Did you know you can do more than wrap with a sheet of wax paper? Take a sheet and give your bathroom fixtures a polish; the wax will buff the metal and create a barrier to prevent new water spots and stains from forming. You can also free up a stuck zipper by rubbing wax paper over it; it’ll release just enough wax to lubricate the zipper. Doing the same trick with a candle could leave a big mess and stain on your clothes. And save used wax paper to use as a fire starter; the paper and wax are perfect for creating a slow burn to get your fireplace or grill going in seconds.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Are you more of a brown thumb than green when it comes to taking care of houseplants? Here’s an easy trick to help keep your plant alive: Use an old sponge. At the bottom of the pot, place an old kitchen sponge and pot your houseplant. The sponge will prevent excess water from spilling out of the bottom of your pot by absorbing it. As the soil dries out, the sponge will provide a slow drink to your houseplant. So if you ever forget to water your plant, the sponge may give your plant an extra day or two of life!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

A crack does not mean the end of a terra cotta pot. On the contrary, it’s an easy thing to fix in two easy steps. First, scrub away excess dirt and debris and give the pot a rinse in soapy water, then let it dry completely. Then use an outdoor-safe silicone caulk to fill in the cracks from the inside of the pot; this will fill the cracks and make the pot more water-resistant. To make the seal set, wrap copper or metal wire tightly around the pot and twist it; this will create enough tension to essentially “clamp” the pot together and squeeze it until the silicone sets. Remove the wire in 48 hours and voila! New pot!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION