When you bring home a new puppy or kitten, a mess is almost always guaranteed to follow. We’ve discovered some great products to make taking care of your pet easier, no matter what comes up.

Pet Trainer

Problem: Your new pet won’t stay off your couch or counter tops.
Solution: The Pet Trainer has a small vibration and alarm that keeps your animals from going where you don’t want them.

Arctick™

Problem: You found a small tick on your pet, but you don’t like using chemicals.
Solution: Arctick™ freezes and kills ticks instantly. It’s safe, effective, pesticide free and easy to use.

Snoozer™

Problem: Your pup gets excited when you’re driving and wants to sit on your lap.
Solution: The Snoozer™ Pet Safety Harness lets him enjoy the trip without letting him dash from one window to the next.

Spot Gone

Problem: Muddy footprints and accidents, your pet likes to take it out on your nice rugs.
Solution:  Spot Gone helps to remove stubborn stains. Apply it directly to the stain, brush lightly and blot.

Puppy tip: When you bring a new puppy home for the first time, he may miss his mom and siblings. Place a ticking clock or a warm water bottle next to his bed to give him comfort.

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Give your fridge a makeover with this essential guide. Just download and print.

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While your refrigerator is empty, it’s the perfect time to keep your fridge organized with Fridge Binz. Check out these handy products at Solutions.com and see our customer reviews. 

You can spend money on fancy products to clean your dishwasher, or better yet, you might just have these two products somewhere in your kitchen cabinet:

Fill the detergent cups with one of these two products: ½ cup white vinegar or a couple packs of lemon Kool-Aid (other colored packs will stain the dishwasher).

Next, run the empty machine through a complete wash cycle. And you’re done. Enjoy your clean dishwasher!

The unique, microfiber weave of Miracle Cloth is more effective at removing dust, dirt, germs, grease and lime safely and effectively. Miracle Cloths last longer than conventional cleaning cloths, reducing environmental impact and saving you money. They do require special care, though, so use these helpful tips for getting the most out of your Miracle Cloths and making them last longer:

• While cleaning, rinse Miracle Cloth frequently in warm water to help prevent streaks and dirt build-up.

• Miracle Cloth cleans with plain water – no chemicals needed! If you do use chemical cleaners, keep in mind it may take two or three washings to completely remove their residue from the microfiber.

• Don’t use fabric softener on your Miracle Cloths, either in the washer (liquids) or the dryer (dryer sheets). Fabric softeners can diminish the powerful cleaning qualities of the microfiber. You don’t need to worry about static cling; this is a normal quality of microfiber cleaning cloths.

• Wash your Miracle Cloths in warm water. Dry them thoroughly to keep them from developing a mildew odor. Don’t wash them with cotton fabrics, as lint from the cotton can stick to the microfiber and be left behind on the surfaces you later clean.

Silk flowers need watering, too! When dust makes them droop, use the hose (mist setting) to perk them up. Don’t want to take an arrangement outdoors? Blow the dust away with a hair dryer. A lamb’s wool duster also works well to sweep dust from large silk leaves.

Copper and brass fixtures looking dull? Half a lemon with salt sprinkled over the cut side is a fast, all-natural polisher! Just rub it over the metal and rinse thoroughly. Note: use this method on SOLID brass fixtures only, and be sure to test it in an inconspicuous spot first (a good idea with any polisher).

Help us celebrate Kitchen Month at Solutions by sharing your favorite kitchen shortcut with our readers! The writer of our favorite tip will receive a handsome, neoprene Market Tote packed with our popular Gourmet Getaway Bag, nonstick Silver Dollar Waffle Griddle, neoprene Fishnet Wine Tote, an Egg Pet Plant and an e-gift card for $100 at Solutions.com. Altogether, this wonderful gift has a total value of over $235 – you can even share it with someone else!
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Kids heading back to school? Keep those backpacks, book bags and laptop cases looking new with a dry-cleaning or soot-and-dirt removal sponge (available at hardware stores and home centers)! Working outdoors or over a garbage can, rub the dry sponge over the soiled surface of the bag to “erase” dirt fast. For heavier stains and grease spots, try using Spot Gone or Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover, following the directions on the bottle.