It’s important to always run a full dishwasher to get the most energy and water efficiency possible. But what if you need to run it when it’s not quite full? Try loading a few other things from around the house that could benefit from the disinfecting power of the machine. That list could include kitchen sponges, silicone oven mitts and trivets, the microwave turntable, flower vases and even plastic hairbrushes and combs, to give them a solid cleaning. Fill it up and get it clean!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Does your kitchen or bathroom drain have an unpleasant odor? Instead of dumping chlorine bleach down the drain to neutralize the odor, try this nontoxic solution: regular salt. Sometimes decomposing organic matter like food scraps can be stuck on the sides of pipes. The salt helps dislodge the stuck-on waste and acts like a mini scrubber for your pipes. Simply pour about 1/2 to 1 cup of salt down the drain and turn on the tap to try this tip.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It’s a pretty basic eco-fact that planting a tree is one of the best ways to give back to the Earth and beautify your property. But trees can be expensive, and nothing is worse than a living investment that ends up dying in the first year you plant it. When buying trees, ask your local nursery if they have any zero-risk guarantees. Many national retail chains and local stores will replace your tree for free if it dies in the first year. Save your receipt and take a photo of the dead specimen if it doesn’t work out.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION