Do Just One Thing

Replacing inkjet printer cartridges can be expensive, especially if you print a lot at home. To save money on cartridges, do two things: First, opt to only print in "draft" mode whenever the actual quality of printing doesn't matter. It uses less ink and still lets you print out documents in nearly perfect quality. And ignore the warnings when your printer says it's running low on a color cartridge. The reality is, there is plenty of ink still in the cartridge and it can still last for many more printings. Just replace it when you see a very noticeable difference in print quality.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Having a mouse in the house is more than a nuisance; it can actually be hazardous, since they can chew through wires and cause fires. To prevent mice, try a simple nontoxic tip like installing door sweeps on exterior doors. Also, look for holes on the outside where they slip in; anything larger than a nickel is enough space for a mouse to squeeze through. Plug the hole with steel wool and cover with caulk. And finally, keep firewood at least 20 feet away from the house, since it's the perfect place to nest and get easy access to run into your home if you've left the door open.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Here's my easy way to keep toilets sparkling-clean without the use of chemicals. Sprinkle into the bowl of the toilet 1/2 cup of borax and 1/2 cup of white vinegar, then let it sit for a full 60 minutes before scrubbing. The mixture will bubble and naturally remove stains and odors. Scrub with a brush and flush away. You can also put two denture-cleaner tablets into the bowl and let it sit overnight to really remove stubborn stains like mineral buildup.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION