Add this trick to your arsenal of natural cleaning methods. Find out why it works and how to do it successfully. Why Does Rust Form in the First Place? Credit:Helen Norman Certain items rust faster than others, especially those that are frequently exposed to moisture. One of the most common methods is to use a commercial rust remover. But if you dont have anyor prefernatural cleaning methodsyour next best option is to reach for the aluminum foil....

Find out which plumbing problems can be solved with Drano and which should be avoided. However, these drainage lines can develop full or partial clogs that prevent the wastewater from flowing freely. What Is Drano? Credit:Robin Gentry/Getty Images Adding warm water to the solution can increase the reaction, leading to even more heat and faster decomposition. This generates hydrogen bubbles that help to loosen the clog and carry the particles down the drain....

“Can the creosote that is used to treat the ties leach into the soil and harm the vegetables? “Learn more about railroad ties to construct flowerbeds like a pro! Whether plants take up the creosote has not been settled. If the wood is oozing black creosote or has an odor, don’t use it. However, if you are concerned about safety, research your options. Construction-grade heartwood can last so long that you’ll probably want to redesign your bed before it falls apart....

You don’t have to immediately toss anything that’s “expired.” To get clarity, we asked food safety experts about the point of expiration dates. If you do eat spoiled food, you could become seriously sick. Your food can become less nutritious the longer it sits around. If food isn’t properly stored or packaged, it can go bad even before the expiration date. All other products should still be safe to eat....

Find out how to overwinter rosemary indoors or out in the garden with these essential tips. Though oftengrown as an annual plant, can rosemary survive the winter? However,rosemarycan be overwintered indoors, or outdoors in milder climates with some protection. Credit:Jay Wilde Use these tips to care for your rosemary plants in winter wherever you live. One option is to cover the rosemary plants with rose cones orfloating row covers. Prune and Mulch Another option is to prune and mulch over rosemary plants....

We asked the pros about the impact of using fabric softener on your washing machine. Theres nothing quite like climbing into bed and wrapping yourself in extra soft sheets. However, others are hesitant to try it because theyve heard its bad for your washing machine. Credit:Professor25 / Getty Images | Design: Better Homes & Gardens But is it actually? Heres what the experts have to say. Heres the problem: The ingredients in fabric softener may not be completely soluble in water....

Distilled white vinegar is a popular natural household cleaner. Can apple cider vinegar be used as a substitute? The answer is complicated. Credit:Getty Images / Peter Dazeley Is Apple Cider Vinegar an Effective Household Cleaner? All types of vinegar, including distilled white vinegar and apple cider vinegar, contain acetic acid. Acetic acid, in addition to lending vinegars their sour scent and taste, is a powerful cleaner. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for distilled white vinegar for cleaning....

Here’s what to know. Can Bread Be Composted? Bread can sometimes attract pests to compost bins. Credit:Andy Lyons Know What to Compost Bread isnt the only starchy food that can be composted. That doesnt mean you gotta throw these foods in the trash. Break It Up Small pieces of food break down much faster than larger food scraps. Positioning bread and pasta scraps in the warm center of compost piles should also speed up composting....

Citrus peels, fruit, and leaves are all compostable as long as you follow these basic guidelines. Are Citrus Peels Compostable? So why are gardeners often reluctant to compost citrus peels? Credit:Clive Nichols / Getty Images Lets look at some of the most common myths surrounding composting citrus. you might speed up this process by aerating your compost pile and cutting citrus peels into small pieces. But there is one exception to this rule....

Jacob Fox These days, options abound when youre seeking to stock up on carrots. when you land those versatile veggies home, we know that we can put the roots to great use. (Earthy, naturally sweet, and sturdy carrots are a star of several of our favoritesavoryandsweetrecipes.) Credit:Jacob Fox But can you eat carrot greens? Can You Eat Carrot Greens? What do carrot tops taste like? Imagine a flavor thats reminiscent of both earthy carrots and herbaceous parsley, all in one leafy green package....

Find out how to prepare these ruby red fruits. Step aside, late-summer tomatoes and corn; its time for this sweet-tart fruit to shine. Sarah Brekke, M.S.,Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen brand manager Can You Eat Cranberries Raw? Credit:Getty Images / gitusik Food safety-wise, there shouldnt be a risk to consuming cranberries raw unless youre allergic to the fruit. Once youve stocked up on fresh cranberries, theyre a cinch to store....

Eating kiwi is already nutrient-packed, but leaving the skin on increases its health benefits. Rachel Marek Sweet, refreshing and loaded with health benefits, kiwis pack a lot into a small package. But can you eat kiwi skin? Credit:Rachel Marek Kiwi skin is, in fact, edibleand its good for you, too. Theres more to this small, egg-shaped fruit other than being a great addition tosmoothies,salads, anddesserts. Sarah Brekke, M.S.,Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen culinary specialist...

While mango skin is edible, there are reasons to avoid consuming it. But do you really need to get rid of the skin after all? Sarah Brekke, M.S.,Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen culinary specialist Can You Eat Mango Skin? Credit:Jason Donnelly Mangoes are sweet, juicy and bursting with bright tropical flavor. Mangoes are also low in calories and highly nutritious, chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Mango skin, too, is edible and it also boasts some notable health benefits....