Spring is high time for deep cleaning, but if you have middle-school-aged kids, spring is also science-fair season. In years past, I’ve endured my kids’ experiments using dirty pennies and lemon-powered lights with faint interest. This year, though, my youngest decided to experiment with something actually pertinent to my life as a messy cook: stain removers. From aprons to pot holders, it seems I can’t help but horribly stain every piece of fabric in my kitchen.

Garbage disposals are marketed as a must-have for anyone who doesn’t want to stink up the kitchen with smelly food scraps. Just scrape your plate into the sink and let the disposal chew it up and wash it away. But according to plumbers, that’s not how they’re supposed to be used. “Most people think they can scrape their plates right into the garbage disposal, but they’re not designed for that,” says Paul Abrams, public relations director at Roto-Rooter.

Thanksgiving with extended family comes with its own set of rules, and they’re usually as unique and particular as the families themselves. Friendsgiving, however, is an entirely different story. That’s because Friendsgiving is, at its heart, a potluck, not a longstanding family tradition. And like any good potluck, there are rules for engagement to ensure it comes off without a hitch. If you’re hosting Friendsgiving this year, we commend you.