Cleaning miniblinds: an open-and-shut case

Dear Heloise: What is the best and easiest way to clean miniblinds? Debra Johnson, via e-mail

It depends on the blinds. Are they made from wood, metal or fabric? How dirty are they? Are they just dusty, or do they have a greasy buildup and stains?

Dusting can be done easily with a microfiber cloth, static duster, clean cloth or even the vacuum-cleaner brush attachment (my favorite cleaning tool) on all blind types.

For metal or plastic blinds, a quick, light cleaning is as easy as using alcohol-only pre-moistened towelettes (not ones with oil or other additives, as this will cause dirt to stick to the blinds). Test first: Wipe a small spot and let dry. If all is well, continue until the blinds are sparkling-clean.

Real wood blinds are a little more difficult to clean — the manufacturers say you should not use water because it might warp the slats if too much is used (I still use a slightly damp microfiber cloth). Only dusting is recommended. Fabric blinds can be wiped clean with a soft, damp cloth — do not overwet — after first dusting or vacuuming.

A heavy cleaning will require you to take down the metal or plastic blinds (you cannot do this to wood or fabric blinds) and clean them outside. A good solution to use is 1 teaspoon of liquid detergent and 1 quart of water. Place the blinds on a driveway or other smooth surface. Scrub each slat and then rinse off with a garden hose. Heloise

Dear Heloise: After so many years, my wife and I decided to try another idea for Christmas. We select an amount we would usually spend on each other, then she buys gifts for herself and I buy gifts for myself. We each wrap and label our own gifts.

On Christmas morning, I open my gifts and she opens hers. The fun is that she doesn’t know what “she” bought me until I open my presents, and I only find out what “I” bought her when she opens hers. It has been the best Christmas surprises in years, and we’re both completely satisfied with our “gifts.” No returns and no disappointments. Adam in Oregon

Dear Heloise: I travel frequently and feel awful leaving behind a barely used bar of soap in the bathroom and shower, so I save the coffee-filter package and slide the used soap bars into the package. I travel enough that I haven’t had to buy a bar of soap in years! Cindy R., Columbia, Mo.

Dear Heloise: I’ve made a full pot of morning coffee for more than 30 years. I’d scoop until I had what I needed. Then it hit me. I measured the amount I used — a heaping half-cup — and now keep a measuring half-cup in the coffee canister, and life is that much easier each day. Gale in Ohio

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate