Ever wonder what you could do to keep a bar of soap from dissolving so quickly in the shower? Turns out, you need to let a fresh bar of soap "cure" for a few weeks before using it. Many bars of soap are made from a liquid mixture that needs to dry out, or cure, in order for it to be denser, harder and longer-lasting. All you have to do is unwrap the soap you have and let it sit somewhere for six to eight weeks. When you buy multiple bars of soap, unwrap them right away so you'll have harder soap when you need it.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

What's one simple thing you can do to help your refrigerator work as efficiently as possible? Cover your food. When your leftovers or pitchers of water are inside your fridge, they release moisture, and that moisture forces the compressor in your fridge to work harder to keep everything else inside cool. Use food storage containers with lids or pitchers with caps on them to keep your fridge running like a lean, green, refrigeration machine.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Whether they're filled with down feathers, polyester or buckwheat hulls, pillows lose their shape and feel over time and are also nearly impossible to recycle, so do one thing to extend the life of your investment. A pillow protector is an inexpensive way to protect your pillows. These zippered cases wrap around the pillow and have one job: to prevent moisture and allergens from getting inside. Your pillowcase goes over the protector, and together the two will help you get a better -- and more sanitary -- night's sleep.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION