Hints from Heloise

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