10/21/13

It's common knowledge that choosing the cold water setting on your washing machine is the most energy-efficient way to do laundry. With advancements in laundry detergent, many of us opt to wash everything in cold water. However, a recent study published in the Daily Mail showed there were high amounts of bacteria still on undergarments after being washed in cold water. By washing your undergarments in hot water with white vinegar and detergent, you can effectively kill the bacteria. Bedding for young children who still have accidents in bed should also be washed in hot water.

10/20/13

Here are two clever way to reuse coffee grounds: Use damp coffee grounds as an abrasive cleanser for your cast-iron pans. The natural oils in coffee will help break up stubborn stains or burnt-on food without ruining the natural nonstick surface of the pans. Just scrub with a sponge and wipe with a damp cloth. And the next time you’re cleaning the fireplace of white ash, sprinkle damp coffee grounds on top before scooping away. The grounds will help settle the ash so it’s easier and cleaner to scoop up. When you’re done, you can toss both the grounds and ash into your compost bin in the backyard.

10/19/13

Fall season is apple-picking time for many, which can lead to a bounty crop of fresh apples. When left on a kitchen counter, fresh apples can last for as little as two days before going bad. So try this trick instead: Wrap each apple in a small piece of newspaper. Wrapping the apple in newspaper helps prevent them from bruising one another; bruising speeds up the ripening process and turns fresh apples into rotten ones very quickly. After wrapping each apple, place them in a cardboard box and store them in a cool dark place like a refrigerator or a basement.