Did you know you can wash "dry clean only" garments at home? Simple garments like wool sweaters, silk blouses or linen pants can be tossed into a mesh bag and washed in cold water in the washing machine or by hand. Lay them flat on a clean towel to dry. Leave complicated garments like leather/suede jackets, pleated pants or extremely delicate fabrics (like hand-beaded silk blouses) to the pros to handle.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Another reason why investing in a hybrid car is a smart choice: It gives you more free time. A recent study by the Ford Motor Co. showed that investing in a fuel-efficient hybrid significantly reduces the number of trips you need to make to the gas station to refuel. Over the course of just one year, the average hybrid car owner saved about 10 hours of time from refueling. What would you do with 10 hours of extra time per year?

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If the thought of dousing your home with chlorine bleach to keep things disinfected bothers you, you might want to try another method to kill germs, bacteria and pathogens. Handheld steamers that use water to blast away wrinkles can be effective in disinfecting surfaces. While it's currently not approved by the Center for Disease Control as an antiviral method, many scientists agree steam can be effective to help create a healthy home. A soapy water mixture on the countertops blasted with steam can be a power method to kill germs, bacteria and, yes, viruses.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION