HELOISE: Formula helps remove stains

Dear Heloise: Years ago, when my children were babies, I handed down many clothes that had the stains from formula removed by a method you recommended. Any advice where I can find that formula? I know it had dishwasher detergent in it, but I can’t remember the other ingredients. Thanks.

Catherine in Pittsburgh

Catherine, I’m happy to reprint this often-asked-for Heloise Stain Remover. First, the general guideline for treating stains, including those from a baby, is the sooner you get to it, the better. Second, soak the item in cold water for 20-30 minutes, which may resolve the problem. Third, apply a bit of liquid laundry detergent to the stain, rub in, then wash. Don’t put it in the dryer.

The Heloise Stain Remover formula is: 1/4 cup of household chlorine bleach, 1 cup of automatic dishwasher detergent and 1 gallon of hot water. Soak for half an hour in a plastic bucket or container (bleach will damage aluminum), then launder as usual. On the subject of stains, I have a Handy Stain Guide for Clothing pamphlet. To receive one, send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (61 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Stain Guide, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Remember, when using chlorine bleach to remove stains (diluted to the proper amount), if it doesn’t work in about 20 minutes, longer is not better. I learned this from a chemist long ago. So, overnight won’t work better.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Our ceiling fans keep us comfortable. I had trouble telling which pull was for the light and which one was for the fan, but not anymore. I purchased two fan pulls; one was white, which rhymes with “light,” and the other was tan, which rhymes with “fan”!

E.M. in Texas

Dear Heloise: For a nice, clean smell, I hang clothes from the washer in various rooms, mainly the bedroom or a hallway overnight. These are quick-drying, nondrip-type clothes, ones that I don’t want in the dryer because they will shrink or shouldn’t be put in the dryer anyway. The smell is wonderful from the detergent and/or fabric softener.

A Reader, via e-mail

Dear Readers: If you live in an area prone to bad winter weather, be sure to pack the trunk of your car with winter essentials in case of an emergency.

Blankets, boots, ice scraper, dry foods, hand warmer and matches or lighter are just some suggestions.

King Features Syndicate