3/14/14

If you live in an older home that was painted with lead-based paint, don't reach for the vacuum when paint begins to chip and peel off. While it may seem like a logical idea to use a vacuum since you're not touching the lead-based paint chips, contamination can occur when you open the vacuum to empty the canister. Powerful vacuums can turn lead chips into dust, and when the canister is open, those dust particles can contaminate the air in your home. Instead, clean up the chips using a dustpan and broom. After touching lead-based paint chips, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly to avoid contamination.

3/13/14

Many modern computers have removed screen savers altogether as a proactive way to reduce energy usage. While sleep mode does an effective job of reducing energy waste by as much as 70 percent, it still expends energy when not in use. If you plan on not using your computer for at least two hours, shut it down. This will cut power usage completely. If you plan on coming back, it's OK to keep it in sleep mode so it turns back on with the stroke of a key.

3/12/14

The Environmental Protection Agency says the active ingredient in oven cleaners is lye, which does an effective job to break down grease and grime, but is extremely corrosive and can burn skin and eyes. It's also potentially fatal if swallowed. Instead of using chemical products where you prepare food, try this nontoxic way to keep your oven clean. First, set the self-cleaning mode so it gets very hot and naturally breaks down all the grease and grime into a darkened ash. Allow the oven to completely cool. Then mix a few cups of baking soda with a squirt of dish soap and a splash of white vinegar. Apply this mixture with a sponge to scour away the baked-on mess for a sparkling clean oven.