30 Down-and-Dirty Tricks for Big DIY Savings

Remove marker "artwork" with toothpaste rather than repainting to cover it up. Simply squeeze the paste on a rag and wipe on the wall to make doodles disappear. Works with Crayola-type kids' markers as well as felt-tip and ballpoint pens.

Cost: $2 for a tube of white toothpaste.

Savings: About $35 for a gallon of eggshell, a new roller cover, and a disposable paint-tray liner.

Bonus: Toothpaste doubles as polish for tarnished silver.