5/1/10

One of the myths of doing laundry is that a little extra detergent will go a long way to get your clothes cleaner. The reality is that washing machines have become more efficient in energy and water use, and detergent has become more concentrated. Too much detergent can lead to buildup inside the machine, which then becomes a breeding ground for smelly mildew. Use the recommend amount or use less than what you think you need for truly clean clothes.

4/30/10

Instead of using toxic oven cleaner to scrub the inside of your oven, take the lazier approach: Use the self-cleaning mode at least 4 times a year to avoid buildup inside the oven. The self-cleaning option uses high-intensity heat to incinerate baked-on food and grease, making cleanup a breeze; you just have to wipe it all up with a damp rag.

4/29/10

Upcycle the kids' used crayons into new ones. Grab an old muffin tin and toss unwrapped crayons of all shapes and colors together into each individual compartment. Bake in the oven at 300 degrees for about 10 minutes until thoroughly melted; swirl and cool in the freezer. They'll pop right out when solidified and can be used just like new crayons.