Cereal-box recycling hint is a real treat

Dear Heloise: I have a recycling hint for cereal boxes. I had some treats I wanted to send home with my grandsons, and I wanted something to send that wouldn’t need to be returned.

I got an empty cereal box and sealed the open end with tape. I used packing tape on both ends to make it sturdy. I laid the box flat and cut about 1‚Ñ8 inch in all the way around. I then took the piece I had cut and laid it inside the box for a sturdier bottom. I put waxed paper in the bottom, and it worked perfectly to send home the treats. When it’s empty, in the recycle bin it goes! These box trays also can be used as lap trays for picnic lunches, for popcorn parties or to put chips and crackers in for backyard gatherings. If you want to fancy them up, you can always wrap some fun paper around them. Barb J., Mission Viejo, Calif.

Recycling at its best! Heloise

Dear Heloise: I save so much money drying clothes on the line rather than in the dryer. I put the wet laundry from the washer into the dryer for 10 minutes to fluff it up a bit, then hang it up to finish drying. Shirts and tops that go on hangers go directly on the hanger to finish drying; a big timesaver and work-saver!

I am blessed to have a space in the basement to use year-round. If I run out of time to fold laundry the day it is washed, no problem — it won’t wrinkle hanging on the line. Terry Annable, Winchester, Va.

Dear Heloise: What is the recipe for mixing water and ammonia for general cleaning? Marge P., Dallas

This Heloise easy-to-make all-purpose cleaner is a real money-saver, plus good for the environment! For household use, mix 1‚Ñ2 cup nonsudsing ammonia, 1‚Ñ2 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and enough water to make a gallon of cleaner. Store it in a labeled spray container for easy use.

For many more money-saving hints on making homemade cleaners for use around your home, just send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (59 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.

Please keep all cleaners and ingredients out of the reach of children and pets. Use full-strength vinegar on a sponge or rag to clean grease and dust from ceiling fans and exhaust-fan grills. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I’ve wanted to share this for quite some time. I’m unable to open cans with a pull ring on top. I discovered if this type of can is turned upside down, it is easily opened with our electric can opener. I’m able to open most of the cans this way. I always look forward to your hints in The Sacramento Bee. S. Prevost, Shingle Springs, Calif.

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