HELPFUL HINTS

By HELOISE

Posted: July 30, 2009 at 5:15 a.m.

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LITTLE ROCK — 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. 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 addthe clothes. The towels are soft and fluffy, even the old ones. No scratchy soap buildup!

- 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

DEAR READER: 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 /2 cup ammonia (nonsudsy). So, give the recipe a try and let us know what you think.

DEAR HELOISE: Here is my version of quick buttermilk. To 3 /4 cup skim milk, add enough sour cream to hit the full-cup mark. I use a dinner fork to whisk the mixture until smooth. Let sit 10 minutes, then add to your recipe.

- Myrna in Maine Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail

HELOISE@CompuServe.com

Weekend, Pages 35 on 07/30/2009

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