If you have a pet and you’d like to have some purifying houseplants in your house, which plant is the most effective at cleaning the air and the least toxic for your furry friend? The answer: The spider plant. This easy-to-care-for plant is best at removing formaldehyde from the air and is considered nontoxic and safe if a pet happens to nibble on a leaf. Just note this: Spider plant is approved, but the similarly named spider lily is not, because it’s toxic.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you use de-icing products to help melt away ice from your sidewalks and driveway, do one more thing to make sure the pellets stay loose and fresh all winter long. The reality is once you open a bag of de-icing mixture, the product begins absorbing moisture, causing it to clump. To prevent this, simply raid your backyard grill and toss in some charcoal briquettes to absorb excess moisture. If you have extra de-icing mix once the winter season is over, toss in some briquettes and seal the bag to help keep it fresh until next winter.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Using a dishwasher is one of the most water- and energy-efficient ways to get your dishes clean. It’s greener than washing by hand, and it also usually delivers a more sanitized finish on cups, utensils, plates and more. But did you know your dishwasher needs to be cleaned every few months, too? To keep your appliance in its best shape, simply fill a large bowl with white vinegar and place it inside, right side up. The mild acid will help neutralize odors and germs as it is dispensed. Then sprinkle baking soda all over the bottom of the dishwasher and run it empty; this will give the interior one last clean. These two steps will leave your dishwasher sanitized and ready for your next load of dirty dishes.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION