Over the years, I have amassed many household tips. I try to go the natural route whenever possible but will occasionally use a chemical item so you will see a mixture of both.

Appliance cords are a problem for me; I lose or stuff them in a drawer and forget what appliance they fit. I now use empty toilet paper rolls to store the cords. Just take a magic marker and write on the roll, what appliance the cord goes to roll.

When the kids use your walls for their crayon artwork, dip a damp cloth in baking soda and wipe. The crayon comes off easily with little effort.

When artificial flowers get dusty and dirty, don’t throw them away. Pour salt into a paper bag, add flowers and shake vigorously. The salt will absorb the dirt and dust leaving your flowers, looking new again.

I like using a griddle when I make pancakes or French toast but, I hate the way it smokes. To stop a smoking griddle, rub regularly with a rutabaga. Just cut in half and coat entire surface. I do this after each use.

Make nonchemical furniture polish by mixing one part vinegar to 3 parts olive or lemon oil.

For reducing your pet’s odor and a shinier coat, add one teaspoon of vinegar to drinking water.

If your cat likes to scratch furniture, spray or sprinkle vinegar on the areas they scratch.

For mineral deposits in the fish tank, rub with vinegar and a cloth then rinse well.

Make a furniture duster by taking 1 pint of boiling water and adding ¼ cup lemon oil then stir well. Soak 4 pieces of cheesecloth in mixture for 5 minutes. Squeeze out excess water and line dry. I prefer to hem my cloths so they don’t ravel. Treat cloths again if you wash them.

I hate winter so I’m thrilled I discovered this tip. For icy doorsteps, I get a pitcher of warm water and add Dawn dishwashing liquid. Use original Dawn not the new improved types. Pour over steps to keep from refreezing.

I like to make homemade soaps and toiletries. I make many of my skin and hair products from items found in most kitchens.

Once or twice a week, use a cider vinegar rinse for your hair. Mix 1 part cider vinegar with one part warm water and pour over hair after washing. Use fingers to comb through hair then rinse. Apply conditioner as usual. While the vinegar smells strong in the shower, once your hair is dry, the vinegar smell will be gone. Vinegar removes the residue buildup left from styling products and leaves your hair soft and shiny.

If you have dry scalp or dandruff, use straight cider vinegar daily for one week then switch to vinegar and water for four days the following week; after the fourth week, use rinse once or twice weekly.

For hair conditioning, try beer as a rinse, or leave Cool Whip on your hair for 15 minutes. Mayonnaise will condition your hair and kill lice. Also use coconut oil for soft skin or as a hydrating hair masque.