You're out of: Dishwashing liquid

Use instead: Laundry detergent

A teaspoonful of liquid laundry detergent in a basin of hot water will cut grease on dirty dishes equally well. Even powdered will work — just be sure it has completely dissolved in the water before adding the dishes.

Also, you may want to wear gloves, as detergent can be drying to hands.

To tackle cooked-on gunk, really raid the laundry room: Fill the grungy pan with hot water and a tablespoon of fabric softener and soak before sudsing in your detergent bath, as described above. Rinse all items to remove any residue or fragrance.

Tempted to do the reverse? Don't. Today's higher efficiency washers require low-foaming detergents. Using inappropriate substitutions may damage the appliance and leave mountains of suds on your floor.

You're out of: Silver polish

Use instead: Toothpaste

Plain, non-gel toothpaste (without additives like whiteners) can rid small silver pieces of light tarnish without damaging the surface. Moisten the silver piece; apply a bit of toothpaste to your finger. Rub gently and rinse, then buff with a soft cloth.

You're out of: Carpet stain remover

Use instead: Baby wipe or premoistened facial-cleaning wipe

Soak up the spill with a paper towel or clean cloth, before taking a baby wipe or a wet towelette (like Olay Daily Facial Express) from your bathroom stash.

Blot the carpet, turning the wipe as it absorbs the stain, until clean. Sponge the area with a damp cloth to rinse, and let dry.

In the Good Housekeeping Research Institute's tests, red wine and chocolate spills disappeared without any damage to the carpet's pile.

You're out of: Strain pre-treater

Use instead: Hydrogen Peroxide (3 percent)

This medicine-cabinet staple has similar stain-fighting power to that of a color-safe bleach. And it can be applied directly to most fabrics, including washable silk and wool (but spot-test in a hidden place first).

Dab the stain, then launder right away in the warmest temperature permitted by the item's care label.

You're out of: Fine-fabric detergent

Use instead: Shampoo

It will be as gentle on your delicates as it is on your hair. Pretreat any stains by gently rubbing in a drop of the shampoo. Then add a pea-size dollop to the cold-water-filled sink. Wash, rinse, and lay flat to dry, as usual. Skip the conditioner.

ON ANOTHER MATTER ...

With so many people gabbing on their cell phones for long periods of time, doctors are on the lookout for cubital tunnel syndrome, or "cell phone elbow." Prolonged arm-

bending can overstretch the elbow's ulnar nerve and crimp blood supply, causing numbness and tingling in your pinkie and ring fingers. Or you may feel a shot of pain in your elbow (like hitting your funny bone). Worse, if you don't change your habits, the condition can eventually lead to surgery or even permanent nerve damage and muscle weakness. When you're on a lengthy call, switch sides every few minutes — or, better, use a headset.

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

Big Lots Wooden Bunk Beds sold for about $300 at Big Lots stores nationwide from May 2008 through February 2009.The mattress support slats and side railings can break, posing a risk of the bunk bed collapsing. Consumers should immediately stop using the bunk beds and contact Big Lots at 866-244-5687 to return defective parts and receive a free repair kit.

2009-'10 Audi A3

2009 Audi TT, TT Roadster

2009-'10 Volkswagen EOS, GTI, Jetta, Jetta Sportswagen

Due to wire problems, a temperature sensor may falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shirt to neutral. This could lead to crash. Dealers will replace affected temperature sensors free of charge. For more information, call Volkswagen at 800-822-8987.