Want to cut down on summer energy bills? Dry linens and clothing outdoors. It will smell fresher and your whites will brighten in the sun. Soften still-damp towels in the dryer.

Prepare for the scrapes and stings of summer by making sure your first-aid kit is filled with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment.

Every week, sweep the floor of a porch with an outdoor push broom; dust the windowsills, door frames, and ceiling-fan blades using a counter brush. Wash porch light-fixture covers monthly. Because insects tend to collect in them, always remove covers to clean them.

You'll be traveling more during the summer months. Make sure each of your vehicles is equipped with possible necessities. Stock it with paper towels, a first-aid kit, an auto-fire extinguisher, duct tape, a flat-repair kit, bungee cords, and a bag filled with flares, jumper cables, and other necessities. Also consider packing a messenger bag with bottled water and granola bars in case of a breakdown.

This is a quick and easy way to remove built-up mildew. Buy or rent a power washer from a home-supply store. Follow instructions; the spray can damage wood if used improperly.

To avoid a household of unwanted guests who come looking for food and water, make a nontoxic, homemade repellent.

Pour equal amounts of water and white vinegar into a spray bottle, and shake to mix. Then spritz the solution in water-resistant areas where ants are common, such as kitchen floors or the crevices in painted baseboards from which the pests often enter. You can also use the repellent outside, spraying patios, porches, and picnic tables before family and friends gather.

Try these ideas in your shed (whether it's a freestanding unit in the backyard or just a corner of the garage) and you won't have to dig around for supplies -- you can save the digging for the garden.

Prevent allergens from accumulating and keep your air-conditioner running well. Turn off the unit, remove filter, and wash with warm water and mild detergent. Air-dry before replacing filter.

Before leaving your home, set timers to turn lights on at sunset and off at bedtime. Don't forget to leave keys and contact information with a neighbor.

Brush up on food safety now that picnic season is in full swing. Don't leave food out for more than two hours (one hour if the temperature is more than 90 degrees).

Before guests arrive, vacuum and sweep each room. Make beds with cotton sheets and light blankets, and place fans in rooms without air-conditioning.

Sunlight from nearby windows can fade your lampshades over time. To keep them looking uniform, rotate each shade a half turn every time you dust (once a month is best).

At the end of the summer season, your outdoor pieces may start to show their age with rust marks, mildew, or stains. Proper cleaning varies with the surface. With a little extra care now, you will be sure to enjoy the pieces for years to come.

Sun-sensitive foliage such as bromeliads and some agaves enjoy late-day shade, so position them near trees or shrubs that can provide a little afternoon cover.

This chore should be a breeze if you first drill several half-inch holes in the bottom of the can. The drainage holes will allow you to hose down the insides of the barrel without having to dump out the dirty water; this will also prevent rainwater from collecting. Rinse with a hose, scrub interiors with water and biodegradable dish soap, rinse, and dry in the sun.

For even wear and a longer life, rotate your mattress four times a year. Alternate between flipping it end-over-end and side-over-side. You should also vacuum the mattress at this time.

A clean refrigerator keeps food fresher. Wipe the inside of the refrigerator with a mixture of two tablespoons baking soda and one quart hot water. Rinse with a damp cloth, then dry with a clean towel. Vacuum the coils to remove dust and buildup.

This will encourage tuft grass to root deeper and shades the soil, protecting the crowns from heat stress.

Garden tools need the same daily care as the plots they maintain. Caring for them is easier than working with dull ones and cheaper than buying new ones every few years.

Check your lawn for bare patches and reseed heavily. Fertilize with an organic fertilizer such as rotted manure or fish emulsion.

Whether you burn charcoal, gas, or wood, if cared for properly, your grill can serve you for 15 years or longer.