Dear Readers: You should be well into your spring cleaning for the season, but wait-do you spring-clean? Do you take a few days to deep-clean your home to make it fresh and to air it out?
In some parts of the country, especially during rough winters in the Northeast and Midwest, your home might be closed up all winter, and therefore is musty, dusty and stale.
Here in the Southern states, spring-cleaning is not a big event. Our homes are typically not sealed for winter; we have barbecues on the patio year-round; the grass is mowed in February; temperatures are typically warmer.
But what does spring-cleaning entail for you? It could be cleaning windows inside and out, wiping out the window frames, steam-cleaning carpets and tiles, and moving, cleaning under and rearranging furniture.
Share your spring-cleaning story here, and share what past generations have done in your family for the change of seasons.
By the way, does anyone beat their area rugs over the clothesline anymore?-Heloise
SPEAKING OF SPRING-CLEANING ..
Dear Heloise: Several years ago, your ingredients for a homemade cleaning solution included rubbing alcohol and dish soap. I lost the proportions-could you print them again?-John A., Pekin, Ill.
Certainly! What you've mentioned are the ingredients for one of my all-purpose cleaners. The other ingredient is nonsudsing ammonia.
Here are the proportions:
1/2 cup nonsudsing ammonia
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid
Enough water to make a gallon
Wear rubber gloves when using ammonia, and work with a soft cloth in a ventilated area.
This cleaner is great to cut grease and grime. Try it on window blinds, countertops and tile! Clearly label the mixture.-Heloise
King Features Syndicate