Tip of the Day: Not a Fan of Oven Fans?

Oven fans are magnets for grease. The simplest way to clean the resulting mess is to pop out the fan filter, then run it through your dishwasher on the top shelf.

Tip of the Day: What to do About Motor Oil

If your car has leaked oil in your garage, easily clean it up by applying some cat litter to the area (preferably the non-scoopable kind). Its super-absorbing properties will make the stain disappear in a day.

Tip of the Day: Take the Cake

Here’s a new twist on transporting frosted cakes. Don’t just insert toothpicks and cover in plastic, because the sharp ends can puncture the plastic and result in a gooey mess. Instead, attach miniature marshmallows to the toothpicks before covering. Stands of spaghetti can also be used instead of toothpicks.

Tip of the Day: Don't Trash that Trash Can

If your curbside trash can has a crack, the easiest way to repair it is to just slap some duct tape over it on both sides. Duct tape can withstand the rigors of the outdoors, and it’s not like you’re worried about your can looking nice, anyway.

Tip of the Day: Tighten Loose Caning

A chair’s caning can loosen and begin to droop. If you let it go long enough, you might even fall through the seat and hurt your bum (not to mention your ego). But, no fear! You can tighten it easily and cheaply. Apply very hot water to the underside, then dry the chair in direct sunlight.

Tip of the Day: An Apple a Day...

Nothing’s worse than a bad sunburn. The good news is you don’t need an expensive lotion to soothe your poor, burnt skin. Just cut an apple in half, remove the core, and rub over the affected area for 3–4 minutes. Apples will keep your skin from blistering or peeling.

Tip of the Day: Carrot Appeal

Who doesn’t love perfect carrot peels on the top of salads? Getting this great look is easy. Just peel off slices of carrot with a vegetable peeler, then drop them into a bowl of ice water.

Tip of the Day: Hot Summer Nights?

On sticky summer nights, cool down by sprinkling a little baby powder between your sheets before retiring for the night.

Tip of the Day: Instant Water Toys

If you’re looking for a cheap and practical toy for kids, thoroughly wash old ketchup, salad dressing, and shampoo bottles and let the kids use them to play in the swimming pool or bathtub. They’re also a good way to wash shampoo out of hair at bathtime.

Tip of the Day: Buy School Supplies Now

Now is the perfect time to buy school supplies! Keep an eye out for sales and coupons now, before the prices go sky-high when the kids go back to school.

Tip of the Day: Tea Party

Want to get more for your money when it comes to tea? Always buy the loose leaf variety, and then use one-third of what’s recommended. Just let the tea steep a little longer, and it will be exactly the same.

Tip of the Day: No More Smelly Suitcase

Is your suitcase a bit musty? The night before packing, pour a cup of baking soda in it, close it and shake. In the morning, vacuum up the baking soda and the smell should be gone.

Tip of the Day: Christmas in July

When pruning your trees this summer, make sure to save some branches for holiday decorations. Once December rolls around, spray paint them red, white, silver, or gold, then place them in planters of flowers that are dead for the winter. Add lights or ornaments for extra flair.

Tip of the Day: Make Pots Like New

Remove the stains in clay and plastic flowerpots with vinegar. Just fill the kitchen sink with two-thirds water and one-third vinegar, and soak the pots. In an hour, they’ll be good as new! Make sure to wash with soap and water before re-using.

Tip of the Day: Sun, Blocked

Don’t wait until you are out in the sun to apply a protective lotion to your skin. Sunscreen needs time to work, so smooth it on about 20 minutes before you go outside, and don’t be stingy with it—use liberal amounts and reapply after doing any swimming.

Tip of the Day: TGIF?

A mechanic friend (who shall remain nameless!) once confessed to us that he does his worst work on Fridays, because he tends to rush the job to get ready for the weekend. If it can wait, take your car in on Monday, when it will get the time it deserves.

Tip of the Day: White Sneakers that Stay White

Spray new cotton sneakers with spray starch to help them resist stains. The starch will repel grease and dirt, keeping them whiter!

Tip of the Day: S'more Tips, Please!

It’s time for s’mores, but when you take the marshmallows out of the cupboard, they’re all stuck together! Separate them by adding a bit of cornstarch to the bag, then shaking it vigorously. The cornstarch will absorb the moisture that is keeping them stuck together and break them apart.

Tip of the Day: Pool Liner Patch

When pool liners tear, it can be very costly to repair them. But duct tape can do the job. Simply cover the tear, and keep and eye on it to make sure it doesn’t start to peel off. Believe it or not, a single piece of duct tape can usually last underwater for an entire summer.

Tip of the Day: Wait a Minute, Mr. Postman

Many newspapers and magazines will allow you to suspend your home delivery or subscription. If you’re going on a long vacation, make sure to call them up and stop service for while you’re away. You can also often do this for online movie rental and other services. You won’t miss them while you’re gone, and then you’ll get an extra week or two when your subscription would normally be up.