|
Select a Subject:
Have a shower curtain that sticks and squeaks? Wipe furniture polish on the rod and the curtain will glide easily.
If you have hardened soap scum on your glass shower door, try scrubbing it with some baby oil on a washcloth.
Create your own bath soothers for a fraction of the cost. Toss several handfuls of Epsom salts in the tub to revive tired muscles, or add 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda to the water to help soften skin.
Try used dryer sheets to dust furniture and electronics; they'll cut static and help repel dust. You won't need to spray polish and can keep the sheets handy in a drawer in your living room and family room.
Denture tablets are good for more than just cleaning teeth! Before going to bed, drop a couple into the toilet bowl, then brush and flush the next morning!
Clean a rubber or vinyl bath mat in the washer with several bath towels. The towels scrub the mat, and everything comes out clean.
Stop your mattress from slipping and sliding by inserting some non-skid rug padding between the mattress and the box spring.
For fresh-smelling closets, add some cedar chips to an old nylon stocking and hang. The cedar will also repel moths.
To keep your bathroom mirror from fogging up during cold weather, spread a little shaving cream on the mirror and wipe it off with tissue.
To fight soap scum and mineral deposits on your shower door, spray the door with laundry pre-wash, let sit a minute and then wipe clean.
Fluff and freshen your down comforter by putting it in the dryer with a clean pair of sneakers and a few dryer sheets.
Keep clothes in your closet from slipping off their wire hangers by wrapping a rubber band around each end of the hanger.
Remember to flip your mattress once a month. For best results, flip from side to side one month and then top to bottom the next.
To refresh your bathroom, dab your favorite perfume on a cold light bulb. When the light is on, the heat from the bulb will release the perfume's fragrance.
When running your bath, toss in a (tightly closed) bottle of your favorite skin lotion. When you're ready to moisturize after your bath, you'll have warm lotion to apply...no more chills!
Give your bathroom a pleasant fragrance by placing a fabric softener sheet in the wastepaper basket.
Use a sponge mop to clean your shower walls. It will save time and save your back from all that bending and stretching.
To make a small bedroom appear larger, try painting it in light colors, using mirrors and choosing furniture you can see under.
Keep a plastic tub in your child's closet for outgrown clothes. When it's full, mark the clothing size on it, donate to charity and replace with another!
For soap scum and mineral deposits on your shower door, spray with laundry pre-wash spray, wait and then wipe clean.
Label each shelf in your linen closet to show its contents, such as sheets or pillowcases. This will make sure linens are put in their right places, and make them easier to find later.
To prevent mirrors from fogging up when you're using the shower, rub shaving cream onto the glass every couple of weeks. It will also help prevent water spots!
To help prevent tarnishing, place a piece of white chalk in with your silver or inside your jewelry box to absorb moisture.
To keep all your cleaning supplies together and tidy, try a portable shower caddy. It's easy to clean and fits nicely on a shelf in your utility room!
For tough-to-clean wood blinds, dip Miracle Cloth™ in cornmeal and rub. The abrasion and absorption together help remove soil and grease.
If you have hardened soap scum on your glass shower door, try scrubing it with some baby oil on a washcloth.
For an inexpensive and environmentally safe fabric softener, add two tablespoons of white vinegar to the final rinse.
Save worn-out toothbrushes and use for cleaning jewelry, plant leaves, grout and other hard to reach places. They also are great for fast and easy cleaning of hair combs and brushes.
For dried spills in your microwave, place a wet sponge inside on high for two minutes, let sit five minutes without opening and then wipe up!
Easily clean latex paint and grease from your skin by simply rubbing with some white shaving cream.
Ever had paper stick to your wood furniture? Apply some olive oil, let it sit for 30 minutes and then wipe free.
To break down tough stains on a coffee pot, fill the pot with warm water, add one dentire tablet, let sit for a few minutes and then rinse clean.
An earth-safe way to clean clogged drains: pour 1/2 cup baking soda down, followed by 1/2 cup white vinegar. Cover, let work for a few minutes, and then pour in boiling water.
When cleaning the glass shelves in your fridge, first scrub with white vinegar and water and then use a squeegee to dry!
If a wasp or bee flies into the house, spray it with hairspray. Pest sprays infuriate insects, but hairspray will immobilize their wings.
If you use baking soda to clean, try putting it in a shaker. A pasta sauce jar whit holes in the lid, or a parmesan cheese container work well.
Use a skirt hanger to clamp together all your paper grocery bags and then hang them out of the way in a pantry or utility room.
