8/1/13

When buying drapes for your windows, consider more than just fabric, color and style: Think thermal. Thermal drapes are lined to help block heat, harmful UV rays and drafts. They are also useful in the hot summer months -- they can block the rays from the sun that heat up your home. Just by switching to thermal drapes, you can save as much as 20 percent on your energy bill. On average, that equals about $480 a year for a typical household. Over time, your drapes could actually pay for themselves.

7/31/13

It's easy to find zero-VOC paints in stores today (VOC stands for "volatile organic compounds," or the odor in paint). But in order to keep the untinted zero-VOC paint as eco-friendly as possible, go easy on the color and sheen. Choose a flat finish instead of glossy: Chemicals are added to make paint glossy. Choose light colors instead of dark tints; the lighter the finished color, the fewer colorants need to be added to make it that color. Finally, use an online paint calculator to know exactly how much paint you need to do a room. Simply enter the room's dimensions, and the calculator tells you how much paint to buy. No guessing and less waste.

7/30/13

Believe it or not, a simple way to keep your stainless steel appliances at home looking clean, shiny and streak-free is to use olive oil. If you have stubborn stains, water marks and fingerprints that just won't budge, pour a few drops of oil onto a microfiber towel and buff away. It will help shine the stainless steel while removing grease and dirt. The microfiber towel has millions of microscopic fibers that grip onto the surface and absorbs grime, and the olive oil works as a lubricant.