DEAR HELOISE: I always end up with a streaked mess whenever I try to clean the inside of my car windshield. Do you have any good hints?
-- Ron in Lincoln, Neb.
DEAR READER: If the windshield is still streaked after you clean it, it may be due to "off-gassing" from plastics inside the car. So, try to leave the windows open to circulate some fresh air every now and then and allow the "fumes" to get out.
Don't let the sun shine directly on the window. The heat will dry the cleaner, and sometimes that causes streaks.
I use full-strength vinegar (white or apple cider) and even have a small bottle in my car.
A microfiber cloth is your best bet to "wash" and dry the window. Just dampen a corner with vinegar and clean one section at a time, dry and move on to the next. If you try to do the whole windshield, say side to side, it's hard to prevent streaks.
P.S.: Don't use chlorine-based or disinfectant-type cleaners on auto windows or the windshield. They can damage electrical conductors and defoggers that some cars have.
DEAR HELOISE: Before we go on a long trip, we disconnect our garage-door opener and make sure the garage door is locked on the inside. This way, someone can't open the door or gain entry to our home through the garage.
-- Tom N.,
Bar Harbor, Maine
DEAR HELOISE: My co-workers and I exchanged plastic water bottles this year as a gift. I love mine but am having a hard time removing the plastic smell. Do you have any hints on how to clean it?
-- Diana, via email
DEAR READER: Try 1 quart of water and 4 or 5 tablespoons of baking soda. Fill up the bottle, put on the lid and shake a few times, then let it sit overnight. After rinsing, leave the lid off to let it air out. If the smell will not go away, then sorry to say, it's time for a new water bottle. Sometimes that plastic smell will not go away. Baking soda is a must in my household because it is so useful. This solution also can be used to clean insulated glass bottles. Just remember to clean after each use.
DEAR HELOISE: I save plastic shopping bags and empty tissue boxes, and fill the boxes with the bags. I keep one box in the bathroom to line my wastebasket, and one in the car to clean out gum wrappers and soda bottles.
-- M.T. in Hillman, Mich.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
MovieStyle on 09/25/2015