To clean and deodorize your refrigerator, wash the interior and exterior with a mixture of three tablespoons of baking soda in a quart of warm water.
Run out of lemon juice? You can substitute 1/2-teaspoon vinegar for 1-teaspoon lemon or lime juice in a recipe.
Clean your can opener by scrubbing the blade with a toothbrush and some anti-bacterial dish soap.
Scrub the bathroom and finish with softer hands! Just apply hand cream before putting on rubber gloves to clean the bathroom. The warm water will help the cream soak into your skin.
To rid carpet of dents from furniture, leave an ice cube on the spot until the ice melts, and then vacuum when dry! Move furniture regularly to avoid permanent indentation.
To clean your luggage of scuffmarks, rub with a bit of lemon extract.
Dusty bulbs can cut light by half! When the bulb is cool, gently clean it with a slightly damp sponge.
To rid sinks of limescale buildup and deposits, scrub the problem area with half a lemon.
Put up a clothesline or buy a folding wooden rack so your family can enjoy the clean, fresh smell of air-drying. You'll save money on running your dryer, too.
Here's an easy way to clean your microwave: In a heatproof glass, add 1 teaspoon baking soda to water, and heat for 2 minutes on HIGH. All that steam from the water will loosen food particles, making them easy to wipe off.
An easy way to remove wax from glass candleholders is to pop the container in the microwave on LOW power, just until the wax melts off. Or try freezing them for an hour; the wax pops right off!
To rid your cutting board of strong smells, such as fish, garlic or onion, cut a lime or lemon in half and rub the cut side over the board. Or, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply generously, then rinse.
Clean a rubber or vinyl bath mat in the washer with several bath towels. The towels scrub the mat, and everything comes out clean.
To clean fireplace doors, dip a damp cloth into the ashes and then scrub the inside of the doors in a circular motion. Finish by wiping with a clean damp cloth.
To remove odors from your car trunk, fill an empty coffee can with kitty litter and leave it in the trunk overnight.
Rubber band your cleaning rag directly to your cleanser and never misplace it again!
Remove lipstick stains from machine washable clothing with petroleum jelly or vegetable shortening. Rub a little in, and then launder as normal.
To remove tar from your car, mix baking soda with water to make a paste, then rub on tar.
Denture tablets are good for more than just cleaning teeth! Before going to bed, drop a couple into the toilet bowl, then brush and flush the next morning!
Use a lint brush once a month to clean your dryer's lint trap. Your dryer will run more efficiently, saving you money and reducing fire risk
White toothpaste is a real all-around cleaning aid. It removes stains on painted walls and woodwork, fixes white rings on wood furniture and even shines your silver!
To fight soap scum and mineral deposits on your shower door, spray the door with laundry pre-wash, let sit a minute and then wipe clean.
Denture tablets are good for more than just cleaning teeth! Before going to bed, drop a couple into the toilet bowl, then brush and flush the next morning!
For soap scum and mineral deposits on your shower door, spray with laundry pre-wash spray, wait and then wipe clean.
Let young children "help" with dusting (with old socks on their hands), or give them a big towel and a freshly mopped floor.
Use a sponge mop to clean your shower walls. It will save time and save your back from all that bending and stretching.
To save time ironing, mist wrinkled clothes right out of the dryer with a mixture of one part vinegar, three parts water. Then hang to dry—no more wrinkles!
To remove an oil spot on your driveway, try pouring a can of fizzy soda on it, let sit and then hose down.
Next time you buy your dog a flea collar, cut off any excess and put it in your vacuum cleaner bag. This will take care of any fleas you vacuum up.
Make a bottle of liquid spot remover last longer: dip a clean, old toothbrush into the liquid and work it on clothing stains just before washing. (When you pour, you usually use more than you need.)
Add some cleaning muscle to your laundry soap by pouring in half a cup of baking soda to every wash cycle!
Dropped an egg? Cover it with coarse salt, wait 10 minutes and it sweeps right up!
For food stuck on a cast-iron pan, pour in some vinegar, sprinkle salt over it and bring to a boil.
If you don't have a commercial CD/DVD cleaner, use isopropyl alcohol or methanol to clean stubborn dirt or material from CDs and DVDs.
Prevent puckering in clothes when ironing by starting with the inside of the collars, cuffs, and hems.
To fight odors and repel insects, sprinkle a half cup of borax into your garbage can when you change the bag.
To remove stickers, decals, and glue from furniture, glass, or plastic, saturate them with vegetable oil and they'll rub right off.
