Ways to make common household items more useful

• You can calm flyaways by washing and conditioning your hairbrush. Wash all types in soap and water, and if your brush has natural bristles, dip it in a cup of water with a little conditioner added. Let it dry, and brush away with no more static.

• Use plastic wrap to help out on paint jobs. It can protect odd-shaped items, like unremovable lighting fixtures. You also can give your paintbrush an overnight break when you wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and stick it in your fridge -- no washing required if you're just pausing!

• "Slip a long wooden spoon into a plastic baggie. Use a hair tie to secure the bag tightly around the spoon. Now you can use the spoon to apply sunscreen or lotion to your back." – W.T. in Florida

• Staple removers aren't just for the office. Need to load a key ring? A staple remover will open those rings right up.

• Coffee filters and used dryer sheets are both fantastic dusters for the dashboard of your car. Throw a few in the glove box for when the dash needs a quick dusting.

• "You can get your shower liner clean in no time at all by throwing it in the washing machine. I do mine once a month in a load of towels for extra scrubbing." – R.R. in Washington

• Talk to your kids now about storm preparedness. Help them pack a bag of items that they would want to have with them if you needed to evacuate. Then build a fort in your living room and go without power for an evening. Talk about things that are difficult, and how it might be if you had to hang out for a few days or a week like this. Talking about disaster when it's not real can help kids (and adults) feel capable of handling themselves when it does strike!

• Basil is said to repel bugs. Make it do double duty by planting a few small pots and sticking them in your kitchen window.

• A few ideas for keeping your car smelling and looking its best: keep a sheet of fabric softener or a small bowl of orange peels under the seat, remove food wrappers or drink cups daily, fill the ashtray with baking soda or cat litter, drive with the windows down once in a while to let it air out.

• "Going on a flight? Take an empty water bottle, and fill it up after you pass through security. Raw veggies, nuts and crackers make better snacks than what you'll find on-board. You can bring your own tea bags and ask for hot water." – J.H. in Florida

• "If you like salads, but they just don't fill you up or keep you full for long, try adding a little whole grain to them. Quinoa in a spinach salad will add a bit of protein and fiber for a longer-lasting full feeling." – H.T. in Oregon

• "I store my loose charging cables in an eyeglass case in my purse. It all stays together, and the cords don't get damaged or crimped." – E. in Massachusetts

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(c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.