If your car is leaking fluids like motor oil, it’s important to get it repaired by your mechanic as soon as possible. It can be hard to tell if your car actually has a leak, so try this trick: On a clean, dry floor, place newspaper underneath and around the car overnight. Check the newspaper the next day to see if there are any wet or oily marks. Keep in mind that small drops here and there may be the damp garage environment or air conditioning condensation rather than leaks from the car. But any significant markings are reason enough to have the car checked by an auto shop.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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