Try used dryer sheets to dust furniture and electronics; they’ll cut static and help repel dust. You won't need to spray polish and can keep the sheets handy in a drawer in your living room and family room.
Wood looking dull? Mix a cup of tepid water and two tablespoons of white vinegar, rub into the wood and then wipe with a clean dry cloth.
Use a lint brush once a month to clean your dryer's lint trap. Your dryer will run more efficiently, saving you money and reducing fire risk
For your next computer purchase, consider a system with an ENERGY STAR designation as they use up to 70% less electricity!
Save money and natural resources by installing a programmable thermostat in your home; then use it to automatically lower the heat while you're asleep or away.
Save water and enjoy a lower bill by not over-watering your lawn. On average, a lawn needs only an inch of water a week. Place a small, empty can or bowl on the lawn when you water. When the water reaches an inch deep, you're done!
Never burn magazines, colored newspapers or wrapping paper. They can have lead in them, which can make the smoke dangerous for children.
Put up a clothesline or buy a folding wooden rack so your family can enjoy the clean, fresh smell of air-drying. You'll save money on running your dryer, too.
Save a few dollars by using draft guards at the bottom of doors that open into areas that are not air conditioned or heated.
Running large appliances (like dishwashers) at night saves energy by reducing the peak-hours strain on power grids.
Install an inexpensive timer to your outside faucet. When doing summer watering, let it shut off the water for you so you won't forget!
When shopping for accent lighting, look for products that use LEDs. Because they don't generate heat like conventional (and even fluorescent) bulbs, LEDs don't waste energy—all the energy goes into producing the light.
As it takes more energy to run an empty refrigerator and freezer, you can save money by filling any extra room with water jugs,
An earth-safe way to clean clogged drains: pour 1/2 cup baking soda down, followed by 1/2 cup white vinegar. Cover, let work for a few minutes, then pour in boiling water.
Energy-efficient light bulbs last up to five times longer than conventional bulbs. Substitute fluorescent bulbs for standard ones. Use low-voltage Tungsten-halogen bulbs for powerful, unobtrusive lighting.
Herbs in your garden are natural insecticides. Anise and coriander discourage aphids. Basil near tomatoes repels worms and flies. Mint, sage, dill and thyme protect cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts from the cabbage moth.
To check the state of your weather stripping, close a dollar bill in the door; if you can pull it out easily, it's time for an update.
If you turn back the thermostat to reduce your energy bill (or when the power goes out), turn time back too. Bundle up, gather around candles or a battery-powered lantern and share stories with family members.
Take advantage of free energy from the sun by choosing solar powered outdoor accent lights.
An easy way to remove wax from glass candleholders is to pop the container in the microwave on LOW power, just until the wax melts off. Or try freezing them for an hour; the wax pops right off!
Keep soot down in your fireplace by sprinkling the logs with salt before lighting the fire.
Never use the top step of a ladder. To remind yourself, staple a work apron around the step. It's also a handy place to store tools when up there.
Energy-efficient light bulbs last up to five time longer than conventional bulbs. Substitute fluorescent bulbs for standard ones. Use low-voltage Tungsten-halogen bulbs for powerful, unobtrusive lighting.
Ever had paper stick to your wood table? Apply some olive oil, let it sit for 30 minutes and then wipe free.
To keep long-stemmed flowers standing straight in a wide-mouthed vase, create a lattice across the top of the vase with transparent tape. That will help keep the flowers from flopping over.
Brighten your home with sunlight! Use mirrors to direct light from windows into dark corners of a room. Even bring it into a hallway or other room. You'll appreciate it even more when summer's over!
To secure area rugs or runners, try placing a few rubber placemats beneath them to help grip tile or hardwood floors.
Extend the life of your fence by applying a clear, water-repellent sealer every few years. Make sure to get into every nook and cranny for the best result.
Easily touch up a scratched wooden frame by dabbing a shoe polish of matching color on the scratch, let sit and then buff.
When putting curtains on a metal rod, slip a plastic sandwich bag over the metal end to prevent snagging. It will also go on easier!
Rearrange furniture and rotate rugs in sunny rooms often to lesson the fading effects of natural light.
Put a pot of basil by the door. You'll find it helps keeps flies from coming inside when you do.
If you're using safety glasses for a project, wipe down first with a fabric softener sheet to eliminate the static electricity that attracts dust.
Rub houseplants with mayonnaise to shine the leaves and keep dust from settling.
Does your ceiling fan seem off balance? Tape a penny to the topside of one of the blades. Move the penny until you find the blade that restores the balance.
To remove a broken light bulb: Turn off the electricity, place half of a raw potato or apple into the broken base, then twist the bulb out.
Put a small sticky pad on the side of your measuring tape so you always have a convenient place to take notes when working
If the stems of flowers you're arranging are too short, stick them in clear drinking straws, then trim the straws to desired length. Even in glass vases, the straws are not noticeable, and you can still use those short-stemmed blooms in your arrangements.
Place a few pieces of Styrofoam packing material on the floor between the back of your couch and the wall to protect the wall when people sit down.
Easily touch up a scratched wooden frame by dabbing a shoe polish of matching color on the scratch, let sit and then buff.
Draw simple silhouettes of your tools on a pegboard. You'll always know what you have, where things go, and what's missing.
Prevent cracking plaster walls when hanging art by first criss-crossing tape over the spot where you plan to nail.
Take photos of a room and its furnishings; cut samples of its fabrics and carpet. Glue onto index cards. Next paint more cards with colors used in that room. Carry them in a binder for reference when adding to or changing the look of a room.
To check the state of your weather stripping, close a dollar bill in the door; if you can pull it out easily, it's time for an update.
Keep homes safe for kids by bolting bookcases and shelves to walls or ceilings.
Brighton a dark fireplace with a piece of art by replacing the screen with an easel and a favorite paining.
Test lampshade size by turning the lamp on for 20 minutes, and then off. If the shade is still hot after five minutes, try a shade with a wider opening, or use a lower-wattage bulb
Save money by switching your 75-watt incandescent bulbs with 20-watt compact fluorescent bulbs. They give off the same light, but cost less.
Place a few pieces of Styrofoam packing material on the floor between the back of your couch and the wall to protect the wall when people sit down.
Change a bulb in a high ceiling light by removing the bulb clip from an old lampshade, taping the clip to your broom handle and using it to reach the light above!
Can't decide where to hang a picture or mirror? Use newspaper to make a "pattern" the size and shape as your picture. Put in place with a masking tape and move until you find the best spot.
Area rugs are a great way to define seating areas in a room and promote more social interaction among guests.
Consider decorating with accent trays. They keep accessories and collections organized while adding style to any room!
Keep a screwdriver from slipping by putting chalk on the tip.
Protect against slipping when using a ladder by attaching a piece of carpet to the bottom rung and wiping your feet before you climb.
Store sharp tools with blade covers you make! Trace the blade onto cardboard. Turn tool over and trace on another area of cardboard. Cut shapes out, allowing space to form sides. Bed cardboard to fit the tool, then tape.
To make a neglected paintbrush useful again, soak in hot vinegar to clean and make pliable.
Need softened butter in a hurry? Just grate the amount you need! Or, invert a small, heated pan over the butter dish.
When making place cards to encourage table conversation, write the guest's name on both sides. That way the person on the other side of the table will see the name!
Here's an easy way to clean your microwave: In a heatproof glass, add 1 teaspoon baking soda to water, and heat for 2 minutes on HIGH. All that steam from the water will loosen food particles, making them easy to wipe off.
If your garden leaves you with green tomatoes, chop them and use as you would green peppers, in casseroles, omelets and other dishes.
For tender fish that won't stick to the grate, try grilling fillets on foil, lemon slices or romaine leaves brushed with olive oil.
To help prevent tarnishing, place a piece of white chalk in with your silver or inside your jewelry box to absorb moisture.
Gravy too salty? Add a few pinches of brown sugar. It will mellow the saltiness without sweetening.
For faster drying and a streak-free shine to your fine china, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse water.
For food stuck on a cast-iron pan, pour in some vinegar, sprinkle salt over it and bring to a boil.
To prevent staining plastic storage containers, try spraying them with non-stick cooking spray before filling with food.
Keep sealed plastic bags of water in your freezer and you'll always have ice packs ready for spontaneous picnics and outings.
Organize crowded shelves by setting items like spices or medication on lazy susans. This will enable you to easily see everything!
To remove silk from an ear of corn, brush downward with a damp paper towel or terrycloth.
To get the most juice out of oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus, place whole fruit in warm water several minutes before juicing.
To prevent cheese from sticking to your grater, chill the grater first, place it in the freezer for a few minutes or hold it under cold water.
To rid sinks of limescale buildup and deposits, scrub the problem area with half a lemon.
For dried spills in your microwave, place a wet sponge inside on high for two minutes, let sit five minutes without opening and then wipe up!
Taste ALL the veggies! Soften powerful onion flavor by soaking slices in water for a few minutes before adding to salads or side dishes.
