DEAR HELOISE: What do you recommend for a homemade cleaning solution for windows and mirrors? I had a recipe for a mixture at one time, but I can't find it.
-- Sherry M., via email
DEAR READER: For a great homemade window-cleaning solution, mix 1/4 cup ammonia into a gallon of water. Label the mixture clearly. Wear gloves and work in a ventilated area.
Surprisingly, newspaper is much better to use to spread the cleaner on glass than paper towels: fewer streaks and less lint.
DEAR HELOISE: When I have small frozen items to take home from the supermarket, but I have other errands to run before I get home, a padded bubble mailer is perfect to hold the cold pieces. It takes up less space than a cooler, and keeps things cold.
-- Mr. B. in Central Texas
DEAR HELOISE: We have a big window in our house that's close to pine trees, where we have bird feeders. The question is, what can we do to the window so that the birds don't fly against it? This is happening too often.
-- Ella H., Penn Yan, N.Y.
DEAR READER: Ella, a big problem may be the feeder. Are you able to move it away from the window periodically? Change the routine of your "regular customers," and they will have to slow down to find the feeder, and may be less likely to crash into the window.
Also, think about this: Glass is invisible to birds. All they see is the reflection of trees, the grass, themselves (as another small, friendly bird), the sky, etc. Eliminating the reflection should be your goal. Here are some hints and items to use:
• Food wrap over the window will blur the glass.
• Large plastic owl or hawk decoys will scare away birds.
• The noise of a helium balloon flapping in the wind will deter birds.
DEAR HELOISE: The amount of dust and pet hair that can accumulate under my king-size bed is outrageous. It's hard to bend over, reach under and dust or vacuum there.
Here's what I came up with: I place a sheet under the bed. The dust and debris fall on the sheet, and then I just toss it in the washer each time I launder my bedding.
-- M.S. in Pennsylvania
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Weekend on 10/20/2016