Many of us have plastic or aluminum blinds covering our windows; they are convenient, but they also can collect a significant amount of dust, dirt, pollen and other allergens that can contribute to an unhealthy indoor air environment. Once a year, slip the blinds out of the windows and let them soak for one hour in the bathtub in warm, slightly soapy water. Use a soft cloth to remove stubborn dirt and grease, then hang the blinds up in a breezy spot to dry before re-installing on your windows.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Real leather bags, shoes and furniture can crack or deteriorate over time from weather and heat. Store-bought leather conditioners can work, but they can also be expensive. So make your own: Just combine 1 part beeswax, 1 part cocoa butter and 2 parts sweet almond oil in a saucepan over low heat. Let the mixture melt and pour it into a heatproof container until cool. Then use a soft towel to rub your DIY mixture directly onto leather; as you massage, it’ll penetrate, buff and recondition old leather.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Experts believe the average number of hands that touch products like apples, peaches and lettuce before they reach your kitchen is around 20. And since different hands can carry different illness-causing germs, it’s imperative that you wash your produce, whether it’s organic or conventionally grown. One of the easiest ways to do so is to soak your produce before you prepare it for eating; just soak it in 3 parts water with 1 part white vinegar. The water will help remove dirt and residue, and the vinegar is a mild antiseptic. Rinse and then prepare.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION