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| quick tips |
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 | In times when natural light is scarce (i.e., winter), you can easily liven up your domicile with unnatural light by installing anything from ambient light fixtures to wall sconces and track or accent lighting.
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| Here's the green way to handle a clogged drain: pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Put in the stopper to contain the fizzing action and the clog is history!
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| If you're looking for a New Year's resolution, try drinking less bottled water! They fill up landfills and waste resources through transportation, and bottled is often no more safer or tastier than regular tap water.
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| Out with the old! During the darker, colder winter months, make the most of your time inside by reducing your material load. Look for unwanted clothes and never-to-be-used canned foods and donate them to a worthy cause!
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| Moldy shower curtains can be revived. A nice long bleach bath followed by a light scrub, or just a trip through the washing machine usually cleans everything up nicely.
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| Did you know that field mice hate the smell of peppermint? If these pesky little creatures have invaded your home this winter, try placing cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil in the corners of rooms and under appliances.
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| This winter, get a sweater for your water heater! Chances are your heater is in an unfinished basement, so wrapping it in an insulating blanket will keep energy in!
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| Don't stress your rugs by beating or shaking the dust out of them. A weekly vacuuming prevents dirt and soil from becoming embedded into the rug's fibers, and will extend the life of your area rugs.
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| Mix expired medications with coffee grounds, then toss them rather than flushing them down the toilet. This prevents your medications from contaminating the earth.
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| One of the most refreshing spring cleaning tips is also the easiest. Open the windows! Upstairs and down. Let that outside air flow through...and breathe deeply. Winter's almost over.
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| Put some baking soda on a wet sponge to remove grease from the stove or the wall behind the stove. It provides just enough scouring power to get rid of the grease without scratching any surface.
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| To freshen your home naturally, simmer some organic apple cider with a few sticks of cinnamon and several whole cloves over low heat for three to four hours.
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| To clean grout between tiles in kitchens or baths, use a hand-held steam
cleaner to loosen debris and stains. Then scrub with a stiff brush, moving
it in small circles, wipe away debris, rinse and dry.
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