INSIDE & OUT

Welcome summer. Roll up rugs and expose bare floors for a cooler look; replace heavy draperies with lace curtains; substitute artwork with flowery prints; cover toss pillows in bright chintz or crisp awning stripes.

* After grilling outdoors, clean the grids while they are still warm to make the task easier. Scrape clean with a wire brush or rub with crumpled foil. Wash grease off with soapy water; rinse and dry.

* When using a caulking gun, make a straight line by using two strips of 1/2-inch-wide masking tape that are placed 1/8-inch apart over the area to be sealed. Apply the caulking along the center crack and even out with a moist finger.

* Scrub grout between tiles with undiluted vinegar and a toothbrush.

* Remove stains from marble with lemon juice or vinegar. Rub discolored area briefly because marble can become discolored with prolonged rubbing.

* Keep baby bottles from falling over in refrigerator. Fill a six-pack cardboard carton with a day’s supply of prepared bottles.