Dear Heloise: Dryer sheets are not biodegradable, so they’re here forever. I stopped using them altogether in favor of wool dryer balls. It’s a one-time purchase that lasts for many years and eliminates the cost of buying dryer sheets. It also gets rid of buildup on clothing, linens (especially towels that lose their absorbency), and laundry machines. I win all around, and so does the environment! Thanks for the years of good advice. — Barbara, in Virginia

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Dear Heloise: I read your column every day, and I have something to add. Recently, you ran a letter from a woman who was almost kidnapped in the parking lot. One of the first things taught in a self-defense class is to be aware of your surroundings. Too many people walk out the door engrossed in their cellphone and are unaware of suspicious people in the area. Pay attention. — Tom Keilers, via email

NO-FAIL SOFT-BOILED EGGS

Dear Heloise: My husband makes the best soft-boiled eggs for breakfast every day. He adds 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to a pot of cold water that is filled enough to cover 2 eggs. Then he brings the water to a boil.

For soft boiled eggs, he cooks them for 11-12 minutes from water to finish, and for hard-boiled eggs, he boils them for 16 minutes.

Afterward, cool the eggs in the cold water for few minutes. You can also cook eggs for 6 minutes after the water starts boiling. — Sally O., Cerritos, California

PET DENTAL CARE

Dear Heloise: I am a licensed veterinary technician and have a particular interest in dental health for pets. Dirty teeth not only affect their breath; the bacteria in their mouth can potentially damage internal organs, such as their heart and kidneys. If the owner is able to brush their pet’s teeth, daily brushing is ideal, the same as a person would.

Once there is significant tartar and plaque, brushing will not be enough, and it’s time for a professional cleaning. A professional cleaning under anesthesia is the only way to truly assess the health of the teeth, and for some pets, it may be needed more frequently than once a year. — R.V.T., in California

NOVEL GARDEN PATH

Dear Heloise: Everyone likes to have a unique yard, so for my garden path, I used tree slices as stepping stones. My husband cut 2-inch slices from a thick log. We lined the path with newspaper, wet it down with a hose, then poured about 2 inches of fine sand over the newspaper. We placed the wood slices on the sandy bed, then poured fine gravel in between the slices. It’s easy and economical, and the newspaper keeps weeds at bay. — Verity, in Kentucky

SELLING PETS

Dear Readers: People selling puppies and kittens without a permit from their vehicle on the side of the road (or through a classified advertisement or online) is not OK and is actually illegal.

The animals most likely haven’t had any medical care, shots or deworming. Be sure that you have the resources, time and money to care for an animal before impulsively buying a pet. — 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.)