The second dirtiest spot in your kitchen is the sink, according to NSF International, a safety inspection certification company. And if you think about it, your sink comes in contact with lots of food when you’re defrosting, washing and preparing. Take the time to give your kitchen sink a good scrub with a sponge and dish soap. Then disinfect it to kill all the germs and bacteria. Just fill the sink with hot water and add a cup of white vinegar. Never use bleach, since bleach and food should never come in contact with each other. Let the hot water and vinegar mixture sit for 15 minutes, then let it drain.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Technically, metal wire hangers are recyclable, but they should not be put in your recycling bin for one reason: They tangle and can cause huge problems at the recycling facility. These flexible wire hangers get tumbled with other recyclable metals and can twist and wrap themselves around the mechanical parts at the factory. This can cause a stoppage, or worse, can hurt someone who works there. Instead, reuse the hangers or take them back to the dry cleaner or store where you got them.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It’s common knowledge that you should do a light rinse of recyclable containers before putting them in the recycling bin. But did you know you should skip the rinse when it comes to any containers that have a soapy residue? Think about bottles that once held laundry detergent, shampoo and hand soap. These should not be rinsed. Why not? The residual soap can help clean plastics during reprocessing at the recycling plant! Simply toss these items into the bin without a rinse!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION