Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: Would you kindly print the necessary ingredients for window- cleaning solution? I remember that rubbing alcohol was one of the items and have misplaced your instructions for the right amounts, etc. Thanks. – Mom, via e-mail

Happy to oblige! This “recipe” is inexpensive to make and works just as well as commercial products. Mix 12 to 16 ounces of water, 1/2 cup white or apple-cider vinegar, 1/4 cup (70 percent) rubbing alcohol and 1 to 2 drops of blue or green food coloring if you want it to look like window cleaner. I like to add a drop or two of essential oil, and one of my favorites is orange because it’s refreshing.

Vinegar also can help keep your windshield free of frost if you leave your car out overnight in the winter. Use a solution of three parts white or cider vinegar to one part water. FYI: If you use newspaper instead of paper towels to dry windows, you’re not only recycling, but newspaper doesn’t leave behind lint. – Heloise