Do Just One Thing

Hitting the road for vacation? Be sure to do a few easy things at home to save energy while you're away. Start by setting your thermostat to a lower or higher temperature depending on the weather (smart thermostats now have a "vacation mode" feature that does all the work for you). Turn off ceiling fans and unplug electronics and power strips throughout the house. Unplug energy hogs like cable boxes, TVs and wireless routers. Lower blinds and close curtains, no matter the temperature outside, to insulate and block the sun's radiant heat.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you use a reusable coffee mug or thermos to fill up at your local coffee shop every morning? Be sure to give it a thorough cleaning on a regular basis to prevent harmful bacteria from growing inside. To make a powerful cleaning compound for your favorite coffee holder, simply pour in some white vinegar and baking soda, and let the fizzy mixture do its disinfecting magic. Then add warm, soapy water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse completely and you're good to go!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Concentrates are all the rage right now when it comes to cleaning products for your home. These tablets dissolve in a bottle of water and turn into your favorite cleaning products, and they are better for the environment, since you're reusing containers and doing your part to reduce the number of heavy bottles being shipped across the country. But if you use plain tap water, the final product can end up smelling rancid in just a few days' time. To make purified water, simple boil water in a kettle and let it cool completely, then use it to make a cleaning solution that will smell fresh and stay fresh.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION