Donate instead of giving gifts

House key solution

Dear Heloise: It is very easy to forget or lose a house key. So, long ago, I put a lockbox on the door handle (like Realtors use). I can easily put in the code and get myself back inside. — Sincerely,

Dirty windows

Dear Readers: When windows get grimy and dirty, here’s a cheap and effective way to clean them. Just add 1 cup of vinegar to a 1/2 gallon of water. To apply to the windows, pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray liberally onto the dirty windows. Then, wipe off, and dry the windows well. They will be streak-free. You can use this mixture to shine mirrors, too.

Vinegar is cheap and safe, with lots of household uses, including cleaning, cooking and beauty hints. I have put together a six-page pamphlet with more vinegar hints you can buy called “Heloise’s Fantabulous Vinegar Hints and More!” You can get this informative pamphlet by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Heloise/vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX, 78279-5001.

FYI: If aluminum pots are discolored, add 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water to the pot and boil away the stain. Wash, rinse and dry. —

Condolence calls

Dear Heloise: When a friend or an acquaintance passes away, we usually hurry to their home with food. Something that is often appreciated is a supply of paper goods. Toilet paper, paper towels, plates, cups for coffee, and plastic flatware all come in handy when visitors come. It’s something that we forget about during those difficult and frantic moments. — Sincerely, Carolyn Mcdonough, Canaan, Connecticut