1 product does job of many cleaners

Dear Readers: Do you have a ton of cleaners in your bathroom cabinet right now? One to clean the glass shower doors, one to remove soap scum, something to clean mirrors, maybe even a special tile cleaner? Then I'm here to tell you that there's ONE product that can do all these and much more.

Have you guessed it yet? What if I said that it's environmentally safe, it has been around for thousands of years and it's inexpensive! Yes, it's vinegar, my all-time-favorite cleaner and deodorizer.

It can be used at full strength, or you can make a good vinegar-based multipurpose cleaner by mixing one-half cup white vinegar, one pint rubbing alcohol, one teaspoon dishwashing liquid and enough water to make a gallon. Fill a labeled squirt bottle, and store the remaining solution until you need it.

Use this one cleaner instead of having a collection of not-so-cheap commercial brands for tub/shower, tile and counters (DO NOT use on real marble, granite or crystalline).

There are so many uses for vinegar that I can't list them all here, so I've put together a pamphlet that you can have by sending $4 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (63 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.

You'll also find a whole bunch of personal-care and bath-time uses in this pamphlet, like adding a cup of apple-cider vinegar to a tubful of water. Not only will your skin feel wonderful, but cleaning the tub will be a lot easier. —Heloise

Dear Heloise: My wife and I have discovered a way to create extra room in our luggage for the things we pick up along the way in our travels. Rather than taking our best underwear when we start out, we take the stuff that is ready to retire. At the end of each day, out go the old undies, and day by day we have more room for the things we buy. —James Adams, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: We read your column in our local (Durham, N.C.) Herald-Sun newspaper where you gave some suggestions about cleaning garbage disposals. May I add one more? Take several paper towels and moisten them with a liquid cleaner. Then wipe underneath the rubber flaps at the top of the disposal (be sure the disposal is off). You would be surprised at the gunk that accumulates under there!

And here's another old hint from your mother (the original Heloise, who started this column more than 45 years ago. — Heloise, the daughter). After opening a jar of pimentos, pour white vinegar on top of the pimentos to prevent molding. Be sure to rinse them off with water before using.

We just celebrated our 43rd anniversary, and I'm still learning from you! —Gail Arrowood, Durham, N.C.

Dear Heloise: I have found a vitamin company that has its caps open on one side to shake out the contents. I save the caps and put them on similar-size bottles for quick and easy access. —Barbara Shaidnagle, Houston

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© King Features Syndicate Inc.