dishwasher safe

To wash dirty cotton or washable wool hats all you need is, dishwashing detergent?!? Believe it or not, washing your favorite hat has never been easier. Securing with plastic clothespins, simply place the hat on the top rack of your dishwasher. Add the normal amount of dishwasher detergent and run through a regular wash and rinse cycle. Remove the hat prior to the drying cycle and place over a large coffee can to keep its shape while air-drying. I often cover the coffee can with a plastic bag or paper towel so as to avoid any rusting or staining.

dull wood floors got you down?

According to Linda Cobb, of DIY's "Home Made Easy" and author of "Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean," the solution to cleaning dingy wood floors can be as close as your kitchen cabinet.

"Clean your natural wood floors with black tea," Cobb says. "They love the tannins in tea. It's good for the wood, and it leaves a wonderful shine."

To start, steep the tea, and let it cool to room temperature. Dip a mop or soft cloth into the mixture, and ring it out well before using so it won't drip. Wipe and watch your wood floors go from winter woes to spring sparkles!

blue jean baby

Too scared to wash your favorite pair of vintage blue jeans at home? You're not alone. Finding out the hard way that vintage denim doesn't fair well in modern washing machines is almost a rite of passage. To help keep the color in your 501's alive, try soaking in salt and water to stop the dye from running. If you have an affinity for all things new, these days denim is manufactured with modern dyes and most household laundry products are geared to preserve them.