To keep things clean and disinfected at home, there's no need to buy wipes when you can make your own. Just cut old cotton T-shirts into squares and toss them into an old plastic container with a lid. Then add 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of distilled water, 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol and just a few drops of liquid dish soap. Seal the lid and shake. When you need to clean up a spill or disinfect a spot, just ring out a towel and wipe away. The wipes are machine washable, so you can use them over and over again.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Some of the most common points for mice invading your home are where utility pipes or wires enter, especially if there's any rot or deterioration of your home's siding or if there are cracks along the foundation. Take the time to do an inspection outside your home to see if you have any of these vulnerable points and seal them up. One thing you can do if you think a mouse is entering your home through an entry point is to sprinkle baby powder on the ground; if you see tracks, it's an entry point that needs to be sealed up.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Believe it or not, one of the most dangerous things your pet can eat isn't a food at all: It's the bag your favorite chips or snack food comes packaged in. Even if you finish a bag of snack chips, the smell lingers in the bag. And if you leave the bag where your dog can find it, they'll naturally stick their head in. A Facebook page called "Prevent a Pet Suffocation" says many animals suffocate when they trap themselves in the bag and are unable to breathe. To prevent this, simply cut the bag open on both ends and toss it into the trash.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION