Around the house

* Wash louvered doors with a 2-inch brush that has been dipped in a mild household cleaner. Rinse and repeat on other side.

* When storing woolens, stash a bay leaf in storage container. Clothes will smell sweeter and moths will be discouraged.

* Avoid holes in interior walls. Use a hot-glue gun to hang pictures, sconces and other objects. When ready to remove, use a blow dryer to soften glue.

* Need to reopen a sealed envelope? Place letter in microwave for about 20 seconds to soften the glue. Flap will peel away easily.

* Maximize lighting in a room by placing lamps in corners where the light will reflect off two walls.

* Clean roller brush of vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper with a seam ripper. The hair and string removed from the brush will enable the appliance to work efficiently.

In the garden

* Sprinkle sawdust or cat litter between leafy perennials in damp, shady areas that attract slugs. Do this now, before new growth becomes infected. You can also place shallow saucers of beer in the garden; this will attract slugs and drown them.