Dear Heloise: My house has many windows and most of them have miniblinds. During spring cleaning, I would like to clean them but am not sure of the best way to go about doing this. Can you help? - A.G., St. Louis

For a good cleaning, find a clean, solid surface outdoors where you can lay the miniblinds.

Make a solution of water and mild dishwashing detergent, about 1 tablespoon per gallon). Caution: Use this only on metal blinds, not wood, fabric, etc.

Lay the blinds flat. Clean them, using a clean soft cloth and the solution. Rinse well and turn the blinds over. Repeat the cleaning process and rinse well again. Then hang the blinds on a fence or other upright surface to dry while hanging.

Note: Several suggest using foaming bathroom cleaner. This works well, but you should test a spot first, for safety. - Heloise