5/6/12

If you have a frying pan that has caked-on grease, food or anything else you simply cannot scrub off -- no matter how much elbow grease you use -- look to the fridge for help. Fill the cookware with cola (like Pepsi or Coke) and bring it to a boil. Simmer for around 15 minutes. The caked-on mess will fall apart and make cleanup a breeze -- just wipe the pan clean with a scrubby brush or steel wool sponge.

5/5/12

You've heard the phrase "It's not the heat, it's the humidity" when it comes to uncomfortably hot days in the summer. When it's humid, the air can feel much hotter than it actually is. Using a dehumidifier in your home can take out excess moisture in the air and make it feel cooler inside. Dehumidifiers are energy efficient and can help reduce energy costs. Bonus tip: Use the collected water from your dehumidifier to water plants.

5/4/12

When defrosting food, avoid the common mistake of defrosting on the kitchen counter. Instead, do it in the refrigerator. Placing a frozen item -- a steak, bag of soup or chicken -- in the refrigerator at least 24 hours before you need it will ensure it defrosts properly without spoiling. Slowly defrosting in the fridge also releases cool air, keeping the overall temperature of the refrigerator down, allowing it to use less electricity to keep cool.