Hand-washing clothing may seem like a time-consuming chore, but for some types of clothing, it’s necessary. Many garments today use rayon fiber to give them stretch. And when rayon becomes wet, it weakens and can lose up to 50 percent of its elasticity. When a rayon garment is put through a washing machine, it can overstretch and essentially destroy the item. By hand-washing it, you help prevent that type of destruction.

One way to extend the life of your toothbrush and keep it sanitized is to use simple table salt. The ubiquitous mineral has hundreds of uses beyond flavoring food. All you need to do is fill a glass with hot tap water and add about 2 tablespoons of table salt. Swirl the glass so the salt dissolves, and insert the head of the toothbrush into the cup. Let it soak for an hour, then rinse. You can also sanitize other hygiene items, including tongue scrapers, dental picks and even hair combs.

It’s always a great idea to utilize reusable water bottles, and there are many choices when you’re shopping for one. Bottles with an integrated carbon filter are popular in the marketplace. The concept is simple: When you pour tap water into the bottle, the carbon filter cleans the water as you squeeze and drink. But carbon filters are excellent places for harmful bacteria to grow. So over time, as you reuse this bottle, you risk making yourself sick. It’s best to stick with traditional reusable bottles in glass or metal and to fill them with filtered water instead.