If you have lava rocks in the bottom of your grill, occasionally turn the rocks over and fire up the grill to burn off any grease build-up.
Add flair to drinks by floating colorful, edible flowers (such as pansies and violets) atop lemonade or sparkling water. (Make sure no part of the flower has been treated with chemicals or pesticides.)
To rid your cutting board of strong smells, such as fish, garlic or onion, cut a lime or lemon in half and rub the cut side over the board. Or, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply generously, then rinse.
To cut a pie into 5 equal pieces: make a "Y" slice, then cut the two larger pieces in half!
To clean and deodorize your refrigerator, wash the interior and exterior with a mixture of three tablespoons of baking soda in a quart of warm water.
Before creaming shortening in the mixer, heat the beaters in hot water first. This will prevent the shortening from clogging and sticking to the blades.
When cleaning the glass shelves in your fridge, first scrub with white vinegar and water and then use a squeegee to dry!
Dropped an egg? Cover it with coarse salt, wait 10 minutes and it sweeps right up!
Here's a trick to get the new bottle of ketchup moving: push a drinking straw to the bottom of the bottle, and remove. You'll have created an air pocket that will start it flowing!
Preserve ripe bananas by wrapping them in aluminum foil and storing them in the salad drawer of your refrigerator. The foil will halt the ripening process, keeping the bananas from turning brown.
Show your family the "best" is not just for company: Surprise them with a meal using your finest tablecloth or dinnerware.
Screw cup hooks onto the back of a pantry door to hold mesh bags of potatoes, onions, or fruit. Make sure the hooks and your door can handle the load and stress.
For an elegant-yet-simple cake topping, just place a paper lace doily on top and sprinkle powdered sugar over it, then remove it.
Have trouble opening bottles and jars? Cut a tennis ball in half and use one half for an improved grip on that stubborn cap or lid!
Maximize storage space by mounting jar lids to the underside of a shelf, filling the jars with small items like pasta or spices, and then screwing the jar to its lid.
Stop cabinet messes and make retrieving items easier by storing spices and condiments in a cake loaf pan.
When making cupcakes or muffins, leave one of the corner cups empty. That makes it easier to grab the pan with a bulky oven mitt or potholder.
Bugged by insects? Try a bit of lavender oil on your pulse points. People will love it, but insects won't.
To reduce puffiness around the eyes, keep your eye cream in the fridge. It will also make you feel instantly energized when you apply it!
Stung by a bee? Don'tpull the stinger out directly— this could release more venom. Draw a blunt item like a driver's license across the stinger to remove it.
When running your bath, toss in a (tightly closed) bottle of your favorite skin lotion. When you're ready to moisturize after your bath, you'll have warm lotion to apply...no more chills!
Got an ice cream craving? Pour lowfat milk or yogurt over frozen berries for a guiltless summer treat.
If you're suffering from a sore throat, try gargling with warm salt water a few times a day, using one teaspoon of salt per cup of water.
Treat tired feet with a footbath of warm water, a few drops of essential oils and a layer of marbles or small stones on which to massage your toes and soles.
If you have a headache, try this simple solution: swing your arms! This moves blood to your arms from swollen cranial blood vessels.
Easily clean latex paint and grease from your skin by simply rubbing with some white shaving cream.
For even more relief from bunion pain, try wearing shoes with a wide toe area.
Soothe dried out summer heels by coating feet with a rich moisturizer (like shea butter) and putting on warm socks from the dryer at night.
To help combat eyestrain when typing at the computer, attach a document holder to the side of the monitor so papers are at eye level.
Take the stairs as often as possible. Studies show it can cut your cholesterol, lower your oxygen consumption and slow your heart rate.
Looking for a lower-calorie soda alternative? Add a little fruit juice to seltzer water and enjoy all the fizz without all the sodium and calories.
Create your own bath soothers for a fraction of the cost. Toss several handfuls of Epsom salts in the tub to revive tired muscles, or add 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda to the water to help soften skin.
Eat your beans! Nutrient compounds called "flavonoids," found in many varieties of beans are effective antioxidants and thought helpful in the fight against heart disease and cancer.
Scrub the bathroom and finish with softer hands! Just apply hand cream before putting on rubber gloves to clean the bathroom. The warm water will help the cream soak into your skin.
To prevent bunions, wear comfortable shoes that are wide in the instep and toes, with cushioned soles and a heel no higher than 2¼ inches.
Use citronella candles to add ambiance to your outdoor dining, while repelling mosquitoes.
Reduce mosquito populations by cleaning out drainage saucers on potted plants, removing leaves from rain gutters and changing bird baths every couple of days.
