It's common knowledge that having houseplants can help clean the air and also create a happier environment at home. But not all houseplants are the same. Some can actually be toxic if improperly ingested by pets or children, or even just by touching them. When shopping for a plant, consider easy-to-care-for and nontoxic plants for your home. Sure winners include the Boston fern, African violets, Swedish ivy and the parlor palm plants. These are all common varieties you can find at almost any home center.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Over time, your bed pillows can become full of dust mites, bacteria, oils, dirt and other things that cause them to smell. Most charities do not accept bed pillows for donation, and they are nearly impossible to recycle, so do the next best thing: Wash them. Since home washing machines tend to be too small to wash pillows, visit a local laundromat to give them a proper cleaning. Dry them on a low setting until they are completely dry. You'll be surprised how easy it is to get your pillows smelling like new again.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

You might wonder: Why clean your coffee grinder, if the only thing you're using it for is coffee? Over time, the natural oils and leftover particles from whole coffee beans can turn the inside of your coffee grinder rancid and also affect its performance, so it's important to clean it. But soap and water are not the answer. Instead, take 1/4 cup of dry rice and whir it up inside the grinder, which creates a powder that acts as a sponge to soak up the residual oil and coffee particles. Dump the rice and wipe the inside of your grinder with a damp towel, and you've got a clean coffee grinder.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION