Are you in love with your pressure cooker or products like the Instant Pot? While the pot itself may be dishwasher safe, never, ever put the actual lid in the dishwasher. Small particles from dishwasher detergent can get lodged in the lid’s safety valves, and even a small amount of these particles can cause the lids to malfunction. Instead, always wash the lid by hand, then rinse and dry well with a soft towel.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When planting grass seed on your lawn, it may be tempting to invest in what’s called “bird-resistant seed.” This type of grass seed has a special coating that tastes bitter to birds who eat it. Unfortunately, even bitter seed can still be food for birds, and too much can be toxic and lethal for them. Instead of coated seed, simply do this: Add a bit more grass seed to your spreader, be sure to cover it with enough soil and soak it well with water. These extra steps should be enough to guarantee a lush, green lawn.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

One of the most expensive items in your home is likely the HVAC system that keeps the inside of your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. And it’s well-known that you must replace the air filter frequently so that it can keep the indoor air free of dust, debris, pollen and other air pollutants. But a clean filter also prevents those same particles from building up inside your HVAC unit. The dirtier it is inside, the less efficiently it can work, or worse, it can malfunction altogether. If the idea of buying disposable filters bothers you, look into ones that can be rinsed and reused instead.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION