HELOISE Reader wants to know ingredients in windshield-washer fluid recipe

Dear Heloise: I was wondering: Is there an inexpensive way to make my own windshield-washer fluid? A Reader, Via E-mail
Well, yes and no. This "recipe" was originally printed in this column more than 40 years ago but is not meant to be used in place of commercial washer fluid. Just mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol, pour into a spray bottle and label. Don't add this solution to the windshield-fluid reservoir in your car. Store-bought fluids have antifreeze in them to protect against freezing temperatures, and some have special ingredients added for the hot summer months. So, only use approved fluids. Remember doing something that isn't recommended can void your vehicle warranty.
So keep the homemade fluid as a spray in your car to use when needed. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Your column in the (Minneapolis) Star Tribune carried a hint regarding storing newspapers to be recycled in a square laundry basket.
For many years, I've used grocery bags, preferably the ones with handles, to stash newspapers. Put the papers cut-side down (folded-side up) so they don't "fan" in the bag, and they're all set to be carried out to the area for recycling. In our case, they're picked up curbside every other week. The grocery bags are often recyclable, too. Donna Hanten, Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Dear Heloise: Sending home some German chocolate cake with my neighbor presented a problem. So, I put it on a plate and stuck toothpicks in it. Then, to keep the toothpicks from poking through the plastic wrap, I stuck miniature marshmallows on them and then covered with plastic wrap. Worked like a charm. Trenna Underhill, Springfield, Mo.
Dear Heloise: I carry all of my Internet passwords with me in my electronic address book so I can access my sites from any computer. My book is password-protected, too. Cindy Janssens, Via E-mail
If you don't have an electronic address book, you can just use a regular address book and list them under coded "names." Heloise
Dear Heloise: I was forever "losing" my glasses in the bottom of my purse until I came up with a great solution. I bought a yard of self-gripping tape and cut it into 5-inch strips. I glued one part onto the back of my favorite soft eyeglass case, then vertically glued the corresponding piece to the lining of my purse. I did the same to the lining of my other purses. Now I can just open my purse, and my glasses are always standing upright. It's also easy to switch the eyeglass case when I change bags. Cyndi, Upper Montclair, N.J.
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate