Now Here’s A Tip: Soak ink stain in rubbing alcohol

“”Try soaking an ink stain in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes before putting the garment in the wash.” (Test first on a scrap.) — B.D. in Virginia

“”Now is a great time to check your cell-phone plan: Most people don’t use even half of the available minutes of their current plan. You might be able to downsize your plan and save $10 or more per month. I did.” — S.L. in New York

“Use wallpaper to cover assorted storage boxes to create a cohesive storage look for less. You can recycle shoeboxes, and even leftover gift boxes from the holidays. If you don’t have any boxes, corrugated cardboard boxes of all sizes are inexpensive when compared with the specialty storage boxes some stores sell.

“Don’t just move dust around with that feather duster. Reserve it for dusting delicate items in a designated space (outdoors, preferably). Get a microfiber cleaning cloth instead. It catches dust and holds it.

“Five ways to keep yourself from turning up the thermostat this winter: Put on a sweater; have a nice bowl of soup or stew; wear slippers or thick non-skid socks; grab a comfy blanket; snuggle up with someone special.

“”If you bathe in a tub, try rubbing on bath oil before getting in the tub. You will get greater coverage and more moisturizing power from your bath oil. And at this time of year, who doesn’t need that?” — M.E. in Washington

“If you get a scratch on a white enamel sink or other white enamel surface, try touching it up with white fingernail polish.

“”My family collects coins for charities. At the beginning of the year, we pick a cause or charity and then start collecting pennies. We have a great big jar in the entryway, and whoever has pennies drops them into the jar on the way into the house. At the end of the year, we count and package them, take them to the bank and give the money to a charity. We are teaching our kids to give, and it’s fun to watch the ‘balance’ grow!” — W.O. in Alabama

“”If you still have one of those toilet-brush holders in your bathroom, try this: Splash a tiny bit of bleach in the holder to keep the brush free of germs between cleanings.” — B.H. in Illinois

(Great tip, but make sure that you NEVER clean the toilet with any cleaner containing ammonia.)