If you have a dying houseplant, you might guess that feeding it a nutrient-rich fertilizer will help it revive and thrive. But that's the one thing you shouldn't do, since fertilizers can actually bring more stress to a sick plant and can be the reason it ultimately dies. To help bring a plant back to life, check on a few things: Are the roots clustered together too tightly, indicating that the plant needs to be repotted into a larger container? Is it in the wrong spot? Is air conditioning or heating blowing directly on it? Is it in direct sunlight when it needs indirect light? The very simple solution to one of these questions might be all your plant needs.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know that most houseplants thrive in an environment that's at least 40% humidity? That level is higher than what's found in the average home, but you can give your plants the environment they need without having to run humidifiers. The simplest way is to spray water from a misting bottle to saturate their leaves. You can also group plants together, which can create a small microclimate that increases the moisture levels in the space around them. Finally, fill a tray with pebbles and water and rest the potted plant on top; the water will offer a bit of humidity as it evaporates.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Your washing machine can develop a serious case of mildew. And according to Better Homes and Gardens, the simplest way to prevent mildew buildup -- which can make your newly washed clothes smell musty -- is to do one thing: Leave the door open. Whether it's front-loading or a top-loader, leaving the door or lid open after use lets the machine dry out. And since most of us are using cold water to wash our clothes, it's even more important to do this, since only hot water can kill mildew.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION