Carpet Stains, Smelly Sneakers, and a Stovetop Potpourri

Dissolving a tablespoon of dish liquid into two cups of warm water and blotting the stain with a clean white cloth dipped in the solution, repeated until the stain fades, then sponging with plain cold water and blotting dry, lifts even stubborn stains.

Black tea bags steeped in boiling water for two to three minutes, cooled, then left in a shoe for about an hour, use tannins to kill odor-causing bacteria naturally. Baking soda sprinkled liberally inside a shoe and left overnight works just as well, though repeated use can dry out leather.

Simmering water with slices of orange, lemon, or lime and a few herbs like mint or lavender fills the house with a natural scent, perfect before guests arrive or just for a weekend clean. Cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, pine sprigs, whole cloves, chai tea bags, and vanilla or almond extract all work well too.