SEE MORE: 7 Life Hacks Everyone Really Needs To Know

1. Clean a burnt pan

Fill the pan with hot water, add a little dish soap and a couple of dryer sheets. Let it sit for an hour then wipe clean with a scrubbing pad and wash normally.

2. Remove permanent marker from a dry erase board

Simply draw over your permanent marker artwork with a dry erase marker, and then wipe the marks away with an eraser or dry cloth.

3. Remove tough stains from a coffee thermos

Dissolve one denture cleaning tablet per two cups of hot water. Pour it in the stained vessel and let it sit for several hours and then use a scrub brush to clean off the stains and all the loosened bits. Pour the solution out and rinse thoroughly.

4. Get gum out of carpet

Freeze the gum by placing a sandwich bag filled with ice cubes on top of it for about a half hour. When the gum is frozen, break it apart and pull it out of the carpet.

5. Remove stubborn Command Hooks

Warm up the adhesive with a hairdryer. 30 seconds or so seems to be about right. Next, use dental floss or fishing line to gently cut through the adhesive strip. Rub off any remaining adhesive residue, and the Command Hook is ready to reuse.

6. Scratch-free glasses

Put a drop of Brasso on a 100 percent cotton cloth, the softer the better. Apply the product to the lenses, let it dry completely, and then polish out the scratches.

7. Spilled paint

Pour some denatured alcohol onto a rag and scrub away the paint.

8. Cleaning a shower curtain

Wash them with baking soda and vinegar. This effectively removes mold and soap scum. For an extra eco-friendly touch, use a biodegradable laundry detergent and leave it to soak to help remove any musty odors and make a bathroom smell nice, too.

9. Cleaning behind toilets

Use an angled toilet brush or a grout brush to reach those tight spots behind the toilet. Apply an eco-friendly disinfectant or a homemade vinegar-based cleaner to ensure thorough cleanliness.

10. Removing grime from oven racks

Fill your bathtub with hot water and add a cup of dish soap and a half-cup of baking soda. Place the oven racks in the tub and let them soak overnight. In the morning, use a scrub brush to remove any remaining grime.

11. Removing pet hair from furniture

To remove pet hair from furniture or carpet, use duct tape or a paint roller cover wrapped with duct tape, sticky side out

I hope you find these tips helpful! If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to ask.

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Cleaning blinds

One way to clean blinds is to use elastic bands to wrap a damp cloth around a pair of tongs. By the way, this trick is used by professional house cleaners.

Vacuuming window frames

A great way to clean your window frame is to use a toilet paper tube on the end of your vacuum cleaner’s suction tube. Made of soft cardboard, you can shape it to fit almost any nook or cranny.

Cleaning difficult-to-reach places in your car

To make your car interior look neat, use a cotton swab and clean out the dirt in hard-to-reach spots.

Cleaning your keyboard

Use this method when you are at your desk. Simply fold an adhesive piece of paper in half so that the sticky side faces out, then rub it around between your keys to collect all the dust and crumbs.

Keeping your mattress dust-free

Sprinkle baking soda on top of your mattress until it forms a thin layer. Wait 10 minutes, and then vacuum it all up.

Removing hard water deposits from your faucet

Simply use an old toothbrush and baking soda.

Cleaning a knife block

Fill the sink with warm soapy water, and dip the knife block into it. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and wipe with a sponge.

Cleaning lampshades

Keep your fabric lampshades free of dust with the adhesive lint roller that you usually use for removing pet hair from your clothes.

Cleaning hard-to-reach spots in the shower

Apply a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda on the dirty area. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and then rub with a stiff brush.

Cleaning a showerhead

Mix 1/3 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of vinegar. Fill a plastic bag with the resulting mixture, and wrap it around your showerhead. Use some string to tie the bag around the neck of the showerhead to keep it in place. Leave for 2-3 hours.

Getting rid of stains on linoleum flooring

Using a regular pencil eraser will help you get dark marks off your linoleum.

Washing a shower curtain

Cleaning your shower curtain in the washing machine is a quick and easy way to make it look like new again. Don’t forget to wrap the shower curtain in a few towels so that it isn’t damaged.

During the colder parts of the year, it can be tricky to stay warm without cranking up the heat. Fortunately, there are methods to help you stay warm that don’t involve increasing your utility bill. Some are things you can do for yourself while others are tips for improving the warmth of your space.

Dress in Layers

Everyone knows you should add a sweater, jacket, and other layers when you go outside in cold weather. You can apply the same principle inside, too. Layers will insulate your body and make it easier to regulate your body temperature. You can add or remove layers as needed to stay comfortable.

Wear Thick Socks or Slippers

Keeping your feet warm will make your whole body feel warmer. For an extra cozy feel, slip on a pair of ultra-warm wool stocks. Or keep a pair of slippers or shoes to wear around the house, especially if you tend to have cold floors.

Use the Oven and Stove for Cooking

The oven and stove both generate heat in your kitchen. This is why it’s recommended to make no-cook and no-bake meals during the warmer months. But in the colder months, the opposite advice applies: Use the stove and oven often to add heat to your home.

Leave the Oven Open After Baking

Every time you use your oven during the colder months, leave it open after you’re done baking. This will allow the hot air to escape and add heat to the room. However, be cautious about doing this if you have children or pets; make sure they can’t reach the hot oven door or inside the oven. And never use the oven as a primary source of heat, especially if your appliance uses natural gas. Burning natural gas for long periods can increase carbon monoxide levels in your home.

Drink Warm Beverages

In addition to hot meals, you can apply the same principle of warming yourself from the inside with your beverage choices. Keep coffee, tea, cider, hot cocoa, or your other favorite warm drinks on hand for when you’re feeling cold. The liquid will feel toasty going down, and a hot mug is excellent for heating cold hands.

Use a Humidifier

Humid air generally feels quite a bit warmer than dry air. And running the heat in the colder months can strip your indoor air of its humidity. To balance this, consider using a humidifier. Look for the models that allow you to choose between warm and cold air; they typically cost more but are well worth it for the heating ability.

Reverse the Ceiling Fan

It might seem counterintuitive to use a ceiling fan when you’re feeling cold, but it actually can help to warm you up. Let your ceiling fan turn at a low speed in a clockwise direction during the colder months. This will help to push the warm air that rises toward the ceiling back down toward floor level.

Use Microwaveable Heating Pads

Heating pads are fairly inexpensive, and they can make a huge difference when you’re cold. Use a heating pad on your hands and feet when you’re sitting or lying down to feel considerably warmer overall. You can even make a basic heating pad yourself by sewing dried beans inside a piece of 100 percent cotton fabric, which you then can microwave in 30-second increments until it’s at your desired temperature.

Clear Heat Vents, Registers, and Radiators

It’s recommended to have your heating system inspected annually, ideally before the cold weather arrives and you must rely on it to heat your home. It’s also important to make sure the heat can adequately warm your space. Pull furniture, curtains, and other items away from heat vents, registers, and radiators. If they’re blocked, the heat won’t be able to circulate.

Don’t Run the Bathroom Fan After Showering

Because humidity can make a space feel warmer, skip using the bathroom fan when you shower. Then, leave the bathroom door wide open after your shower, so the humidity can spread to other parts of your home. However, if mold has a tendency to grow in your bathroom due to high humidity, consider using the fan, at least for a few minutes.

Spend More Time Upstairs

Hot air rises. So if you have multiple levels to your home, aim to spend more time on the upper level to take advantage of the warmer air there. You could even move your home office or TV from downstairs to upstairs over the colder months to have a cozier setting.

Enjoy a Cup of Soup

Besides warming up your space, you also can warm yourself from the inside. Opt for hot meals, such as a cup of soup, on cold days. And consider making your own soup from scratch. Soup generally takes a while to cook, and the simmering pot on the stove will generate heat in the kitchen.

