Dear Heloise: My husband and I did something very similar to J.T.K. and R.E.K., by writing a letter to everyone who abused our hospitality when we bought our lake house. We thought the matter was settled, but little did we know that we opened a can of worms.

My stepdaughter (my husband’s child) said at first they were offended, but they decided to “forgive us” and showed up on our doorstep with their three kids and two other children from their neighborhood.

My husband sat them down, said under no circumstance were they staying, and listed our reasons why. They had planned to stay over the Fourth of July weekend without warning, but my husband told them to leave.

We had two other people try to worm their way in at other times, both claiming that they never received the letter. We sent them to a local hotel, but both families decided to go home instead.

Both my husband and I have health problems, and we’re not in the mood for freeloaders who leave wet towels on the beds, don’t lift a finger to help around the house, or ask to borrow our home, car, boat or money.

P.S. We both love reading your column. Keep up the good work! — Tess and Frank, in Michigan

Tess and Frank, we received an unusual number of letters on this subject, so apparently it’s not uncommon for people to forget their manners and ask for permission to visit someone else’s home. — Heloise

WETTING COFFEE FILTERS

Dear Heloise: Wetting a coffee filter before brewing, also called blooming or rinsing, can improve the flavor of the coffee. Wetting the filter helps with temperature control, consistency and extraction. Here are some of the reasons why:

— Temperature control: Wetting the filter helps maintain a consistent brewing temperature.

— Consistency: Wet filters perform more consistently than dry filters.

— Extraction: Wetting the filter helps create a more uniform surface for water to pass through, which improves extraction.

— Washing: Wetting the filter removes dust and chemicals from the manufacturing process.

— Sealing: Wetting the filter helps it seal to the brewing device, which minimizes bypass.

How to wet the filter: Place the filter in the coffeemaker. Pour hot water over the filter. Discard the rinsing water. Add coffee grounds.

Note: Some say that the difference in taste between wet and dry filters may be minor, and some people may not be able to tell the difference. Others say that they got better flavor and extraction times from a dry filter. — Don S., A Loyal Reader

CLEANING COBWEBS

Dear Heloise: Thank you for being such an inspiration. Whenever I have an “aha” moment, I always think of you. I spotted a cobweb high up in a corner by the ceiling. Instead of grabbing a broom, which is awkward, I used my grabber stick with a folded dish towel held in its suction cups. The handle was easier to hold, and it was super lightweight, making the chore a breeze. — Karen B., Warren, Ohio

SPRING CLEANING REMINDER

Dear Readers: Spring cleaning is just around the corner for many of us. Make it easy by doing one room per day. Really dig into it, and don’t forget the closets. It’ll be over before you know it. — Heloise

PROTECTING CARD NUMBERS

Dear Heloise: I use clear office tape to cover the printed numbers on transit passes, gift cards, work-access fobs, badges, etc. These codes easily rub off often, and the tape provides the right amount of protection to keep the numbers legible for years. — J.B., in New York

REMOVING MUSTARD STAINS

Dear Readers: With spring and summer approaching, it will soon be time for outdoor barbecues and parties. Of course, hot dogs and hamburgers will surely be on menu. But the mustard that we love to slather on dogs and burgers may also drip and end up on our clothing.

If this happens, try to remove it as soon as you can. Dampen the areas and rub liquid laundry detergent into the stain. Rinse, then soak in laundry detergent and hot or warm water for several hours. It will be gone, and then you can launder it with enzyme detergent. — Heloise

RAMEKIN LISTED AS WEDDING PRESENT

Dear Heloise: My first cousin with whom I’m close is registered for several items at a large department store. Her wedding is approaching very soon, and as of yet, I haven’t gotten around to buying her a gift. The only thing no one hasn’t bought yet is something called a “ramekin.” Can you tell me what this is? — J.E., in Mississippi

J.E., a ramekin is a small individual-sized baking dish. It’ll do as a last-minute gift for your cousin, — Heloise