Cold winter weather is around the corner for many of us, which means warm coats become part of our everyday wardrobe. Start by cleaning your coat at the onset of the winter season, either by laundering it at home or taking it to a professional. Remove stains on the outside by dabbing with a damp towel. And be sure to hang your coat in a well-ventilated space. If you have an extra winter coat, consider donating it to a charity that collects them for those in need.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Laundry detergent sheets are all the rage now, replacing heavy plastic jugs as an eco-friendly way to add detergent to your washing machine. Since the soap is activated in water, it’s imperative to make sure the stack of sheets does not get wet or even come in contact with trace amounts of water. Remove the sheets from the existing paperboard packaging and place them in an airtight container. This is a great way to upcycle an old food storage container. With dry hands, peel off a sheet every time you need one. The sheets have up to a two-year shelf life if stored this way.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

This is a staggering statistic: Two billion disposable plastic razors are thrown away in the United States alone every single year. There are steps you can take to cut back on this waste and save some money, too. First, always dry your razor after use, since residual water on the blades can rust them and make them dull. Or, better yet, invest in an electric or straight razor, which has a much longer shelf life.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION