Here are some easy tips for household cleaning and repair that uses simple, inexpensive items that most people already have in the house.

1. To restore finished wood furniture, steep two tea bags in hot water for 10 minutes. Let cool, then dampen a clean soft cloth with tea and wipe over wood furniture. It will bring out the woods natural color and shine.

2. Use kitty litter mixed with baking soda in a pan to neutralize musty or bad odors.

3. If the tip of your shoe lace becomes frayed, snip off the frayed end. Then paint or dip the end of the shoe lace into clear nail polish and let it dry. Good as new.