Turns out houseplants do more than just help purify the air inside your home. Having a few easy-to-care-for plants also can help lower stress, as being around plants can help you feel calm and relaxed. A Texas A&M study found that having houseplants can increase memory and attentiveness by as much as 20%, too. And caring for houseplants gives you a sense of calm when the world can feel chaotic, since the act of caring promotes a relaxed mood and an overall comfortable spirit.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Yes, appliances designed to clean things actually need to be cleaned, too. Your automatic dishwasher needs a thorough cleaning once in a while to deodorize the inside and prevent your glassware and dishes from picking up an unpleasant odor. To clean your dishwasher, liberally sprinkle baking soda all over the interior. Then fill a large dishwasher-safe glass with white vinegar and place it right-side-up inside. Run it through a hot cycle (empty) to remove grease and grime and deodorize all in one run.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Ever wonder what butylated hydroxyanisole or potassium bromate are when you see them listed on the side of grocery store items? They, along with dozens of other chemicals, are considered food additives that are designed to help boost flavor, retain color and texture, or extend the shelf life of products. If you want to learn about and avoid what the Environmental Working Group calls the "dirty dozen additives," visit EWG.org and check out the list. Not only will it tell what to avoid, but the website offers tips on safer alternatives to look for when shopping.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION