Here's my easy way to keep toilets sparkling-clean without the use of chemicals: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of borax and 1/2 cup of white vinegar into the toilet bowl and let it sit for a full 60 minutes before scrubbing. The mixture will bubble and naturally remove stains and odors. After one hour, scrub with a brush and flush away. You can also put two denture cleaner tablets into the bowl and let it sit overnight to really remove stubborn stains like mineral buildup.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

A bathroom that isn't well-ventilated can lead to growth of unpleasant mold and mildew. One way to help prevent this growth is to use special lightbulbs in the overhead lights: LED bulbs that are embedded with ultraviolet light. UV lights have been successful in hospitals in inhibiting microbial growth, so using one in your bathroom can also keep your environment healthy without the use of chemicals. And since LED bulbs are energy-efficient and long-lasting, the UV LED bulb will pay off for many years to come.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

One of the most commonly asked questions is how to dispose of leftover household paint. But rather than dealing with leftover paint, why not buy the amount of paint you actually need? To figure this out, simply measure the walls and multiply the length times the height to estimate the square footage. One gallon equals about 350 square feet of one-coat paint coverage. You can also use online paint calculators to help you determine what you need –- these calculators can predict down to the quart.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION