Many of us soak our cookware in water for several hours or overnight to loosen baked-on food to make clean up easier. While that does work to loosen grime, it also can warp the pan over time, making it defective and difficult to use. To protect your cookware investment, allow your frying pan to cool to room temperature, then immerse it in water for several minutes. That should be enough soaking time to make cleanup easier without risking any damage to the pan. And if you need a little extra help, sprinkle baking soda for abrasion and scrub away.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Yes, it's possible to save a dying houseplant with a few easy tricks. If you've underwatered the plant (the soil feels like a brick), submerge it in a sink and let it absorb water from the bottom up; watering from the top allows the water to pour down the sides of the soil block and not end up where it's needed. Cut off the dead leaves and stems and place the plant in a sunny or shady spot, depending on what the plant needs to thrive (a good thing to research online). Finally, don't fertilize it right away; that will only shock the plant. Wait till it starts to rebound, then use a water-soluble fertilizer to bring it back to life.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It's not hard to maintain a lush, green lawn without the aid of chemical herbicides or fertilizers. One of the easiest ways to remove and prevent invasive weeds like dandelions is to use a chemical-free alternative called corn gluten. Not only does it kill weed seeds, but it's also so safe that after application, pets and people can play on the lawn. Corn gluten is a byproduct of cornstarch and corn syrup production and is nonpolluting, so homes near waterways like lakes and streams won't risk polluting water by using it.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION