Place charcoal in a perforated plastic bag and stash the bag your fridge or drawers to banish odors. Read more »
turn down thermostat 3 degrees when having a holiday party
Ratchet down the thermostat by 3 degrees F—guests hate sweating over their holiday cocktails. — The Holiday-Ready House Read more »
elevate a hot water heater
Elevate a hot-water tank on paver bricks to prevent the pilot light from going out and the tank from getting rust damage if the basement is flooded. — 10 Uses for Bricks Read more »
look for the biggest bulbs to plant for the largest blooms
At the nursery, look for the biggest bulbs of your chosen variety—they'll give you the largest blooms. — Plant Bulbs Now for Future Blooms Read more »
open shelves and exposed beams in kitchen
Open shelves and exposed beams add a sense of loftiness in a smaller kitchen. — Inspiring Home Spruce-Ups on a Shoestring Budget Read more »
slim trash cans in kitchen
Use slim cans that require frequent emptying, to keep odors at bay and prevent back strain from hefting too-big bags. — The Right way to Handle Kitchen Waste Read more »
stick felt adhesive pads to upright vacuum sides reader tip
Stick adhesive felt pads to the front and sides of an upright vacuum so that it can glide against baseboards without scuffing the finish. — Reader Tips That Save Time and Money Read more »
gravel patios, use landscape fabric between base and gravel
For gravel patios, Roger Cook suggests adding landscape fabric between the packed base and gravel on top, so materials don't intermingle. — Building Blocks for a Perfect Patio Read more »
succulent leaves hoard water
The fleshy leaves of succulents hoard water for times of drought. Read more »
Whitewash interior brick
Whitewash interior exposed brick: Brush on a tinted latex stain, wipe, and repeat until you achieve the desired look. — DIY Upgrades for Under $100 Read more »