HOW TO REMOVE STAINS

Splattered silk or wool

Heat your iron to the highest steam setting. Hold the appliance 2 inches from the water marks, and allow the wafting steam to penetrate the fabric.

If the spots don't dissipate immediately, use the "burst" option, but aim the iron away from the fabric on the first burst to rid the appliance of potential spatters.

Waterlogged leather

Pat sopped shoes, boots and bags well, inside and out, with a towel. Stuff with crumpled newspaper, which will protect the shape and absorb moisture. Air-dry away from any direct heat.

Polish shoes as usual, and treat bags with a neutral leather conditioner, like Kiwi's conditioning paste.

Mud-spoiled suede

Don't scrape at fresh mud — it'll just smear and worsen stains. Instead, let it dry completely, then whisk off clumps and dust with a soft brush. Rub out any darkened spots with a soft, kneadable art eraser.

To lift matted nap, gently buff with a fine-grit emery board.

HOW TO PREVENT STAINS

To keep shoes and bags looking new, it's smart to make a small investment in a waterproofing spray.

Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested nine products on tan-color shoes to see which provided the best resistance to water, mud and salt while being easy to apply and not altering the shoes' color. To gauge resistance against mud and rock salt, product analysts applied these substances to treated shoes and let dry for 24 hours. These two sealed the deal:

Best for Leather

The winner: Liquid Aquaseal Waterproofing & Conditioner for Leather pump spray ($7). In the tests, treated shoes wiped clean with ease. When applying the spray, wipe any drips with a rag to avoid staining, even on the soles.

Best for Suede

Light-colored suede can darken from contact with any liquid — including sprays designed to protect it from water damage. Revivex Nubuck, Suede & Fabric Water Repellent ($7) caused no such staining, and water on treated shoes beaded right up.

Dried mud came off cleanly with just a wipe of a damp cloth, though salt required a little more coaxing by way of a vigorous rub with a dry cloth.

PREDICT THE WEATHER WITH EASE

Weather Station Alarm Clocks

These handy monitors show current conditions and even forecasts at a glance — so you'll know what to wear before getting out of bed. Good Housekeeping Research Institute evaluated 12 for ease of use, readability and, of course, accuracy.

A good basic model, the Honeywell Barometer Weather Forecaster ($60) tracks temperature, humidity and barometric pressure via an outdoor sensor and shows the forecast as a large graphic icon.

A pricier pick, the Oregon Scientific +Eco Clima Control ($120) has the plus of being solar-powered. Its uncluttered screen displays current temperature, forecast, graphics and time.

ON ANOTHER MATTER ...

For some vitamins and minerals, it's tough to get enough from diet alone. So Good Housekeeping recommends daily supplements for these: Vitamin D. Why? It's been linked to heart health, lower blood pressure, reduced breast cancer risk and a weight-loss boost when you're dieting. How much: 1,000 IU. Calcium. Why? Stronger bones and teeth; may reduce blood pressure and risk of colon cancer. How much: 1,000 mg (take with vitamin D in order to enhance absorption). Fish oil. Why? Lowers risk of heart disease; also may boost mood and work as an antidepressant. How much: 500 mg of omega-3 fish oil, containing both EPA and DHA.

Recalls Alert

The following products and vehicles were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Unless otherwise indicated, discontinue use of the products immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information about the products, call the manufacturer or CPSC's toll-free hotline, 800-638-2772. Only some cars or trucks recalled are affected. Contact a dealer for your model to see if it is included in the recall. The dealer will tell you what to do.

PRODUCT/VEHICLE PROBLEM

Tiny Tink and Friends Children's Toy Jewelry Sets, sold at retailers nationwide from November 2008 through November 2009 for between $6 and $8.A cylindrical metal connector on a charm can contain high levels of lead. Consumers should immediately take the charm and cord away from children, discard the items and contact Playmates Toys at 888-810-1133 for a replacement charm accessory.

2009-'10 Toyota Corolla, Matrix, Venza;

2008-'10 Toyota HighlanderThe accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to a floor-mat issue, making it difficult to stop vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash, serious injury or death. This is an expansion of a previous recall. Toyota will modify or replace the accelerator pedals. Floor surface modifications also are being considered. For more information, call Toyota at 800-331-4331.