* - High on my list of household aggravators is a pile of junk mail. Get a good-quality shredder and utilize it right away. Piles of paper invite dust to form. Don't let junk mail in, and it will never overstay its welcome.

* - After you've given your shower a good cleaning, apply some car wax to the shower walls. It will repel water and keep mildew at bay. Also, give a nice coating of petroleum jelly to door tracks. It will keep them in tiptip sliding shape.

* - "Use a clothespin to clip a milk carton closed. This works on small containers of cream and orange juice as well. It will help keep the milk from absorbing any odors from items stored near it. This has worked for me for years. I use lactose-free milk, and it only comes in a carton." -- E.M. in Oregon

* - Here's another clip tip: Try using a chip clip to hang a mesh bag in the shower for bath toys. If you find a clip that has a hole in one part of the handle, you can attach it to a curtain ring. The chip clip has better coverage, since it's wider than a standard clothespin.

* - To keep boots upright, stick an egg carton down the leg portion. This way, it won't flop over and create a crease.

* - "If you use a serving tray or lap tray for food, always line it with a small towel. This way, the plates or bowls will not slide around, and there will be a towel to catch drips. I use these frequently for my mother, and it makes the dishes much more stable on the tray." -- P.A. in Georgia

Send your tips to Now Here's a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at heresatip@yahoo.com.

(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.