It sounds like the greenest idea: If you're going to boil a bag of pasta, why not fill the pot with the hottest possible tap water you have so it takes less time (and energy) to bring it to a boil? But the reality is you should never do this, because there are health risks. In most homes, hot water systems use tanks and boilers that contain metal parts, and over time, the metal corrodes and contaminates the water. Boiling water doesn't make these metals -- including lead -- go away, and they can contaminate whatever you're cooking. Always use cold water when you need to bring any water to a boil.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you throw pillows onto the floor from your bed before drifting off, it might be time to think about keeping only the pillows you actually use on the bed. Tossing decorative pillows onto the floor each night and then placing them back on your bed when you make it in the morning can lead to a dirtier sleep. The pillows pick up dirt, germs and other allergens from the floor and can deposit that gunk on your freshly made bed.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you've just squeezed a bunch of lemons to make a batch of lemonade or salad dressing, don't toss the rinds into the compost just yet. Instead, fill a large stock pot with water and squeezed lemons, and bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat and soak white fabric items like T-shirts, napkins and socks, allowing them to sit in the lemony hot water for an hour. The high amount of citric acid will brighten whites and remove stains. Just drain, wash and dry in bright sunlight to give your whites an extra boost.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION