Green Tip of the Day

Some commercial air fresheners use chemicals that can be harmful to a baby's development. Instead, lightly spritz the place with vinegar.

Vinegar will clean out deposits clogging a steam iron or coffeemaker.

A cup of vinegar will clean a washing machine. Run it through a regular cycle -- but not with clothes.

If using vinegar as a cleaning agent, pick the white variety. Brown will stain porous surfaces.

To create a tub-scum cleaner, mix baking soda and a "green" liquid soap to a honey-thick consistency. Apply it with a little elbow grease and perhaps a splash of white vinegar.