When you’re done burning a scented candle at home, do you ever wonder how to clean out the bottom portion of stuck-in wax? For any container holding a candle -- glass, metal, ceramic, etc. -- all you have to do is pop it in the freezer overnight. Freezing the wax forces it to shrink and pull away from the container. Just remove the container from the freezer, place it upside down and tap the bottom firmly with your hand. The disc of wax will pop out to reveal a virtually clean container ready to be upcycled into whatever you want.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know you can do more than wrap with a sheet of wax paper? Take a sheet and give your bathroom fixtures a polish; the wax will buff the metal and create a barrier to prevent new water spots and stains from forming. You can also free up a stuck zipper by rubbing wax paper over it; it’ll release just enough wax to lubricate the zipper. Doing the same trick with a candle could leave a big mess and stain on your clothes. And save used wax paper to use as a fire starter; the paper and wax are perfect for creating a slow burn to get your fireplace or grill going in seconds.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Are you more of a brown thumb than green when it comes to taking care of houseplants? Here’s an easy trick to help keep your plant alive: Use an old sponge. At the bottom of the pot, place an old kitchen sponge and pot your houseplant. The sponge will prevent excess water from spilling out of the bottom of your pot by absorbing it. As the soil dries out, the sponge will provide a slow drink to your houseplant. So if you ever forget to water your plant, the sponge may give your plant an extra day or two of life!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION