Are you undertaking a home renovation project? There’s no need to send all the “old” stuff to the landfill when Habitat for Humanity can reuse it. The group’s Habitat ReStores accept all sorts of construction materials. Generally, anything in good condition that can be reused will be accepted, but the most-wanted items include sinks, toilets, bathtubs, working appliances, flooring, lighting and door handles and fixtures. Try to keep parts together to make reselling your goods easier. Learn more at habitat.org.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you ever buy used books from a library book sale or a garage sale, you might wonder how to disinfect them. Musty books can be a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and even for dust mites, but you can easily get them clean-smelling and germ-free. Use a damp towel with a little white vinegar to wipe the covers; the mild acid from the vinegar will disinfect, and the towel will wipe away dirt and smudges. To clean the paper inside, keep books away from humidity and heat. Instead, place smelly books in a freezer bag, and let them chill inside the freezer for 24 hours. They’ll smell fresh and clean in no time.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When it comes to dry-clean only garments like silk, wool and cashmere, you don’t have to waste money -- or use chemicals -- to keep them clean. They can be washed at home by hand in cold water with gentle detergents like baby shampoo or delicate laundry detergent. Once you soak these garments, never ring them out to remove excess water. Instead, toss a piece into a salad spinner and spin away; it’ll force excess water out of the fibers without ruining the shape. Then lay the item flat on a towel, fold the towel over, roll it up and press. Lay the garment flat or hang it to dry and voila! -- a clean “dry clean only” piece done at home.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION