4/9/12

Refrigerators can become dangerous breeding grounds for bacteria that can make your food unsafe to eat. Twice a year, make it a priority to clean the inside of your fridge and freezer, and purge any food past its expiration date -- just remember to recycle the containers. Wash the interior of the fridge with warm water and baking soda, which can loosen stuck-on spills. If it's possible, pull the fridge away from the wall and vacuum behind it, since dust buildup forces fridges to work harder.

04/08/12

Donating food to your local food bank or soup kitchen is a great way to get rid of unexpired food and help others. But keep in mind that just because it's food, it doesn't make it OK to donate just anything. Generally, unlabeled or rusty cans should be tossed in the trash. Homemade food items, beverage mixes and soda should be avoided, too. Food banks' most-wanted items include healthy foods like canned and boxed meals, pasta, rice, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, cooking oil and 100 percent fruit or vegetable juices.

04/07/12

Spring is the time to change the direction of your ceiling fans to reach maximum efficiency. In the winter months, fans running clockwise help push heat down to keep a chilly room warm. In the warmer months, switch the direction so it runs counter clockwise to help create a nice breeze inside your home. Most fans have a switch on the side that can help you easily reverse the rotation of the blades.