Your washing machine is probably one of the hardest-working appliances in the house, so it makes sense to have it be as fine-tuned as possible. One important thing to check is to make sure your machine is balanced, meaning it’s on the ground evenly and does not wobble -- especially if you have uneven floors. Take the time to adjust your washing machine in the corners so it doesn’t shift or move easily. When you have an unbalanced machine, not only can it be loud when spinning clothes, it can also force your appliance to work harder and waste energy. This creates wear and tear, and it means the washer will break down faster.

When your headphones need to be replaced, the last place you should send them is in the trash can. The metals and plastics that make up headphones are recyclable. The company Think Sound accepts any brand and any style of headphones -- from the small in-ear pieces to the large on-ear style -- and recycles them free of charge. And for your good deed, the company will give you a coupon to take 15 percent off the purchase of new headphones from its site. To learn more, visit thinksound.com.

When it comes to storing canned fruits and veggies, jarred sauces and other foods, it’s imperative to store them in the right place at the right temperature. All canned and jarred food should be stored in a cool, dark place. When temperatures exceed 100 degrees, it increases the risk of food spoilage in the can or jar, so when grocery shopping during the summer months, do it as one of your last errands to avoid leaving them in a hot car. At home, prolonged storage when temps are just above 75 degrees can lead to nutrient loss in the foods. And ultraviolet light can also quickly deteriorate nutrients of foods in glass jars.