HELOISE: Reader shares new way to clean windows

Dear Heloise: When I lived in Germany, I learned to use a chamois to clean my windows. They can be found in the automotive section of most stores, and also in auto-parts stores. The ones available here have a lot of oils in them. They must be thoroughly washed with a good detergent and rinsed very well before being used on your windows.

I also use a gallon of warm water with about a half-cup of fabulous vinegar. There’s no need to wipe one direction on one side of the glass and the other way on the other side because there will be no streaks. I squeeze the chamois until it doesn’t drip to clean the window, then wring the leather out until it is as dry as I can get it to dry the glass.

Don’t be alarmed when you want to use it the next time. It is supposed to dry stiff as a board. There is one thing to remember, though: Keep it away from your husband. He will want to use it on the car. Make him get his own. Fran McFall, Huntsville, Ala.

Dear Heloise: At the bottom of trash cans in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, place a medium-size scented candle (unlit, of course). The fresh smell will last for months. Cindy Wolf, South Orange, N.J.

Dear Heloise: Most of the time, a label maker includes a device to get the backing off the label. I’ve found that if you run the tape under the clip on a pen (like you would do when curling ribbon), it will separate enough to pull it apart. You may have to do it twice, but it sure saves a lot of frustration and my co-workers’ ears. Skipper, Sterling, Va.

Dear Heloise: To keep your bathroom exhaust fan running smoother longer, turn off when using hairsprays and other aerosols, which coat the blades with sticky residue, accumulating dust and throwing them out of balance. Bryce Scott, New Brunswick, Canada

Dear Heloise: I am sometimes the recipient of a bag of lemons. After washing and drying, I zest them — the zest freezes nicely. Then I juice the lemons and freeze the juice into ice cubes. They keep in plastic zippered bags for quite some time. Liz Goodman, Dana Point, Calif.

Dear Heloise: After going grocery shopping and unloading the items from the bags, I take a marker and write the expiration dates on the cans. I also date the sides of boxed items. Sure saves your eyes. Carolyn Schmidt, Newton, Kan.

Dear Heloise: I was so tired of trying to keep my chair arm covers in place. So I came up with a solution. I purchased a quilter’s basting gun at the local fabric store. Voil °! No more fishing down the cushion to find the covers. It also works on the headrest covers. Margaret from Texas

King Features Syndicate