BLOCK DRAFTS WITH A POOL NOODLE

Keep heat in and cold out by cutting a pool noodle in half lengthwise, wrapping it in fabric, and sliding it under your door. It’ll stay put all winter, and you can re-use it at the pool come summer. (But we recommend you spring for a new one.)

LAYER YOUR COVERS WITH THE THINNEST, DENSEST ONES ON TOP

It’s intuitive, but fluffy blankets should be closer to your skin. Thin, dense blankets should be on top to prevent convective heat loss. Bonus tip: Don’t put your bed directly against an exterior wall. You’ll be warmer if you leave a little space.

An organic mattress

Generic mattresses can be a major source of chemical exposure, especially when manufacturers use highly toxic, flame-retardant chemicals including polybrominated diphenyl ether, or PBDE. PBDEs are associated with brain and reproductive damage, thyroid problems and even cancer. As companies aren’t legally bound to disclose these harmful ingredients, a safer bet for a sound night’s sleep and long-term health is an organic mattress, that’s chemical-free, hypoallergenic, and sustainable and biodegradable, so it’s good for the earth, too. One to try is the Zenhaven Mattress by Saatva is made of organic wool and natural latex.

A cast iron skillet

Have you noticed how trendy those stunning fire engine red cast iron skillets are from Le Creuset? People are all about them, so much so that the French brand has come out with some seriously bold colors like pink and lavender. But it’s not just the bright colors people are into; they are also better for your health.

Though a nonstick pan makes for easy cleanup, they may contain certain chemicals, including perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, which has been deemed “possibly carcinogenic to humans” by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Meanwhile, cook with a cast iron skillets and you’ll not only avoid harmful chemicals, your food will be infused with good-for-you iron, too.

Air purifier

From bacteria-laden household surfaces and household pollutants that cause allergies, an air purifier is a smart addition to your home. Try Molekule Air Purifier, which uses a patented technology, Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO), that works at the molecular level to eliminate indoor air pollution.

Plants

Plants have certainly become a hot home addition in recent years, from the no-fuss succulents to the drapey golden pothos. Beyond their beauty are some incredible health benefits, including the reduced levels of carbon dioxide, certain pollutants, and airborne dust.

Bright colors

Before you eschew the power of color, know that there are many studies that reveal the color you choose to paint your walls, or the colors you pick for your rugs, furniture, and drapes, can seriously impact your mood. In a Dutch study, participants found yellow to evoke feelings of happiness, while researchers at the University of British Columbia found that blue induces relaxation and creativity.

Cooking utensils

Much like the need to steer clear of nonstick pans, you should also avoid cooking utensils that have cheap, chemical-ridden coatings or are made with toxic glues and adhesives that can all leach into your food. Bamboo cooking utensils that are “organically certified ” are made from certified organic resources that won’t put you at risk and are also better for the environment. You’ll also find bamboo cutting boards, dinnerware, and utensils to round out your healthy kitchen and dining essentials in the Bambu line of organically certified products. 

No shoes in the house

Research has been revealing the health benefits of going barefoot indoors. In one study, researchers at the University of Arizona found that there are, on average, nearly 421,000 different bacteria present on the bottoms of 96 percent of shoes. Pesticides, tar, lead, mold, and cleaning chemicals can also get tracked in your home via your footwear—so trade those shoes at the door for a cute pair of slippers!

Greener textiles

Synthetic fabrics including nylon, rayon, and polyester are petroleum-based, which means they take a lot of energy to produce and suck up nonrenewable resources. They’re also typically coated with stain treatments and flame retardants that are toxic, including perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). There are many great eco-fibers to choose from and include materials like organic or recycled cotton, wool, hemp, and flax (linen). VivaTerra and Stem are two eco-friendly companies to consider when you’re in the market for new home decor.

