FOOLPROOF BACON. What's the easiest — and mess-free — way to cook bacon and get the least amount of shrinkage? Low and slow in the oven, at 365 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.

HEALTHIER, GREENER HOUSEPLANTS. Whether you've got a green thumb or not, you probably want your houseplants to thrive. It's better to water plants with club soda than plain water, as club soda contains phosphate and other nutrients that enrich the soil and promote growth.

CLEAN A WINDOW-BLIND CORD. The pull-down cord on your window blinds used to be white. Remember that? Here's a quick and easy way make it white again:

Raise the blind so that the maximum amount of cord is exposed. Next, fill a strong gallon-sized zip-lock bag about halfway with a 50/50 mixture of water and liquid bleach (or liquid detergent if bleach makes your nervous). Gather up the cord and place it in the bag. Carefully twist the top of the bag and close it over the cord using one or two clothespins or clips. Let it sit in the bag overnight. In the morning, carefully remove the bag and wipe down the cord with a dry towel.

Caution: This is likely a two-person job. Make sure you cover the floor underneath the window in case of any spillage. This method is a little tricky, but it works so well that it's worth the extra effort.

FREE FERTILIZER. Used coffee grounds work well as a fertilizer and insect repellent in the garden. Plants that prefer acidic soils, such as rosebushes, azaleas, rhododendrons, evergreens and camellias, will especially appreciate the leftovers from your morning cup of coffee — decaf or regular. Not a coffee drinker? Ask the baristas at the coffee shop down the street to save some grounds for you.

DIY WRINKLE RELEASE SPRAY. You can spend $7.99 for a bottle of Downy Wrinkle Releaser. But why would you when you can make it yourself for just a couple of pennies?

Pour 8 ounces distilled water into a spray bottle. Add 1 teaspoon liquid fabric softener and 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol. Close the lid tightly, and shake the bottle well. Set the spray pattern to fine mist. Spray the wrinkles with a fine mist, and then smooth out the wrinkles with your hand. This spray will dry quickly, and the wrinkles will be gone.

GENTLE SCRUBBING CLEANSER. Make your own eco-friendly gentle scrubbing cleanser for cheap using just three ingredients. Mix 1/4 cup baking soda, 2 tablespoons liquid dish detergent (like blue Dawn) and enough white vinegar to make a smooth paste. Use this cleanser to clean the stovetop, sinks, bathtub, shower walls or any other place you need to scrub gently to not scratch the surface.

KIDS IN MUSEUMS. Want to visit museums with your children and avoid their boredom and tears? Head to the gift shop first and buy postcards of the museum's most famous works. Create a treasure hunt for the kids by telling them to find the masterpieces on the cards within the museum. Send the postcards or add them to your trip album.

FORMICA FACE-LIFT. If you have Formica countertops that you think are outdated, consider painting them. There are several methods. Consult a good paint store, or check your local home-improvement center. Products such as Countertop Transformations by Rust-Oleum or Giani Granite paint will update the look for a reasonable cost.

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of "Debt-Proof Living," released in 2014. To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.