Simple solution really cleans windows

DEAR HELOISE: I am writing to ask for the recipe for window cleaner. I made some up and used it all, and now I can’t find the recipe for it. Would you please print it again? Thank you. — D. Hannon, Portage, Ind.

DEAR D.: I’m happy to share this money-saving hint. It’s a tried-and-true solution for windows and is really simple:

Mix 1/2 cup nonsudsing ammonia, 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid with enough water to make 1 gallon of cleaner. Put this in a clearly marked spray bottle.

Drying with crumpled-up newspaper will give you a streak-free window, too.

For other home-style cleaners, order my pamphlet Heloise’s Fantabulous Vinegar Hints and More. Just send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (61 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.

Who needs to spend money on expensive commercial cleaners when household staples like vinegar, baking soda and rubbing alcohol are just about all you need?

Also, when doing windows, wipe up and down on one side and side to side on the other. You’ll be able to tell which side the streaks are on. — Heloise

Artificial plants

DEAR HELOISE: In answer to artificial plants and how to clean them, I do the following:

* If they are small plants, I put them in the bathtub, and, using the shower, I wash them, let them drain and place them on a rug to dry while I continue to clean house.

* Or, if they are large plants that I cannot lift, I use a glass cleaner, which I spray over the whole plant and then wipe with a soft cloth over each leaf.

— Doris K., Galloway, Ohio

Carpet samples

DEAR HELOISE: When it’s time to replace and pick out new carpet, I bring the carpet samples home. To decide which ones will show dirt the least, I sprinkle some of the dust from my vacuum cleaner on the samples. I have found this very helpful in choosing carpet. Of course, I vacuum up the dirt from the samples before returning them to the store. It really works, as the dirt is the color unique to your area. — Wilma, Bentonville, Ark.

DEAR WILMA: That’s a really creative way to use dirt. — Heloise

Fridge-door cover

DEAR HELOISE: I bought a stainless steel French-door refrigerator and noticed marks on the doors, made when someone grabbed the handles to open.

My idea: While in an auto-parts store, I saw a display of shoulder pads used to add comfort to a car’s seat belt. I wrapped it around the handle and pressed the self-gripping tape closed, and it works great. — Amy, via e-mail

Hints from Heloise is syndicated by King Features Syndicate. Send great hints to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; by fax, 210-HELOISE (435-6473); or by e-mail, Heloise@Heloise.com.