time|Vacuums that do it all: Seventy-one percent of Americans consider access to multiple tools on their vacuum the unit’s most important feature. That’s because multipurpose cleaning tools allow for quick and easy movement from room to room. Other spring-cleaning tips: Work together as a family to identify unused clothes to donate. Keep nonseasonal clothing clean by storing in clearly labeled plastic containers. And maximize space while decluttering garages and basements by adding inexpensive hooks and shelving units. |Eureka Home Care Products
space| Homemade soda: The Environmental Protection Agency reports that soda and water bottle waste takes up 3 billion cubic feet in landfills and recycling facilities each year. Soda-Club Enterprises has a solution. Its countertop appliances let soda fans concoct fizzy drinks instead of buying them, and come with refillable bottles. Prices range from $89 to $299 at sodaclub.com or 800-SODACLUB. |Elana Ashanti Jefferson
money| New life for old glassware: Nothing says spring quite like fresh flowers. Decorating old vases can jazz up the home and chase away the winter blues. Some crafty ideas for old vases include covering them with decoupage tissue paper, using crackling paint to make the glass “antique,” wrapping or gluing fabric around the outside, or creating a centerpiece by filling one vase with potpourri and a strand of Christmas lights. “All it takes is a little inspiration,” says Craft & Hobby Association spokeswoman Terri Ouellette. Find more ideas at craftplace.org. |Craft & Hobby Association
