Using an energy- and water-efficient dishwasher instead of washing by hand can actually save you about $40 a year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. But like most household appliances, maintenance is key to making sure your dishwasher works properly for a long time. One issue is hard water, which can build up stains and deposits inside the dishwasher. Over time, it can restrict water flow and effectiveness of the dishwasher. The easy solution is white vinegar. Pour 2 cups into the bottom of the dishwasher and run it empty. It will eradicate hard water stains and also help neutralize any odors.

After you’ve whipped up some stir-fry or fried an egg in butter or oil, it may seem silly to scrape away the little bit of oil in the pan into the trash. But oil, butter and other fats used for cooking should never be disposed of down the drain, no matter how small the amount. Over time, melted fat solidifies, collects and gels, clogging your drains and municipal sewer lines. Large pipes get clogged, and sewage can back up and overflow into the streets. So be sure to use a spatula to scrape all the fat into the trash.

Even the best vacuum will break down and need to be replaced. So what to do with your old one? You can recycle it. Best Buy will take your old vacuum (in addition to a whole host of other electronics) and recycle it, free of charge. Just bring it to one of the store's retail locations, and it'll handle the rest. And if you’re in the market for a new vacuum, follow Best Buy on social media (@bestbuy), where it periodically announces discounts if you recycle an electronic. A recent post offered a 20 percent discount on a new Dyson if you brought in your old vacuum to be recycled.