When you have a grimy oven that is begging for a deep clean, skip the toxic oven spray cleaners and reach for nontoxic items you already have. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and generously spread it inside the oven. Let it sit there for several hours or overnight to break down the greasy, baked-on mess, then spray it all with white vinegar to create a bubbly chemical reaction. Wipe down with a sponge to reveal a clean surface inside your oven.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

In just about any home, you’ll likely find lightly used eyeglasses tucked away in the back of the junk drawer. The Lion’s Club International wants your old eyeglasses to help give the gift of sight to those in need. Collection boxes can be found in your own community, or you can send the Lion’s Club your eyeglasses directly. The glasses are cleaned, repaired and sorted by prescription strength by volunteers. To learn how to give, visit lionsclubs.org.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

“Take an aspirin and call me in the morning” is a phrase we’ve all heard. But have you ever given an aspirin to an ailing houseplant? Turns out it can do a world of good for your plants. When plants are stressed, they create something called salicylic acid to help boost their immune system. The active ingredient in aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, happens to be derived from salicylic acid. Diluting an aspirin in water for plants can help them thrive and stay alive!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION