7 Smart Solutions for Rainy Days

Keep your clan (and your house) clean and dry with these surprising soggy-day solutions.

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1. Dry shoes fast

The good news: Your teen walked the dog unasked. The bad? Sodden sneakers. Put them inside an old pillowcase and knot it shut, then dry on the lowest heat setting. Mud will flake off without getting all over your machine.

2. Fix broken umbrellas

Thread a sewing needle with dental floss, then make a running stitch through the umbrella's fabric and around the metal where you want it to reattach. The durable floss is a quick fix until you can buy a new brolly.

3. Protect kids' phones

Stash resealable plastic bags in your kids' backpacks, so they can bundle all their valuables inside. Those smartphones are pricey to replace.

4. Nix mildew smells

Add a few drops of a fragrant essential oil (such as vanilla, orange or peppermint) to your air filter or air vents. The fresh scent will disperse throughout your house and mask any dank "wet dog" odors lingering after a storm.

5. Keep floors slip-free

When "Mom, can I have a friend over?" turns into multiple kids barreling into your living room, leave plastic grocery bags in a tote by the front door. When people arrive, they can bag dripping belongings. No more puddles in the foyer!

6. Entertain grade schoolers on a wet day.

Raid your pantry for toothpicks and bags of mini marshmallows to create a simple building activity for budding architects. See who can build the biggest tower or the silliest-looking animal. It's OK to eat a few, too!

7. Keep cooped-up teens and tweens occupied.

Use the video camera on your phone to host a mock interview. Ask each kid a series of questions, such as "At what age is a person an adult?" or "What makes you a good friend?" Then, switch seats and let them do the asking.

SOURCE: Danny Lipford, home-improvement expert and host of Today's Homeowner television and radio show.

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