9/17/13

One of the areas of the house where it makes the most sense to avoid chemical cleaners is inside the refrigerator, since an airtight fridge can create a chemical cocktail that can spoil your food. To keep your fridge smelling fresh, try this tip: Use an old sponge to absorb odors. When your sponge is ready to be replaced, dampen it, then microwave it for 90 seconds. When it's cool, generously sprinkle baking soda on top of it and place in the back of the fridge. The sponge will absorb odors and help keep the fridge smelling fresh.

9/16/13

As the air outside gets cooler and we’re working to keep our homes warmer inside, consider if you actually use your fireplace during the fall and winter months. If you never use it, plug and seal the chimney flue. Warm air rises up and out of the house, and the No. 1 place it does so is through the chimney. By plugging the flue, you'll prevent air from escaping and help reduce heating costs. Plus, it’s not permanent: If you ever want to use the fireplace again, the plug can be removed easily.

9/15/13

Know the difference between storm drains and public septic systems? Public sewage systems collect wastewater from household drains and toilets and send the contaminated matter to treatment facilities to clean and properly dispose of. Storm drains are the opposite: They collect excess rainwater and dispose of it directly into natural water sources. In the fall months, be careful to not dispose of grass clippings and leaves into storm drains. Not only can it create blockage and cause flooding, but grass clippings from chemically treated lawns can end up polluting natural waterways, ultimately contaminating public water supplies. Instead, compost leaves and grass at home or bring them to a commercial composter to be made into beneficial mulch.