Biggest Challenge: Filmy Touchscreens

Fastest Fix: Swab off smears. Fingerprints, sweat and makeup residue can coat touchscreens and other smooth phone surfaces with a hard-to-see-through film.

To quickly and safely get rid of the schmootz, wipe with a slightly dampened microfiber or lens-cleaning cloth.

If your phone already has a soil-resistant coating on it (check the manual), simply wipe it with a dry cloth — anything harsher will accelerate the removal of the coating.

Never use any cleaners, solvents or abrasives on these surfaces or spritz them with anything.

Make It Easier Next Time: Consider a screen protector. Widely available online and in stores, these thin adhesive sheets protect the surface from scratches and dirt.

Biggest Challenge: Sticking keypads

Fastest Fix: Bust keypad dust. Clean your mobile device the same way you'd clean your computer's keyboard: Use a can of compressed air or a soft, clean brush, like a baby's toothbrush or a small paintbrush, to whisk away the dust and dirt that cause keys to stick and trackballs to stop rolling.

If that's not enough, and your "LOLs" are still turning into "LOLLLs," grab a premoistened electronics-cleaning wipe (wring out excess moisture) and, with your fingernail or a toothpick, work it into the crevices around the buttons and the ball. (Skip the Internet advice about removing the trackball to clean it — doing so could void your warranty, plus these often are impossible to put back once you get them out.)

If home remedies don't work, it's best to take the device in to your provider's store for service.

Make It Easier Next Time: Raid your first-aid kit for individually wrapped alcohol wipes, and stash some in your purse, tote or car for on-the-go keypad (but not screen) cleaning.

Biggest Challenge: Clogged earbuds

Fastest Fix: Clean out your ear(bud)s. Don't be surprised if your earphones' sound quality is suffering — if the last time you cleaned them was never. To remove loose dirt and (ick!) earwax, gently go over the buds with a small brush (see above). If the covers or caps are removable (check the manual or website to be sure), unscrew them or pop them off and soak them for about 30 minutes in a bowl of hot water with a drop or two of dishwashing liquid added. Rinse and dry them with a soft cloth, then put back in place. For one-piece earphones, dip the tip of a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol, squeeze out excess and go over all sides. Use the swab's other end to wipe and dry.

Make It Easier Next Time:

Store personal electronics in their own cases, or use the special pockets in your purse, to keep them cleaner longer. A small drawstring jewelry pouch is great for stashing earbuds.

ON ANOTHER MATTER ...

You can slash your medical bills with a few quick tips from Good Housekeeping. Fill prescriptions at Internet stores for savings. Check naph.net for legit businesses. Go to caregiversmarketplace.com to receive money back on vitamins, skin-care products and more. Local pharmacies often have savings clubs. At Walgreens, a $20 to $35 enrollment fee gets members a 90-day supply of any of more than 400 generic meds for less than $1 per week. Dental schools offer lower rates for care, so students can gain practical experience on procedures like cleanings and cavity fillings. All work is supervised, and it can be up to 70 percent cheaper than at a regular dental office.

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

Smith+Noble Roman and Roller Shades, sold at smithandnoble.com and through catalog sales nationwide from 1998 through April 2010 for between $100 and $1,600.On Roman shades, strangulation can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the shade or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. On roller shades, strangulation can occur if the shade's continuous loop cord is not attached to the wall with the tension device provided and a child's neck becomes entangled in the freestanding loop. Consumers should immediately stop using the products and contact the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) for a free repair kit at 800-506-4636, or visit windowcoverings.org. For additional information, call Smith+Noble at 877-228-7683.

2009-'10 Nissan CubeWhen the vehicle was rotated following a rear-moving-barrier crash test as required, the amount of fuel leakage exceeded the allowable limits. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in fire. Dealers will develop a special protector and attach it to the gasoline recirculation tube free of charge. For more information, call Nissan at 800-647-7261.