THURSDAY TIPS

* "I save the Tyvek envelopes from Federal Express and other mailings to make cheap, sturdy aprons for my children's art projects. The material is really durable, and it doesn't cost me a thing, so I can throw it away without washing if I have a mind to." — A reader via email

* "It's time to clean the window screens again, but this year I busted out my small shop vacuum to clean them without having to remove the screens from the window itself. It did a pretty good job and was easy to port around the house."

— D.L. in Pennsylvania

* Back to school hack: A little lemon juice on a cotton swab can help "erase" highlighter marks on glossy paper.

* Clean your air ducts in one fell swoop by removing the grates and lining them up on a sheet outside. I use my driveway, but you could use a deck or patio. Lay the sheet flat, then line the grates up. Scrub with a brush and soapy water, then use a hose to rinse. The sheet keeps ground dirt off the grates, and the water goes right through the sheet. Let dry and replace.

* “I had a super-cute sock with a hole in the toe, and although I didn’t want to wear it, I wanted to keep it. I snipped the foot portion off and now use it as a bottle warmer or a condensation catcher, depending on what is in the drinking vessel. It’s easy to slip on, and works like a charm.”

— A reader via email