Deseret News | Homemade solution gets windows sparkling clean

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Homemade solution gets windows sparkling clean

Full-strength vinegar also makes an excellent cleaner

Hints from Heloise

Published: Friday, Sept. 9, 2005 1:22 p.m. MDT

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Dear Heloise: Some time back, you printed a recipe for homemade window cleaner. I think it contained vinegar and ammonia, but I am not sure. Could you please reprint this recipe? Thank you very much — I enjoy reading your column. — Joe, via e-mail

I'd be happy to reprint this easy recipe for sparkling windows. First of all, you never mix vinegar and ammonia together in a cleaning solution, and do not mix ammonia with bleach or anything that contains bleach, including dishwasher detergent. You use one or the other.

You can use my favorite, full-strength vinegar, to clean the windows. This is especially good if you have water spots from mineral deposits. All you need to do is spray the windows with vinegar, let sit for a couple of minutes, then wipe clean. You might have to repeat and scrub with a plastic brush or scrubbie.

OR, you can mix 1/4 cup of nonsudsing ammonia with 1 gallon of water. Again, spray the windows, scrub with a cloth if really dirty, rinse with water, then repeat the process and use a squeegee to wipe dry. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I've found a convenient traveling idea. After using a hot curling iron, I insert it in a quilted hot-pad mitt and go on my way. — Irene Hohman, Watertown, Wisc.

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Dear Heloise: I just read about "spinach mess" (a meal with mashed potatoes, spinach and an egg), which made me chuckle as I recalled an old German favorite of my family often served as the lighter evening meal. It is so delicious that I have to share the recipe with you.

Top a serving of white rice with a layer of spinach, cooked with a splash of vinegar and tossed with a bit of butter. Then top the spinach with a poached egg and season with salt and pepper if you like. Break the yolk. Yummy!

My sons fondly remember this "quickie" meal and occasionally prepare it for their families. — Marilyn Bennett, Fountain Valley, Calif.

Dear Heloise: Steel entry doors can be used as message boards. I leave notes to myself on the inside and notes for visitors on the outside (using a magnet to keep them in place — Heloise). If I need to remember to do something, having the note stare at me as I go to the door usually works. When it might rain and I want to leave a note outside, I put it in a plastic bag. — Judythe Samter, Thayer, Ind.

Dear Heloise: The gift-card hint reminded me of my hint for using gift cards. I use a permanent marker to write down the date and amount left on the front of the card after each use. And knowing how much is left helps me budget when shopping at the store. — Jocelyn Judge, Center Conway, N.H.

Send a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax: 1-210-HELOISE; e-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com © King Features Syndicate Inc.