The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it can also be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Whatever type of countertop surface you have, take the time to regularly disinfect it. All you have to do is wash it and scrub away visible marks and dirt with warm, soapy water. Then dry it with a microfiber towel; the millions of microscopic fibers literally grip onto germs and bacteria. Then do one more thing: Spray rubbing alcohol all over and let it naturally evaporate. You can also use this same cleaning method for cutting boards.

Want to make one healthy and eco-friendly change to help you and your feline companion? If you have cats at home, it might be time to rethink the type of kitty litter you use to fill their tray. Conventional kitty litter is a combination of binders, with the main material being clay. The process of harvesting the clay is destructive to the planet, and the dust that's created is unhealthy for cat and human lungs. The good news is that many eco-friendly brands now exist that use old newspaper and wheat as an alternative that you can find wherever you buy your pet's food and supplies.

With pumpkin-carving season around the corner, many DIY blogs and crafters recommend spraying bleach or smearing petroleum jelly on the cut part of the pumpkin to extend its life. While these tips do work to keep the pumpkin from disintegrating quickly, it can be harmful to animals like dogs and other wildlife if they ingest any part of the pumpkin. To prevent your jack-o-lantern from becoming a tempting treat, be sure to thoroughly scoop out every single seed from the inside; this is what's most appealing to critters. Rub a beeswax paste on the cut edges so you can extend the life of the pumpkin without the fear it could be harmful to the family dog.