5/13/12

Did you know that white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are natural products that are also great disinfectants? If germs and cross-contamination concern you, keep these items on hand. Rub hydrogen peroxide on cutting boards to clean germs away; if the board has stains, add lemon juice and salt to scrub the surface. And for kitchen countertops, use white vinegar to disinfect them and keep them looking clean.

5/12/12

If you like your pasta cooked al dente, here's a simple culinary tip that's delicious and energy efficient: Place dried pasta in water in a saucepan, and bring it to a boil for two full minutes. Turn off the stove, cover the pan with a lid and let the pasta sit in the hot water for the amount of time it says on the cooking instructions. In a few minutes, you'll have perfectly cooked pasta and you'll save energy, too!

5/11/12

When buying cleaning products, try to use products that are unscented or fragrance-free whenever possible. Many products will have scents like "April Fresh" or "Lavender Fields" added to their formulations. These aren't just artificial fragrances added on a whim -- they help mask the chemical odors from the product. People with chemical sensitivities can be bothered by artificial fragrance, so it makes sense that a truly clean home is one that smells like nothing at all.