New ways to battle dirt, soap scum

• “I really abhor bar soap, but my husband prefers it. After cleaning the soap dish, I smear it with petroleum jelly. I do the underside too. There’s a little lip that will keep the soap from sliding off, but the petroleum jelly keeps the inevitable sludge from sticking to the soap dish, making my cleaning routine much easier!” — A.D. in Idaho

• “I make my own little good-behavior coupons for my three children. I print them on different colors of paper for each child. They can cash in coupons for activities or rewards, and if they go in together to get something, I will give them bonus coupons for working together. I think this has made goal-setting a priority for them, and it has helped them learn the lesson of shared goals — an important one for a large family.” — R.V.F. in Arizona

• “When I go to the grocery store, I put my wallet in my pocket, then as I move through the store and determine which coupons I will be able to use, I put them in my wallet pocket. Since I have started doing this, I have not accidentally forgotten to use my coupons. They are there in my pocket when I am ready to pay.” — O.B. in Indiana

• To keep dirt from sticking to your dustpan, try spraying it lightly with furniture polish. Buff slightly and floor dirt will slide right off.

• “I found a small waste basket that fits right between the wall and my dryer. There’s a gap that’s about 8 inches wide. The lip of the basket keeps it from sliding down to the floor, so it’s easy to clean out the lint trap and put the waste in the basket.” — T.K. in Nevada