I love to discover additional uses for what I once considered a single-use product. Take that bottle of blue glass-and-window cleaner you keep hidden under the sink. According to today's first tipster, it just might be what you need to clean those spots in the carpet.

WINDEX WONDER. When my husband and I were cleaning the grime from our vehicles, we came upon the best carpet cleaner: Windex! I decided to try to remove a stain that had been in my carpet forever, and voilà! It worked when everything else I tried failed. Just spray the stain thoroughly with Windex, rub gently with a towel, and absorb as much of the residue as possible. Then apply water liberally, and absorb that from the carpet, as well. -- Andrea U., Minnesota (Note: Always try new cleaning products in an inconspicuous place first to avoid any potential damage.)

BACKPACK MAKEOVER. Now that it's new backpack season, I wanted to share a tip about those old worn backpacks. When the backpack becomes unusable as it is, use scissors to cut off the smaller pockets with working zippers. Recycle these as makeup bags, first-aid kits, pencil pouches or storage for toys or small items needed for camping. -- Kathy B., Pennsylvania

RECYCLE A CELL. My local police department and senior center take old cell phones. They program them to call only 911 and give them to elderly people for emergency use. There is no cost for the people who receive the phones. -- Nancy P., e-mail

LEFTOVER GOODNESS. I found that when I eat at a Chinese or Mexican restaurant, there is a good cupful or more of leftover onions and peppers. Instead of letting the food go to waste, I take it to go. I use it for a stir-fry, soup, chili, on a bratwurst or with Italian sausage. Plain rice can make rice pudding. -- Rhonda G., Minnesota

STRAWBERRY SAVER. I love strawberries and read with interest the recent tip about how to keep them from going bad so quickly. It recommended separating them from one another. That's easier said than done in a full fridge. I came up with the perfect solution: egg cartons! Each berry has its own little compartment! -- Rosemary H., Nebraska

ANTENNA SMARTS. Even with the new TV converter box, if you do not pay for cable or satellite TV service, you still need an antenna. The converter box then hooks up to the antenna. I learned a neat idea from my neighbor: You can install the antenna in your attic so you don't have to see it on the roof, and the added benefit is that the wind cannot readjust it. -- Geralyn D., e-mail

Would you like to send a tip to Mary? You can e-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. Mary Hunt is the founder of DebtProofLiving.com and author of 17 books, including "Debt-Proof Living" and "Tiptionary 2." To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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