2/28/10

Instead of buying a piece of expensive home improvement equipment that will be hardly used -- like a carpet cleaner, power washer or paint sprayer -- why not rent it instead? Major chain stores like Home Depot and Lowe's rent out professional equipment to homeowners at a fraction of the cost. It's much easier returning it, rather than finding space in your garage for it to sit unused.

2/27/10

Keep your car smelling fresh and clean with a homemade air freshener. Fill a large tea strainer with either charcoal (the kind for the grill) or dried lavender. Charcoal is a natural deodorizer, so it will absorb foul fragrances. When it's left in a warm car, lavender will perfume the air with a soothing and pleasing scent. This is a healthy alternative to chemical-based, artificial car fresheners.

2/26/10

If you don't want to use harmful de-icing solution for your slippery stairs and sidewalks, try kitty litter or sand instead. While they won't melt ice the way rock salt does, they will add traction to help prevent slips and falls. For truly slick surfaces, use rock salt at a minimum and be careful to keep it away from vegetation, because it can be corrosive and harmful to plants.