Prewash spray is simple to make

Dear Heloise: Could you reprint your recipe for homemade prewash spray? The last batch I made lasted months, and now I don't know where I put the recipe. Since I use it almost every day, I'm getting panicky that I'll run out! — Janet, Farmingdale, N.Y.

It's always nice to hear that one of my recipes is put to good use. This one will save you money and, as you've discovered, will last a long time. To make it, just mix equal parts water, household ammonia and dishwashing (not dishwasher) liquid. Be sure the dishwashing liquid does NOT contain bleach. Check the label carefully.

Mix the three ingredients in a clean spray bottle and be sure to label the bottle and include a caution that it should not be used with household bleach or any products containing bleach. Once you apply this prewash to a stain, you must wash the garment immediately.

FYI: Ammonia and bleach DO NOT mix! Mixing will produce a harmful and very toxic gas! — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I frequently travel out of the country. Always fearful of the airlines losing my luggage, I made an 8 1/2-by-11-inch ID for each of my suitcases. I print these off the computer, place each in a plastic sheet protector and place either on top of my clothing or in the mesh pocket on the inside of my suitcase.

The first telephone number is that of a friend in my hometown who knows where I am in case of emergency, and the second number is the home where I am visiting (or you could put the hotel number). — Sharon, Seal Beach, Calif.

Dear Heloise: While visiting my mom, I noticed she had a spray bottle filled with alcohol on her bathroom counter. She said she started using it to clean her eyeglasses, then discovered that it did a great job of removing lipstick and makeup residue from her cosmetic bag and worked great on compacts, etc.

Now, I keep a bottle for sanitizing my phones, even my cell, which removes smudges from makeup and hair products. — Sony, San Antonio

Sony, not only does rubbing alcohol have many uses, it's also inexpensive! And a bottle will last a long time. So why not keep a clearly marked spray bottle in each bathroom and the kitchen, too? Try adding a touch of vanilla or your favorite essential oil (I like lavender) for a hint of fragrance. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Leftover pieces of carpet make good paths in your garden, particularly in wet times. Keeps one's shoes from getting "muddied up" and keeps the weeds and unwanted things from growing under them. These also allow the rain or watering through. — Jean Williams, Fort Smith, Ark.

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Send a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax: 210-435-6473; e-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com. © King Features Syndicate Inc.