To fight odors and repel insects, sprinkle a half cup of borax into your garbage can when you change the bag.
Put a pot of basil by the door. You'll find it helps keeps flies from coming inside when you do.
Bugged by insects? Try a bit of lavender oil on your pulse points. People will love it, but insects won't.
Herbs in your garden are natural insecticides. Anise and coriander discourage aphids. Basil near tomatoes repels worms and flies. Mint, sage, dill and thyme protect cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts from the cabbage moth.
If a wasp or bee flies into the house, spray it with hairspray. Pest sprays infuriate insects, but hairspray will immobilize their wings.
If you find yourself troubled by houseflies, fruit flies or mosquitoes, try using some basil.
If your new puppy is restless and cries at night, wrap a ticking clock in a soft towel, and put it in puppy's bed. The quiet, regular noise is like the mother's heartbeat and will help to comfort the puppy.
Dog hair on your furniture? Put on a pair of rubber gloves and run your hand over the fabric. The hair should stick to the rubber.
If you have pet hair on your carpets or upholstery, try running a baby wipe over them.
Buy an inexpensive "kiddie pool" to give your dog a place to cool off on hot days.
If you kennel your dog, sleep with a towel for two days before you leave and then send it with the dog. The scent will make her feel more secure.
Keep your dog's coat shiny by adding one tablespoon of olive oil to his food.
When traveling with your pet, take along a photo for identification purposes in case she becomes lost. Have her license number and microchip number handy, too.
Store pet food in a plastic container with lid. Put a scoop inside and keep the container handy in the pantry for nightly feedings.
Having a tough time removing pet hair from upholstered furniture? Try wiping a damp sponge over the furniture, rinsing sponge as needed.
When giving your dog a bath, stuff a nylon shower puff in the drain opening to help prevent the fur from clogging your pipes.
Take along proof of your pet's rabies and other vaccination when traveling with him. Also take the name and phone number of your vet.
Discourage pets from digging in potted plants. Put cinnamon sticks or strips of lemon peel into the soil. Most animals dislike the smell, so they'll be less likely to dig up the soil or chew the plants.
Keep your indoor kitty happier by providing entertainment. Toys will stimulate her mind, reducing the risk that she will overeat out of boredom. It may even keep her from digging in houseplants.
Make your dog's coat softer and shinier by adding a little baking soda to his bath rinse water—it absorbs odors, so it will also make him smell better.
Make sure your car is not leaking antifreeze in the driveway as this can be tasty, but deadly, for pets.
Cats and wildlife may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside.
If your cat refuses liquid medicine or hairball remedies just put it on his fur and watch him lick it off.
Next time you buy your dog a flea collar, cut off any excess and put it in you vacuum cleaner bag. This will take care of any fleas you vacuum up.
Before heading off on a winter road trip, pack emergency supplies: warm clothing, flashlight with fresh batteries, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and flares or reflectors.
Coat the blade of your snow shovel with floor wax before you start shoveling and you won't have to struggle to knock the snow off the blade ever again. It will slide right off!
Use clever gift wrap! A kitchen towel to wrap a hostess gift, a colorful map to conceal a travel gift, or how about recycling old cookie tins as gift wrap!
For simple and inexpensive frost protection, cover vulnerable plants with one or two layers of newspaper. Secure with bricks or large stones.
Cats and wildlife may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside.
Planning a summer birthday party for a child? Serve the food on the patio. Spills can be washed away after everyone goes home.
When packing strings of lights, wrap them around plastic ribbon spools to keep them from tangling.
If your car gets stuck in ice or snow, you can provide traction with kitty litter (keep a bag in your trunk). If you don't have litter, try placing the rubber mats from your car in front of the drive wheels.
Simplify watering your Christmas tree by inserting a piece of hose into the stand at the back of the tree. Then use a funnel with the hose to make watering easier.
You'll always have last-minute gifts on hand if you buy doubles of things you need yourself, such as kitchen gadgets, bath toiletries, notepads and stationery.
Recycle leftover pine cones from your holiday decorations. Roll them in peanut butter and then birdseed for a winter treat the birds and squirrels will love.
To maximize floor space in the garage, hang as many items as possible on the walls. Pegboard and utility hooks provide plenty of hanging options.
To help fight clutter on your desk, hang a basket as a temporary spot for memos, notes and other small papers.
To keep all your cleaning supplies together and tidy, try a portable shower caddy. It's easy to clean and fits nicely on a shelf in your utility room!
