7/30/13

Believe it or not, a simple way to keep your stainless steel appliances at home looking clean, shiny and streak-free is to use olive oil. If you have stubborn stains, water marks and fingerprints that just won't budge, pour a few drops of oil onto a microfiber towel and buff away. It will help shine the stainless steel while removing grease and dirt. The microfiber towel has millions of microscopic fibers that grip onto the surface and absorbs grime, and the olive oil works as a lubricant.

7/29/13

Many people are juicing fresh fruits and vegetables at home to create delicious and healthy drinks. But what do you do with all the dry pulp? One idea is to semicompost it in your potted plants. Simply rake the topsoil of your plants and sprinkle the dry mixture into it. Rake it again until the pulp is incorporated fully into the soil. The organic mixture will break down quickly and become beneficial mulch. Your plants will thrive, and you'll find a way to deliver great nutrition to them.

7/28/13

According to the Humane Society of the United States, more than 1,600 pets died as a result of toxins from flea treatments over the last five years, so finding natural ways to prevent and kill fleas is important. Common sense goes a long way: Vacuuming carpets, rugs and furniture where your pet lives and washing his bedding in hot water regularly can capture and kill fleas. Lavender essential oil can also help for dogs: Add some to a natural flea soap and let the mixture sit in your dog's coat for 10 minutes during bath time. Rinse and repeat.