Shopping at flea markets, thrift stores and antique shops is an eco-friendly way to buy tableware and find some unique items, too. But one might wonder: Are old forks, spoons and knives safe to use for eating food? Since it’s impossible to know the origins of the items, it’s best to give them a thorough disinfecting clean. Just immerse the metal utensils in boiling water and let them simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. This will kill anything that may be living on them, and as an added bonus, it’ll also remove the tarnish.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Tired of snails and slugs eating all of the flowers, herbs and vegetables in your garden? Instead of using chemicals and traps, get cracking with eggs instead. When you scatter eggshells around the base of a plant, they do two things. First, eggshells are rich in calcium, so they will break down and add nutrients to the soil. But second, the jagged edges of eggshells ward off snails and slugs; when those creatures come in contact with an eggshell, they immediately turn around because it’s too sharp for them to crawl over.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Over time, your hairbrushes and combs can get dirty from the dirt and oil in your hair and hairstyling products. This buildup can not only make them less effective, it can lead to an unhealthy scalp over time. To clean your brushes, simply fill a shallow dish with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Then soak them in the mixture for a few minutes. The soapy mixture will help break up the grime without ruining the bristles. Rinse, dry and brush!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION