DEAR READERS: You should be well into your spring-cleaning for the season, but wait -- do you spring-clean? Do you take a few days to deep-clean your home to make it fresh and to air it out?
In some parts of the country, especially during rough winters in the Northeast and Midwest, your home might be closed up all winter, and therefore is musty, dusty and stale.
Here in the Southern states, spring-cleaning is not a big event. Our homes are typically not sealed for winter.
But what does spring-cleaning entail for you? It could be cleaning windows inside and out, wiping out the window frames, steam-cleaning carpets and tiles, and moving, cleaning under and rearranging furniture.
Share your spring-cleaning story, and share what past generations have done in your family for the change of seasons.
By the way, does anyone beat their area rugs over the clothesline anymore?
DEAR HELOISE: Several years ago, your ingredients for a homemade cleaning solution included rubbing alcohol and dish soap. I lost the proportions. Could you print them again?
-- John A., Pekin, Ill.
DEAR READER: What you've mentioned are the ingredients for one of my all-purpose cleaners. The other ingredient is nonsudsing ammonia. Here are the proportions:
1/2 cup nonsudsing ammonia
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid
Enough water to make a gallon
Wear rubber gloves when using ammonia, and work with a soft cloth in a ventilated area. This cleaner is great to cut grease and grime. Try it on window blinds, countertops and tile.Clearly label the mixture.
Never, ever mix ammonia with bleach! This can make a toxic gas.
DEAR HELOISE: People have the system of tapping their brakes when they are being tailgated. That works sometimes, but I have a system that always works.
I turn on my flashers. I estimate this works 95 percent of the time. If they resume tailgating, I keep the flashers on and slow down a bit. This has the desired effect.
-- Billie M.,
New Braunfels, Texas
DEAR READER: My staff has tested this and it works like a charm! Everyone, allow at least one car length of space in front of you for safety's sake, in case you have to stop suddenly.
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
Weekend on 05/05/2016