Clean miniblinds in a snap

• “Cleaning the miniblinds is a real chore, but what makes it easier for me is putting a pair of socks over my hands, and then spraying them with cleaner.” — R.D. in Iowa

• Recipe Substitutions: If you need 1 cup of tomato juice, use 1/2 cup of tomato sauce plus 1/2 cup of water.

•“Tacos are a favorite meal in our house, but very messy — until we discovered a great use for coffee filters. We use a filter to hold the taco. We peel back the paper as we eat, and nothing drips out or falls out, even if the shell cracks!” — E.B. in Oregon

• “I use a baster (basting syringe) to water small potted plants. It’s just enough water, and I can get it right where I need it.” — S.D. in Virginia

• “When we go to the beach — which is pretty often, it seems — we always bring a drawstring mesh bag. After playing on the beach, we load all the toys into the bag, then drag it through the water a little. The sand washes off into the ocean, and the toys are pretty clean. We then stick it inside a plastic bag for the ride home.” — I.L. in Florida

• Grease muffin pans with an old, clean paintbrush dipped in oil. You’ll use less oil, and it’s much less messy.