Here's another reason to opt for 100% organic cotton sheets for your bed: They can help you stay healthier during cold and flu season. When someone is sick, it's important to regularly wash the bedding they are sleeping on, since the sheets can harbor illness-causing germs. All-cotton sheets are the only kind that can withstand being washed in hot water with special disinfecting detergents. Synthetic blends can shrink and wear out quickly, and should be avoided.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

A tea kettle is one of those items you never really think about cleaning until your fresh cup of hot tea tastes a little strange. Cleaning your kettle could not be any simpler: Fill it halfway with water from the tap, then fill the rest of the way with white vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then set aside (away from the heat) overnight to soak. Pour out the vinegar mixture and refill with water from the tap; bring to a boil to remove any trace of the vinegar smell and taste.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It's important to stop using disposable plastic cling wrap to cover bowls, since the material isn't recyclable and can be toxic when disposed of. A good alternative to look for is silicone lids, which create a tight seal around bowls that helps keep food fresh, and have the added benefit of being microwave safe, so you can reheat your leftovers directly from the fridge. And while silicone isn't recyclable, it is durable and reusable, so you can get years of good use from your lids before you throw them away.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION