you responded. Here are some of the comments on the question of weekly, biweekly or monthly.

• The Rev. W. Lee Truman of Santa Rosa: "In college, after a week of sleeping between my sheets, I would move the top one to the bottom, thus sleeping on both sides of each before washing."

• Sharon in Canton, Ohio: "I always changed my sheets weekly, but after my husband died, I started turning my sheets every other week. I put the 'dirty' side of the bottom sheet on the other side of the bed and flip the top sheet, and I'm sleeping on clean sheets again. This is better than moving my body to the other side of the bed."

• Molly, via e-mail: "The sheets on our bed are changed every two weeks. Why is the extended time possible, instead of maybe weekly? My husband and I always take our daily showers at night and head to bed immediately."

• Anna Mae, via e-mail: "I change the pillowcases every week. I change the sheets every two weeks. By sleeping on half of the bed for two weeks and two weeks on the other half, you could get four weeks out of one change. But always change the pillowcases every week."

• Susan H. of Cleveland: "I follow the same cleaning schedule as my mother did. This includes changing the bedsheets once a week. I love the feeling and smell of fresh linens. It is worth the weekly chore of laundering them."

• Richard, via e-mail: "I grew up with the sheets changed weekly. I try to do the same, but sometimes it doesn't get done quite that often."

• Vincent Marchitelli of Aliso Viejo, Calif.: "I wash sheets every other Saturday. I wash and put them right back on the bed, as it is easier than folding."

• Jane P. of Torrington, Conn.: "Since we have two little poodles that sleep in bed with us, I change the bedsheets every four days! We don't have the heart to kick them out of the bed, but we love the feel of fresh, clean sheets."

• Shirley N., via e-mail: "When my son lived alone, I noticed that the sheets on his bed looked a little gray. I asked him how often he changed his sheets, and he replied, 'When they crack!' Fortunately, I never had to sleep on that bed!"

Thanks to one and all for taking the time to drop us a line. We enjoyed all the comments.

DEAR HELOISE: In your hint about window cleaner, what is essential oil? I have everything for the recipe, but I don't know what essential oil is or where to get it. You like orange because it is refreshing. Where can I buy it?

– Leonard Kennedy,

via e-mail

DEAR LEONARD: Essential oils come from plants, flowers and the bark and skin of fruit such as orange or lemon. They smell like the source and are mainly used in aromatherapy. Lavender is one of my favorites and is calming and relaxing. It and orange are found in many cleaning supplies.

Eucalyptus is good in steam baths, foot soaks and to relax tired muscles.

Essential oils can be bought on the Internet or at health-food stores and some grocery stores. Pure essential oils should be in dark bottles, since heat and light are harmful to them. Pure oils usually are blended with a carrier oil such as jojoba, almond or sweet oil to be used in massage, and a few drops go a long way. Most should never be put directly on your skin, since they are extremely strong, and some are photo-sensitive – that's why you mix them with water or oil.

In case you missed it, our updated window cleaner is cheap to make (less than 20 cents per batch) and works great.

Just mix 12 to 16 ounces of water, 1/2 cup white or apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup (70 percent) rubbing alcohol, 1 to 2 drops of blue or green food color (if desired) and 1 to 2 drops of lavender, orange or your favorite essential oil.

Cleaning supplies like sponges can be sanitized by soaking them in a solution of 3/4 cup bleach and 1 gallon hot water.

As soon as sponges start to smell, toss them.

DEAR HELOISE: Well, I read a hint recently and thought "duh" for the suggestion about throwing the detergent cap in the washer. I hate the sticky, drippy cap when using liquid detergent, and, of course, the mess that it leaves dripping down the side of the bottle. But it just never occurred to me to throw the lid in with the wash and keep going. My, you made my day with that suggestion!

– Patricia in Mississippi

Send a great hint to Heloise, P.O. 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.