Label each shelf in your linen closet to show its contents, such as sheets or pillowcases. This will make sure linens are put in their right places, and make them easier to find later.
Keep a rolling cart in your office to hold the desk and work items you use most often. At the end of the day, just push the cart under your desk to save space.
Organize crowded shelves by setting items like spices or medication on lazy susans. This will enable you to easily see everything!
Clear out a corner of the garage for garage sale items you'll gather. Inside, work room to room with three big bags: Garage Sale, Donations...and Trash.
Store sharp tools with blade covers you make! Trace the blade onto cardboard. Turn tool over and trace on another area of cardboard. Cut shapes out, allowing space to form sides. Bed cardboard to fit the tool, then tape.
For fresh-smelling closets, add some cedar chips to an old nylon stocking and hang. The cedar will also repel moths.
Need a place to neatly store golf balls in the off season? Egg cartons are ideal!
Draw simple silhouettes of your tools on a pegboard. You'll always know what you have, where things go, and what's missing.
Organizing idea for seasonal clothing, sports equipment and kitchen supplies: keep things you frequently use where they are easy to reach; put the things you use less often up high on a shelf or in the back of the closet or cupboard.
A hanging clear shoetree is a convenient place to organize daily-use items. Give keys, gloves, cell phones, mail and reminder notes their own pocket!
Can't remember where you put it? When you've stored items, write in two places where you put them, perhaps the back pages of the phone book and your datebook.
Paint the handles of small garden tools in bright colors so you can easily find them in the garage or on the ground as you work.
When packing strings of lights, wrap them around plastic ribbon spools to keep them from tangling.
Keep a plastic tub in your child's closet for outgrown clothes. When it's full, mark the clothing size on it, donate to charity and replace with another!
Keep clothes in your closet from slipping off their wire hangers by wrapping a rubber band around each end of the hanger.
Screw cup hooks onto the back of a pantry door to hold mesh bags of potatoes, onions, or fruit. Make sure the hooks and your door can handle the load and stress.
Try storing sheets in the rooms where they are used. They will always be the right size for the bed.
To make your "junk drawer" less junky, use an ice cube tray or other plastic dividers to hold small supplies.
Keep a separate calendar just to note special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. Check it the last week of every month...that will ensure your cards, gifts or flowers will arrive on time.
Hang an inexpensive shoe bag in the garden shed or the garage. It's a great place to store small garden tools, work gloves, seed packets, and gardening clogs, of course.
Assign each family member a basket for mittens, gloves, hats and scarves. Keep them by the door most frequented...hung on the wall, or set on the floor or a shelf.
Instead of an address book, consider keeping names, addresses and phone numbers on index cards in a file or recipe box. You'll also have room for email addresses, birthdays, even presents you've given or received.
Maximize storage space by mounting jar lids to the underside of a shelf, filling the jars with small items like pasta or spices, and then screwing the jar to its lid.
Stop cabinet messes and make retrieving items easier by storing spices and condiments in a cake loaf pan.
To protect leather apparel hanging in a closet, cut a hole in the top of a king sized pillowcase and drape over the hanger and item.
To remove tar from your car, mix baking soda with water to make a paste, then rub on tar.
Help prevent jet lag by avoiding alcohol for two days before flying. The day before a flight, eat only light meals to prevent bloating or nausea.
Cats and wildlife may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside.
Pack shoes inside old socks to keep the dirty soles from touching your clean clothes.
If your car gets stuck in ice or snow, you can provide traction with kitty litter (keep a bag in your trunk). If you don't have litter, try placing the rubber mats from your car in front of the drive wheels.
Traveling out of the country? Check with your medical insurer before you go to see what's covered. You might consider purchasing travel insurance so you don't find yourself paying a large medical bill and waiting for your insurance to reimburse you.
The iPod(R) works best in temperatures between 50 degrees to 95degrees F (10 degrees to 35 degrees C), so try to avoid leaving it outside in the cold or in a hot car.
To remove odors from your car trunk, fill an empty coffee can with kitty litter and leave it in the trunk overnight.
When traveling, pack a few large sealable plastic bags. They're great for wet or dirty clothes, spillable toiletries or small items that could get lost.
With the price of gasoline on the rise, it's more important than ever to check your tire pressure at least once a month, since low pressure can reduce the miles you get per gallon.
Planning a car trip with kids? Bring along some jump ropes so they can work off excess energy whenever you stop for food or gas.
Before heading off on a winter road trip, pack emergency supplies: warm clothing, flashlight with fresh batteries, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and flares or reflectors.
Use a covered cake pan to carry kids' art supplies or toys for long car trips. All the pieces stay in one place, and the cover creates a sturdy writing or coloring surface.
Spray a thin coat of cooking spray on the hood and grill of your car before taking a long road trip. All the dead bugs your car accumulates will wash right off!
Spray a thin coat of cooking spray on the hood and grill of your car before taking a long road trip. All the dead bugs your car accumulates will wash right off!
When packing for a trip, roll up clothes rather than fold them. They will take up less space and will come out with fewer wrinkles.
Before leaving on a trip, make two copies of your ID, insurance, credit cards, etc. Leave one at home and put one in your luggage in case of loss or theft.
If your windshield wipers stop working, cut a potato in half and rub the face on the glass. Repeat as necessary until you can replace the wipers.
To clean your luggage of scuffmarks, rub with a bit of lemon extract.
Make sure your car is not leaking antifreeze in the driveway as this can be tasty, but deadly, for pets.
Keep an old rolled-up window shade in your vehicle. If you need to change a flat, you can roll it out to protect your clothes from getting soiled from the road.
Chipped paint spots on your car? Promptly clean the area thoroughly and apply a coat of clear nail polish to prevent rust.
Place heavy items in the bottom of your suitcase, followed by wrinkle-resistant garments, top with the clothes most likely to wrinkle. The result: fewer wrinkles on arrival.
When packing for a trip, stuff underwear and socks inside your shoes to save space and help your shoes keep their shape.
Try adding a bicycle grip to the handle of garden tools to help prevent blisters and extend the life of the tool.
Recycle leftover pine cones from your holiday decorations. Roll them in peanut butter and then birdseed for a winter treat the birds and squirrels will love.
Make a list of what you need to do before you begin spring gardening in earnest...such as sharpen tools, tune-up the lawnmower, choose plants, prepare the soil, check the sprinkler system...and check them off as you go.
Save water and enjoy a lower bill by not over-watering your lawn. On average, a lawn needs only an inch of water a week. Place a small, empty can or bowl on the lawn when you water. When the water reaches an inch deep, you're done!
When gardening in containers, put a wet coffee filter in the bottom of the pot before adding soil. This will hold in the dirt yet let the water drain.
For simple and inexpensive frost protection, cover vulnerable plants with one or two layers of newspaper. Secure with bricks or large stones.
To remove an oil spot on your driveway, try pouring a can of fizzy soda on it, let sit and then hose down.
Herbs in your garden are natural insecticides. Anise and coriander discourage aphids. Basil near tomatoes repels worms and flies. Mint, sage, dill and thyme protect cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts from the cabbage moth.
Rid your walkways of moss with a mixture of half a cup of water and half a cup of bleach. Sprinkle it on, let sit for two days and then sweep away the mixture.
Hang an inexpensive shoe bag in the garden shed or the garage. It's a great place to store small garden tools, work gloves, seed packets, and gardening clogs, of course.
Set your lawnmower blade higher as hot weather approaches; longer grass protects the roots with shade.
Autumn is a good time to plant an herb garden, as most herbs are not weather-sensitive. Snowfall protects the plants—in fact, many herbs continue to grow under the snow.
Extend the life of your fence by applying a clear, water-repellent sealer every few years. Make sure to get into every nook and cranny for the best result.
Take advantage of free energy from the sun by choosing solar powered outdoor accent lights.
Just before a predicted snowfall, spread some sand, rock salt or kitty litter on steps, sidewalks and the driveway. That will help prevent snow from sticking and creating an icy surface.
Protect your garden and flowerbeds from the hose during watering by planting tent stakes around fragile areas.
To encourage moss between patio slabs or brick sections, harvest some moss from another area of your yard. Place it in a blender with some plain yogurt, mix well, and then "paint" it where you want moss to grow.
Paint the handles of small garden tools in bright colors so you can easily find them in the garage or on the ground as you work.
If your garden leaves you with green tomatoes, chop them and use as you would green peppers, in casseroles, omelets and other dishes.
A great way to protect next spring's plants from mold and pests is to wash your pots and planters now with soapy water and a cup of bleach.
Before gardening, scrape your fingernails over a bar of soap. This will prevent dirt from getting under your nails and make what little does easier to wash away.
Install an inexpensive timer to your outside faucet. When doing summer watering, let it shut off the water for you so you won't forget!
Reduce mosquito populations by cleaning out drainage saucers on potted plants, removing leaves from rain gutters and changing bird baths every couple of days.
To keep grass from growing between bricks in a walk, sprinkle the spaces with salt.
| 
