It’s spring cleaning time

DEAR READERS: Spring is a good time to give your house a thorough cleaning after a long winter.

Here are the basic steps to take to get the best results in getting rid of dirt and grime. Use these four:

1. Before selecting a commercial cleaning product, first read the label. Cleaners are vastly different and some need to be diluted.

2. Prep the area by initially removing food, dirt and loose substances. Vacuum up dirt on surfaces that need it to save time and then begin the cleaning process.

3. Figure out precisely what the dirt is, and then use the correct cleaner to do the job.

4. Make sure you apply enough cleaner to cover the surface and leave it on long enough so it can work.

— Heloise

WHEN BOWLS OR GLASSES STICK TOGETHER

DEAR READERS: As we know, occasionally when you stack bowls or glasses they become stuck together, and you cannot separate them easily. You don’t want them to break in the process.

So here’s how to unstick them without any damage:

Use a cold-heat approach. Put ice cubes in the stuck item (because cold contracts) and then place the bottom bowl or glass in a sink filled with warm to hot water (because heat expands). Allow them to remain in the sink for several minutes.

Then gently pull them apart. — Heloise

QUICKIE CAKE FROSTING

DEAR READERS:

Need frosting fast? Try this two-ingredient recipe.

Open a 12-ounce package of peppermint patties and break them into pieces.

Add them to a heavybottomed saucepan.

Then pour in 6 tablespoons of milk and stir them until the mixture is smooth. Let cool.

Frost the cake or cupcakes and decorate with extra peppermint patties. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise. com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.