Unlike an air filter in the home that helps clean the air you breathe, an air filter in your car is actually designed to help your car work more efficiently. Your car's air filter removes debris, pollen and dirt so that the air that enters your car's engine won't create damage from particulates. Clean air is vital for the long-term maintenance and fuel efficiency of your car; for every gallon of fuel your engine burns, it needs about 10,000 gallons of clean air to pass through. A dirty air filter makes your car work harder, which wastes gas and hurts your car. Replace your car's air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, and if you live in a climate that is very dusty, replace it even sooner.

Yes, even the machines that do the cleaning and washing for you need to be cleaned, too. The automatic dishwasher is one machine that should be cleaned once every few months. All you need to get the job done is powdered lemonade drink and white vinegar. Fill a glass with white vinegar and place it upright inside the dishwasher. Then pour about 1/2-cup powdered lemon drink into the compartment where you normally put detergent. Turn on the dishwasher and run it empty. The citric acid in the powdered drink will help remove rust that builds up, and the white vinegar will help clear up mineral deposits.

Many of us are avoiding the chemical BPA -- or bisphenol A -- which has been linked to heart disease and liver problems. The most common source of BPA is (and was) found in plastics like reusable water bottles and food storage containers. The good news? Many manufacturers have eliminated BPA from their products, and buying BPA-free containers is pretty easy. But did you know thermal receipts, like the kind you get at the supermarket or the gas station, have BPA in them? It's needed to create an impression in the paper so ink isn't needed. Whenever possible, opt for an email receipt, which is paper-free. But if you need a receipt, be cautious not to put the receipt in your mouth, and always wash your hands after you handle a thermal receipt.