Restoring Old Paintbrushes

If you have hardened paint brushes: simmer them in boiling vinegar and wash in hot soapy water.

Keeping Drains Open

Keep your drains clean by putting 4 tablespoons of baking powder in them each week. Flush the baking soda down with hot water.

Catch the Rain and Save on Your Water Bill

Save your rainwater for your garden by using a rain-barrel (or use a plastic trash can). Use the collected water for plants, flowers, vegetables and washing your car or truck.

Shoe Shine

Rub petroleum jelly over leather shoes and wipe off excess with a towel.

Draw the Shades to Keep Cool

Draw the shades or blinds to block the thermal heat of the sun through your windows. This will help keep you cooler, so you won´t need to use your fan or air conditioner, which will save you money on your electric bill.

Mildew Remover

Why buy expensive cleaning products when you can get the same results using ingredients you already have at home? For a cheap way to remove mildew, dilute 3/4 cup chlorine bleach in 1 gal of water. Apply to tile and grout and scrub; wipe shower stall and curtain; rinse thoroughly.

Make Your Own Stain Remover

Mix 1 part laundry detergent, 1 part hydrogen peroxide, and 1 part water in a spray bottle. Spray stains and rub material together or scrub with a soft brush if needed.

Proper Planting Saves You Electricity

Plant shrubs and trees so that they will shade your house during summer months. Doing this will help you to not use your fans and air conditioning as much, hence saving on your electric bill.

Diluting to Save Money

You can dilute your dish detergent and still get the same results. This is especially helpful if you have others helping you wash the dishes, and they aren´t as thrifty-minded as yourself.

Carpet Deodorizer

To make your own carpet deodorizer combine 3/4 cup baking soda, 2 tbsp corn starch, and 1/4 cup scented talcum powder. Sprinkle on dry carpet, let stand 5 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.

HandymanWire.com

If weekend projects have you banging your head against the wall, take a break and visit handymanwire.com. Whether you´re removing wallpaper or cleaning the carpet, this site´s trained volunteer consultants are happy to lend a hand. Visit the extensive FAQ page or consult the Articles Index for a host of how-to guides. Still at a loss? Expert forums tackle even the most obscure do-it-yourself dilemmas head on.

Clean Shower Curtains - the easy way

The easiest way to clean your shower curtains is to wash them in the washing machine using cold water. You can wash the shower curtain with other clothing, but make sure that they are similar colors, that you don´t use bleach, and that you use cold water. DO NOT DRY IN THE DRYER. Hang them back up to let them air dry in the shower.

Request a FREE Evaluation

Most electric companies will provide a free energy conservation home evaluation, if you ask them. They will tour your home to tell you what you are doing right, and what you should change - as well as how much money it could save you. Remember, it´s free!

Get Organized Now! Idea-Pak

The free Get Organized Now! Idea-Pak is filled with more than 50 tips to help you organize your home, your office and your life! http://www.getorganizednow.com/
All you need to do is enter your e-mail address, and they will send you these great tips in your mailbox!!!

Sealing Bags

You can seal any plastic bag by placing a piece of aluminum foil over the end to be sealed and running a hot iron over the foil. Make sure you have foil on both sides of the plastic to be sealed so it doesn´t stick to the ironing surface. No expensive sealing gadget required.

FREE long distance calling card

Get a FREE long distance calling card via email instantly when you join PhoneHog. No need to switch carriers. No credit card needed. Nothing to buy. It´s totally free and takes less than a minute to join. Call free worldwide from any phone, anytime. Join now to get your free calling card by email instantly. (US & Canada only). Go to http://tinyurl.com/yq7a8 for more information and to join this money-saving program for FREE!!!

Sour Cream

Make your own sour cream by blending together 1 cup of cottage cheese, 1/4 cup skim milk and 1 tsp. vinegar.

Weatherization Assistance Program

Free Weatherization Assistance Program enables low-income families to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Check out the Department of Energy Assistance´s website to get more information about this program, and to see if your family qualifies. http://www.eren.doe.gov/buildings/weatherization_assistance/

Carpet Stain Remover

Using one part white vinegar to four parts hot water, pour the mixture on a carpet stain. Take several white paper towels folding them over each other and lay them over the area, then press with a hot iron. (You will want to work on small areas at a time -- at least no bigger than your paper towels.) The vinegar and heat will lift the dye out of the carpet and into the paper towel. Your paper towels will turn the color of the dye you are lifting out so you can SEE it working. Keep pouring the cleaner on the areas and change your towels when soiled. Just keep this process up until your paper towels are no longer turning color. This method works for Kool Aid & other impossible to get rid of stains.

VCR Repairs - Do It Yourself

It is possible to clean the VCR and save a trip to the repair shop. Unplug the VCR. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screws and remove the cover from the top of your VCR. Use a can of "Compressed Air" to clean the dust out of the corners and take some rubbing alcohol and swab around the VCR heads, crevices that look dusty or anywhere gunk has built up. Replace cover.