Use Natural Cleaners

There’s no doubt that heavy-duty cleaners get the job done. But for light daily cleaning, it’s not really necessary to bring out the serious chemicals. And since most natural cleaning recipes can be made using just a few simple, inexpensive ingredients — like distilled water, white vinegar, Castile soap and baking soda — you’ll breathe easier and probably save a little cash.

A few easy cleaning solutions to try:

• All-purpose cleaner: Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of vinegar and water at a 1:1 ratio and use a microfiber cloth to clean. This works on windows, mirrors, bathtubs, tiled floors and more.
• Marble, granite and quartz cleaner: Fill a 24- to 32-ounce spray bottle with water; add 4 to 5 ounces of rubbing alcohol, six drops of Castile soap and several drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender or rosemary.
• Stainless steel polish: After cleaning the surface with an all-purpose cleaner (see above), spray it lightly with coconut oil cooking spray. Rub in the oil with a clean dish towel or paper towel.

Choose the Right Water Filtration System

If you’ve been using the same water filtration pitcher for years, it may be time to upgrade. Undersink water filtration systems tend to work more effectively, thanks to the added pressure forcing water through the filtration system — and since they filter while being used, there’s no need to remember to refill a pitcher. Beyond your drinking water, you may also want to consider a filter that attaches to your shower head, especially if excessive chlorine in your water bothers your skin.

Regrow Veggies

Strange but true: Scallions will regrow from their white ends. Just put them in a glass of water and let them get some sunlight. You can snip the green ends every few days for practically endless seasoning.

Say “Cheese” to Milk.

It can be hard to finish a whole gallon of milk before it expires, but don’t wait for it to curdle. Instead, set some aside and make cottage cheese.

Reuse Your Daily Grind.

Used coffee grounds can keep ants away. Plus, they can get rid of odors, stimulate your potted plants, and more, making them worth holding onto.

Put Peels Out for Pests.

Orange peels can actually be put to good use, especially if it’s summer. Insects like mosquitoes and ants will stay away if you grind them up, and they can get rid of musty smells.

Give Stale Snacks Some Bite.

There’s no need to toss old chips. Stale snacks can be crisped up in the microwave—just put them on a microwave-safe plate and nuke on full power for 10 seconds.

Cool Down with an Ice “Pop”.

Flat soda isn’t so great to drink but it can make for a tasty treat with a little patience. Pour some in an ice cube tray, stick toothpicks in each space, and enjoy your treats after they freeze.

Liquor? Now, Thicker.

You can kick up the quality of vodka with a simple water filter. It won’t completely transform what you have in the cabinet, but filtering can make less expensive brands taste better.

Banish Sponge Bacteria.

Your old sponge might look like it belongs in the trash, but two minutes in the microwave will kill more than 99% of the germs on it, making it good as new. Be sure to get it wet first.

Get the Most Out of a Lemon

When a recipe calls for a few drops of lemon, don’t slice the lemon and squeeze. Simply puncture the rind with a toothpick and gently squeeze out the small amount of juice you need. Then cover the hole with a piece of tape and store the lemon in the fridge for later use. Waste not, want not!

Oiled Eggs

Prolong the life of fresh eggs by dipping a paper towel into vegetable oil and rubbing the shells before storing the eggs in the fridge. The oil will keep the eggs fresh for an additional three to four weeks.

A Surplus of Spuds?

If you find you’ve peeled too many potatoes for a potato salad or casserole, don’t toss the uncooked extras. Put them in a bowl, cover with cold water, and add a few drops of vinegar. Now they will keep in the fridge for three to four days.

Brown-Bag Your Lettuce

Lettuce will keep longer if you transfer it from a plastic bag to a roomier paper bag before storing it in the refrigerator. Lettuce likes a little air, but don’t think that calls for removing the limp and discolored outermost leaves; they may not be pretty, but these leaves help keep the inner leaves crisper.