Recoil from Fridge Grime

Did you know that all of the dust and dirt (and cat fur) that collects under your refrigerator can cause it to work harder to keep everything inside it cool?

To save energy, you should clean off the coils of your fridge every 6 months to a year. This sounds daunting, but it is extremely easy.

Step 1: Buy a universal coil brush. (I got mine at Home Depot near the refrigerators. They are extremely cheap.)

Step 2: Unplug your refrigerator. (Once you get a firm grip on the fridge, you can scoot it forward fairly easily in order to reach the plug. Really, I have no muscles and I was able to move mine with ease.)

Step 3: Open the fridge door and pop off the grate located near the bottom.

Step 4: Use the coil brush to clean the coils that are hidden under your fridge. (I usually can't see the coils, so I just move the brush around blindly and pull out embarrassing amounts of grossness, as pictured below.)

Step 5: Pop the grate back on. This may take a forceful punch to do, but you should be able to feel it snap back into place. Plug your refrigerator back in. Clean off the brush for next time.

Your fridge is one of the biggest energy hogs in your house, so anything you can do to make it run a little easier will save you money!

Down the Drain, or How to Unclog Just about Anything

I'm piping up with two tips for your pipes:

1. Buy something called Zip-It. (I got mine at Lowes in the plumbing aisle.) Simply push the Zip-It down your clogged drain and pull it back up. Watch the video to see how simple, and disgusting, it can be!



2. If the Zip-It doesn't do the trick, sprinkle about 1/2 cup baking soda over the drain and douse it with about 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar. Let it sizzle for 20 minutes then rinse it down with some hot water. I swear it works, though you may have to try it twice.

These options are significantly cheaper than name brand uncloggers like Drano and you won't have to worry about accidentally poisoning any household pets are small children. A win-win for everyone!