Baby formula stain remover is tried and true

Dear Heloise: I am wondering if you know of a baby-formula stain remover. My kids are 24 and 27, and back then I did have a copy. I think it was two to three substances. This particular stain removal was great and took out the formula, and now I can’t find it.

Now I have nieces who are having babies. Thank you. Colleen R., via e-mail

This tried-and-true Heloise stain-removal formula is perfect for baby stains. As with all stains, treat as soon as possible for the best results. First, soak the item in cold water.

For bleachable white clothes, mix 1‚Ñ4 cup of household chlorine bleach, 1 cup of automatic dishwasher detergent and 1 gallon of hot water. Soak for about 30 minutes.

If the garment is bleachable but should not be soaked in hot water, let the solution cool. Wash as usual. Use a plastic container for soaking the item (rather than aluminum), since bleach will damage aluminum.

If you have more questions about stain removal, I have a Handy Stain Guide for Clothing pamphlet that you can order for $4. Send a long, self-addressed, stamped (61 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Stain Guide, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Remember that some stains really are permanent, and no amount of magic can make them disappear. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I used to have the problem with towels that were not soft and fluffy after washing and drying. Someone told me I was using too much detergent — only a small amount was needed.

Now I start filling the washer and add only from half to a full measure of liquid detergent and a small amount of detergent booster as needed, then I add the clothes.

Towels are soft and fluffy, even the old ones. A jug of detergent and one of fabric softener last for months. Betty from Amsterdam, N.Y.

Dear Heloise: I cut out your recipe for window cleaner that has alcohol, sudsy ammonia and liquid dish soap. I have looked everywhere for sudsy ammonia and can only find household ammonia. Will that work just as well? Jo Matthews, via e-mail

There are two types of ammonia, sudsy and nonsudsy.

Sudsy ammonia is clear ammonia that contains detergent for hard cleaning jobs, but it sometimes streaks, so it isn’t good for glass cleaning.

Nonsudsy ammonia is regular clear ammonia for all-purpose cleaning, like mirrors, windows or chrome.

The original recipe said 1‚Ñ2 cup ammonia (nonsudsy). So, give the recipe a try and let us know what you think. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Here is my version of quick buttermilk. To 3‚Ñ4 cup skim milk, add enough sour cream to hit the full-cup mark. I use a fork to whisk the mixture until smooth. Let sit 10 minutes, then add to your recipe. Myrna in Maine

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