If you love your avocado toast, listen up: Wash your avocadoes before slicing into them. The outside of an avocado has been touched countless times by hands at the farm, sorting facility, supermarket and finally at your home. When you take a knife to it, you contaminate the inside of the fruit by spreading potential illness-causing bacteria from the outside in. The solution? All you have to do is give the fruit a simple wash before slicing it up. This tip goes for any fruit or veggie you slice through the outer skin: Always wash it first.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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