Some of the items in your pantry (like baking soda and vinegar) are effective cleaners and, even better, inexpensive. So the next time you have guests coming over, but you’re out of your favorite cleaning product, don’t run to the store — try one of these standbys instead. Safety tip: Never combine ammonia-based cleaners with …

When it comes household maintenance, it’s safe to say we are extra careful about making sure we don’t clog our drains. We use drain strainers, we avoid using certain body scrubs in the shower, and we definitely never pour oil down our sinks. But the truth is, clogging happens, and when it does, you should …

Your shoes can take a beating during winter months. The salt used to melt ice and snow on driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, etc., can help to keep you safe from falling, but it can also leave a nasty white residue on your footwear that doesn’t look great. But don’t toss those otherwise perfectly good shoes! …

In an effort to qualify for an Australian DIY competition show called The Block, one couple built a very impressive, one-of-a-kind display for their books — and it’s now getting attention from more than just television producers. As they were scheming how to make it onto the popular television series, Jess and Sinclair Breen came …

UNUSUAL TASTE Your taste buds have incredibly delicate sensors that protect you from bad or dangerous substances, including poor-quality water. If your water has a fishy, oily, bitter, or metallic taste, it may be time to look into buying a filter. CHLORINE SMELL Does your tap water smell like a swimming pool? Here’s why: Chlorine …