Activated charcoal is a super absorber of toxins, chemicals and odors. It’s made from all-natural materials like coconut husk, and it’s affordable, too! While there are myriad uses for it for DIY beauty recipes, you can also use it when doing household tasks at home. When you can’t open your windows to ventilate a room when painting, for example, just place a large bowl of activated charcoal in the middle of the room. It’ll absorb odors and other volatile organic compounds in the air.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you’ve squeezed the last few drops of toothpaste out of the tube, grab some scissors and cut it open. You can use the residual paste inside to help with a myriad of household tasks. Stains on the carpet? Just rub the paste on top and scrub away with an old brush to help lift the stain and brighten the fibers. Watermarks or coffee stains on the kitchen table or countertop? Rub with toothpaste and wipe away to make those surfaces look good as new!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you enjoy drinking hot green tea? After you’ve brewed a cup or pot of green tea, save the used tea bag for a spa day at home. Green tea is delicious, but it’s also fantastic for overall detoxification, soothing sore muscles and helping to soften tough skin. Just toss five to 10 used green tea bags into a hot bath and let them steep for about 15 minutes. Then relax and let the natural power of tea make you feel amazing.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION