Use sudsy ammonia to clean burners on your stove top

Dear Readers: Here's a hint for easy cleanup of your stove top's burners:
All you'll need to get started is sudsy ammonia (it has a little detergent in it) and an old towel you don't mind cutting up.
First, remove the drip pans, burner rings and heating elements, if there are any.
Then, cut a circle out of the towel just a little bit larger than the largest burner. Next, with rubber gloves on, saturate the circle with ammonia, place on the burner and cover with aluminum foil so that the ammonia won't evaporate too quickly. Be careful -- the fumes can be powerful. You'll want the exhaust fan on and doors open, and you should only do one burner at a time.
Let the circle sit there overnight, if possible. Then, wipe off the residue with some mild soap and water and a clean cloth. Heloise
Dear Heloise: We usually take several car trips throughout the year. Here are a couple of things that I do to make the trips more comfortable:
I take along a pillow and a blanket. No matter the time of year, this makes taking a little nap more comfortable. I put a bright-colored pillowcase on the pillow so that if I take it into a hotel room, I will remember to grab it when we leave.
I also take along a small bag of some of our favorite goodies. These snacks keep us from having to stop for sodas or snacks. We arrive at our destination sooner. Peggy Prospect, Washington, D.C.
Dear Heloise: Love your column. We cut out the articles that interest us and put them in plastic 8-by-11-inch sleeves and file them in a binder labeled "Heloise and Other Ideas."
Here's our hint: When trimming a tall grass plant, pull it together and wrap an elastic band around it to hold it together, then cut it off at the desired height. Also, for those plants like pampas grass that have leaves like knives and tend to slice up your skin, we always wear long sleeves when trimming them. Vern and Barb Daniels, Vancouver, Wash.
King Features Syndicate