When a drip of oil from a greasy slice of pizza ends up on your clothes, there’s no reason to panic. Instead of dousing the garment with laundry detergent, try a pantry staple instead: corn starch. The powdery substance is super absorbent and will soak up the oil stain. Just cover the stain with corn starch and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then toss the garment into the washing machine and wash as normal to eradicate that grease stain for good.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It seems everything can go into a paper recycling bin: scrap paper, newspapers, magazines and junk mail. But often what seems like paper isn’t actually recyclable, and that includes old photographs. While technically printed on paper, old photos have a thin polythene coating on top (which gives them a glossy or matte finish). This is a synthetic material that can clog up paper recycling machines when the photos are pulped. Rather than trying to recycle them, save the photos or toss them into the trash.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Have you ever ordered something online and opened the package to find air-filled “pillow pockets” were used to help protect your purchase? The inflated plastic cushions prevent your item from getting damaged inside the box during the shipping process. The good news is they are recyclable. All you have to do is “pop” the air out and drop off the plastic material at any recycling bin that accepts clean plastic shopping bags. You can find these receptacles at almost any supermarket in America. You can recycle bubble wrap and clean plastic sandwich bags in these same bins, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION