Are you struggling to open your front door with a key that barely works? There’s no need to call a locksmith to come and fix it. Instead, go to your desk and grab a regular old pencil to help fix it. Rub your key with a pencil so the graphite powder coats the entire outside of the key, then try the lock again. The graphite coating will help reduce friction inside the lock, and it should work almost like new again.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Among the most annoying things when painting a room using a can of paint are all of the drips along the edges of the can. It can become extremely messy and actually make it difficult to reseal the can when you’re finished. To prevent drips, do this: Grab a rubber band. Just run a rubber band over the paint can so it’s stretched across the center of the opening. Each time you dip the brush, rub it across the rubber band so excess paint drips back into the can, and not over the sides. How easy is that?

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

One of the best things you can do to keep a healthy home is to kick your shoes off at the door. You don’t need scientific research to know the bottoms of your shoes can harbor dirt, grime, bacteria, fecal matter and more. But many studies have shown that shoes pick up quick-spreading bacteria and even illness-causing strains like E. coli, too. Leave your shoes at the door, resting atop sheets of newspaper. The paper will absorb excess moisture and dirt and help keep your home (and floors!) clean.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION