HELOISE Alcohol makes a great lens cleaner

Dear Heloise: My favorite household hint, which I discovered after purchasing nonglare prescription eyeglasses a few years ago, is to keep an inexpensive spray bottle filled with ordinary rubbing alcohol in my bathroom vanity.
In addition to cleaning all the fingerprints off my eyeglass lenses, I find it is a perfect degreaser. Spraying the rubbing alcohol directly on my diamond ring (while wearing it), then rinsing the ring under the tap every morning, keeps it sparkling.
Sprayed on a quilted cotton cosmetic pad, I use it to wipe makeup residue from my lipstick cases, compacts, lip-pencil sharpener and eye-makeup applicators.
I also use it to clean and sanitize the ear- and mouthpieces of all my phones, which always get hair spray and makeup smudges on them. The best part is the low cost, and it lasts for two or three months. Jo Ann Byrnes, Lincoln Park, N.J.
Jo Ann, don't you love low-cost, multiuse hints? We called several eyewear centers to see if rubbing alcohol is safe for cleaning eyeglasses. All said yes, but don't use it on low-quality, less-expensive eyewear -- it can cause spotting. Heloise
P.S. Please be sure to label the spray bottle.
Here are a few hints for using paper or plastic foam dishes, besides for food:
UPut foam dishes under plants to protect furniture, etc.
UCover food bowls with paper plates in the microwave.
UPut in between china plates to protect from scratching.
UHandy as pet dishes while traveling.
UUse to separate breakables while packing.
Dear Heloise: I have an idea about keeping my pantyhose with holes separate from the good pantyhose. I put my pantyhose, slips and strapless bras in freezer zipper bags and label the bags. For example: half-slip w/slit, full slip with no slit, strapless bra, etc.
I use the bags because they have a white label to write on. It works great and keeps things organized. It is also a big timesaver if you are late for a party -- all you have to do is read the label to find the right slip for your dress. D.W., Carrollton, Texas
Your hint saves time and nerves. There is nothing worse than looking at pantyhose, thinking there are no runs, and putting them on -- only to find they can't be worn, then starting all over again. Heloise
Dear Heloise: My biggest gripe is people mowing their lawns, kids playing loud musical instruments and dogs barking early in the morning on weekends.
After working long hours, I enjoy sleeping in on weekends, but that doesn't last long when I awake to loud noise, sometimes starting around 7 in the morning.
My dog comes in at night, but my neighbors are not so considerate -- the dogs start barking before sunup. Carrie G., Via E-mail
Carrie, if you can't move, buy several pairs of good earplugs. Heloise
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