You probably have a box of old baking soda in your refrigerator that needs to be replaced, but don’t toss it -- you can use it to help clean around the house. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to your empty coffeepot and fill the rest with cool water, dissolving the mixture, then run it through your coffee maker. The baking soda mixture will help disinfect and clean the inside, picking up mineral deposits and grime. Follow this up with a full pot of clean water to make sure it’s sparkling clean.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you live in a climate that has freezing cold winter days, one of the biggest challenges for wildlife is to find fresh water to drink. You can help give birds and other animals a drink of water by investing in a solar-powered fountain that has a feature called a “water wiggler.” This prevents ice from forming and keeps the fresh water unfrozen. You can also find electric birdbath heaters to keep the water just warm enough to prevent freezing.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you stock up on too much hand sanitizer during COVID lockdown? The good news is there are myriad uses for it other than keeping your hands germ-free. One of the most ingenious is deodorizing smelly feet by simply rubbing a small amount of sanitizer on the soles; the alcohol kills the odor-causing bacteria. You can also clean digital devices like your phone, tablets and readers to disinfect them without causing damage or streaks. And your makeup brushes? Rub a small amount of sanitizer in the bristles and let them air dry before using.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION