HELOISE Formula makes great prewash spray

Dear Heloise: I can't find my clipped column for making prewash spray using liquid dishwashing detergent and ammonia. It worked great, but my second batch is not in the correct proportions. Shirley, via e-mail
Shirley, I would be happy to reprint this great homemade formula for prewash spray, because so many readers keep asking for it. All you need are equal parts of dishwashing liquid that doesn't contain bleach (used to hand-wash dishes), full-strength, nonsudsing ammonia, and water. Place the mixture in a labeled spray bottle and keep on a laundry shelf where children or pets can't get to it. Simply spray the backside of the stained item and allow it to soak in, then wash. That's all there is to it!
Heloise Hint: Remember, never put a just-washed item into the dryer until you make sure that the stain has been removed. Otherwise, the heat from the dryer can bake in the stain and make it more difficult to remove.
To make stain-removing easier, here are the three rules to keep in mind: soon, slow and several. First, SOON -- get to the stain as soon as possible. The longer a stain is left on fabric, the harder it will be to remove. Next, slow -- go at the stain slowly but constantly to get it out. Lastly, several -- you might have to use a cleaning method more than once before a stain can be completely removed. For more helpful stain-removal hints, please send $4 for a copy of my eight-page clothing stain-removal pamphlet, along with a long, self-addressed, stamped (60 cents) envelope, to: Heloise/Stain, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5001. Always remember to try the least-drastic stain-removal method first and then move on to the next suggested methods. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I read that you can include those little condiment packets in your care packages to servicemen and -women. Those little touches can bring "back home" memories to those overseas. You wouldn't want to send any that need refrigeration. Nothing beats condiments from a favorite fast-food place. Just place them in a plastic bag and include with the other goodies you send. Cindy Blake Taylor, Boerne, Texas
Dear Heloise: We use canvas bags for groceries, but still end up with a surplus of plastic bags when we shop at stores that don't allow us to bring in our own bags. I use an empty tissue box to store the plastic bags in. It fits perfectly into one of the kitchen drawers and compacts the bags nicely. Britta Gieshaber, Bloomington, Ind.
Dear Heloise: The other day, while my mother and I were baking a chocolate cake, I mentioned that I hate when the white flour sticks to the bottom of the cake. Mom said she could solve that, so she used cocoa powder on the bottom of the cake pan in place of the flour. When we cut the cake, there was no ugly white sediment! Rebecca in Houston
Dear Heloise: Here's another hint for watering hanging plants without a mess: Just place some ice cubes on the plant. This is how I was taught when I worked for a vacation club in Florida. Pamela Slobey in Florida
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate