If you have small packets of mustard in your junk or office drawer, pull them out and put them to good use. Mustard is more than just a condiment; it can also combat odors. If your reusable plastic, glass or metal containers have a lingering scent inside, you can neutralize the smell with mustard. Just squeeze a few packets of mustard into the container and then fill with hot water. Seal it shut and let it sit for a few hours, then rinse with soap and water to reveal your freshly cleaned container.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you keep a box of baking soda in the refrigerator to keep it smelling nice and fresh? When it’s time to replace the box, don’t toss the baking soda in the trash. While it may not be active enough to bake with, you can still do a myriad of other things with old baking soda. Keep it handy near your stove or grill; if there’s a flare-up or fire, baking soda is a great extinguisher. Mix baking soda with equal parts sugar and place it where you’ve spotted roaches. The sugar attracts them to the mixture, but the baking soda is deadly to them. And finally, you can dump it into the sink or tub and use it as an all-natural cleaner.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When buying pre-bagged organic produce at the supermarket, not every bag is the same. For instance, if you are purchasing a pre-bagged 5-pound sack of organic apples, not all of the bags will weigh exactly 5 pounds. In fact, most states only require that the bags meet a minimum weight, which means some bags of produce will weigh more than others. At the store, simply weigh the bags on the scale and purchase the heaviest one. You’ll sometimes get an extra avocado, apple, onion or whatever it is you’re buying!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION