Many of us have ditched the iron for a steamer to blast away wrinkles on our clothing at home. But did you know a steamer can also be used for other things around the house? You can use the power of hot water and steam to blast and break up residue, grime and soap scum in the shower. Just run the steam over the bathtub, fixtures and tile and then wipe it all away with a soft towel. No need for chemical cleaners or bleach, and it’s gentle enough not to ruin grout between tiles, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you have artificial seasonal wreaths or other outdoor decorations that you use year after year, one thing that can cause them to deteriorate over time is ultraviolet light from the sun’s rays. To keep the faux evergreen leaves, ribbons, fake berries and other items looking their colorful best, consider using a fabric protectant spray that has UV protection in it. These sprays are normally for things like boats or rain gear, but they can do a fantastic job in preventing splitting, fading, cracking and more on your outdoor items.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you use microfiber towels to clean around the house? These soft little towels are made from millions of microscopic fibers that are tightly knit together to wipe up spills and grip onto dirt, germs and bacteria. But what is the best way to clean microfiber towels? First things first: They should always be washed separately from any other laundry. When you launder microfiber towels with other fabrics, fibers from clothing like T-shirts and jeans can get lodged into the tight weave of the microfiber, which makes the cleaning cloths less effective. Instead, just wash the towels with liquid soap in the sink and air dry.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION