11/3/10

It doesn't make sense to use a chemical cleaner to clean the inside of the microwave; any residual spray inside will end up steaming and getting into your food the next time you use it. Instead, fill a bowl with water and squeeze half a lemon, leaving it in the bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, and the steam and citric acid will cover the inside of the microwave. Use a sponge to wipe it clean.

11/2/10

Unfortunately, most animal feed -- dog, cat and bird -- comes packaged in bags that are easily accessible for other animals to tear into and eat or, worse, contaminate. One way to keep the food fresher is to save the air-tight containers many bulk-size food products come packaged in. The next time you buy a warehouse-size jar of pretzels or candy, save it and use it to store your animal's food. The twist-on cap will prevent anything from getting inside.

11/1/10

If your dog's bed needs to be replaced, try this tip before throwing it out: Unzip the cover and launder as you normally would and discard the foam insert. Then fill the inside of the cover with Styrofoam packing peanuts you've collected from shipments or from neighbors and pack it as densely as possible. The hypoallergenic fill will settle over time, but your dog will love how the packing peanuts mold to his body shape whenever he rests on the pillow.