Calcium and lime deposit stains on the insides of coffeepots and tea kettles are among the most stubborn things to clean. Getting a sponge or scrubby brush inside can be next to impossible, so try this nontoxic solution instead. Simply fill the pot with equal parts very hot water and vinegar, and let it sit overnight. The mild acid in the vinegar will break down the deposits. Thoroughly rinse it out the next morning and your coffeepot or tea kettle will look as good as new.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When one of your favorite organic food items is at an irresistible price at the supermarket, do you ever wonder how much you should stock up on? When something like organic pasta sauce, cereal or other shelf-stable pantry items are on sale, go for about 12 weeks’ worth as your maximum supply when you want to stock up. Twelve weeks is about the length of the average sales cycle for most items at the store. So if you use about one box of cereal per week, go with 12 boxes of cereal when it’s discounted at the lowest price.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Wednesday may be your best time to stock up on the least expensive organic fruits and veggies. Supermarkets traditionally release circulars and sale prices on Tuesday nights for sales that start the following day. When store managers check inventory on Tuesdays and mark down prices on sale items, they also note which perishables need to sell. Overstocked items -- like organic produce -- are often marked down to diminish their overstock. If you combine manufacturer coupons with these sale prices, you’ll save even more on Wednesday.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION