Owning a home can be tough. You must consistently manage the maintenance. Plus, you need to make sure everything functions correctly, or you’ll encounter larger and more complex issues. Moreover, while some home problems are simple to solve, hiring someone can be expensive.
If you’re looking to save money while maintaining a great home, you’re in the right spot. Here are 50 home repair tips and tricks that will simplify your life. By remembering these tips, you’ll be able to solve problems quickly and without spending any money.
Use Crayons to Fill Nail Holes
Removing paintings and items from walls can be bothersome because nails leave holes behind, and repairing them can be costly. However, with this tip, you can quickly fix the hole without hiring anyone. Simply find a crayon that matches your wall color, press the tip into the hole, and rub it up and down. By coloring the wall, the nail hole becomes invisible. The best part is that it’s free and doesn’t take much time.
Use Ice to Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Cleaning garbage disposals can be challenging, but without proper maintenance, you might have to buy a new one, which can be costly. However, don’t worry. You can clean it easily using ice cubes. Simply place some ice cubes in the disposal and run it with cold water. As the ice melts and grinds, it will clean the disposal thoroughly, including the hard-to-reach areas. After cleaning, you can add fruit peels for a pleasant scent or salt to remove any unpleasant odors.
Eliminate Smelly Garbage with Two Simple Ingredients
Regardless of what you do, garbage cans eventually start to smell, even if you use a trash bag. One way to eliminate smelly trash for good is by using bread and vinegar. Simply take a piece of bread and apply vinegar to both sides. Then, place it at the bottom of your can overnight. The next day, when you change the trash bags, you’ll notice that no odor develops. To keep the bread from making your can dirty, put baking paper underneath it. This simple solution will permanently resolve your issue.
Create an Opening in the Trash Bag for Suction
Here is another garbage can tip that will be very helpful. Many of you might have garbage cans with liners, and you know how difficult it can be to remove the trash from them without spilling. If you encounter this problem, you should use this technique. Simply drill a hole on the side of your liner, which will solve the suction issue and make it easier to remove the trash. However, be careful not to drill holes at the bottom, as substances could leak out.
Apply Tape for a Straight Caulk Line
Caulk is the ideal material for repairing various structures and preventing leaks. However, it can be quite difficult to use. Even with careful application, obtaining a straight edge is challenging. But with this tip, you can get perfect edges with caulk. All you need is some painter’s tape, which is readily available at any hardware store. To achieve a straight edge, you should apply the tape on the wet caulk and then remove it. Be sure not to let the caulk dry, as it will cause some dry caulk to come off as well, resulting in a crooked line.
Do You Have a Broken Bulb? Try Using a Potato
Light bulbs frequently burn out, and when you try to remove them, they sometimes shatter. Additionally, if a bulb breaks, you are faced with the challenging task of removing it. Attempting to take it out with your bare hands can result in injury. That’s why this technique can be useful in such situations. Simply cut a potato in half and use one part to unscrew the bulb. First, press the fleshy side of the potato into the broken glass, then twist it in a counterclockwise direction. Voilà, the bulb will come off quickly, keeping your hands safe.
Remove Stripped Screws Using an Elastic Band
Removing stripped screws can be quite difficult. Although it’s possible to remove them using just a screwdriver, it can be time-consuming. To save time, try this method: first, gather a rubber band and a screwdriver. Place the rubber band over the screw head with one hand and hold the screwdriver with the other. Then, turn the screwdriver to remove the stripped screw. This technique works well because the rubber band provides the necessary friction for easy removal.
Use a Soap Bar to Repair Nail Holes
Although using crayons to color nail holes is effective, there’s a better method for white walls. You can easily fix the hole without any expense. All you need is a bar of soap that matches the color. Use one of the soap’s edges to rub against the mark, moving it in a counter-clockwise motion. This will cover the hole so well that you’ll soon forget it’s there. However, note that the soap may leave some residue. To address that, use a damp cloth to gently clean the surface.
Apply baby powder to quiet squeaky floors.
Wooden floorboards can become quite bothersome. Over time, some may loosen and create a loud squeaking sound. This noise can be disruptive to others and annoying for you as well. However, you can silence these creaky boards permanently with some baby powder. Simply fill a squeeze bottle with the powder, then apply it between the gaps of the floorboards. To ensure proper filling, use a makeup brush to help push the powder into the cracks without dirtying your hands. Once you’re finished, the noise will be completely eliminated. Remember, the powder doesn’t necessarily have to be baby powder.
Repair Wood Dents Using an Iron
If you have wooden furniture or floors in your home, you should learn this trick. This method allows you to remove dents from all kinds of wooden surfaces. The best part is that it will only take a few minutes of your time. Additionally, it’s a completely safe technique that won’t cause further damage to your furniture. First, you need to wet the area that has the dent. While you wet the dent, heat up your clothing iron. Then place a damp cloth over the mark and iron it, making sure to move the device in a circular motion. In just a few minutes, the dent will disappear.
Use WD-40 to Clean Crayons from Your Wall
If you have children, you’re likely familiar with their tendency to draw on any surface they come across, be it a wall, floor, or other structure. This can be problematic since marker stains are difficult to eliminate. However, there’s no need to worry any longer. With this technique, you’ll never need to repaint your wall. It’s been proven effective, so you can fully trust it. Simply spray some WD-40 on the marks. The spray can erase colors, markers, crayons, and more. However, note that this approach doesn’t work on oil-painted and matte walls.
Use a toilet cleaning liquid to clean grout.
Grout can ruin the appearance of your floors. It makes your home look dirty and grimy. The worst part is that it’s very noticeable. If you host parties at your house, it will create a negative impression on your guests. If you have grout between your floor tiles, it’s time to get rid of it. Simply pour a toilet cleaning solution into the gaps. Let the solution sit for at least fifteen minutes. Then, mop the floor with warm, clean water. And just like that, the grout will disappear, leaving your floor looking shinier than ever.
Using Kool-Aid to Detect Toilet Leaks
These days, plumbers charge quite a bit to diagnose toilet leaks. And if they do find a leak, they’ll bill you even more to repair it. That’s why you might want to fix the problem yourself. However, if you work on a toilet based on mere suspicion, you might cause even more damage. But don’t worry anymore. With this tip, you can confirm your suspicion for just 20 cents. All you need is a dark-colored Kool-Aid packet. Then, open the toilet tank and add the contents. If, after thirty minutes, the water in the toilet bowl changes color, you have a leak.
Utilize Dishwasher Tablets to Clean Your Oven
Cleaning ovens after baking can be time-consuming, particularly when it comes to removing grease from the door. However, this method makes it easy. The secret to cleaning oven doors is to use dishwasher tablets, which remove all stains quickly. Remember to wear gloves when using them, as the tablets contain bleach that can irritate your skin. Also, wet the tablet slightly before wiping the door, but avoid soaking it completely, as this will make cleaning less effective.
Eliminate Sink Odor with Lemon
Dirty dishes can sometimes leave an unpleasant odor in the kitchen sink, making it difficult to work nearby. It’s important to make sure your sink doesn’t have a bad smell. The best way to do this is by using lemon juice. Lemons are citrus fruits that can give a pleasant scent to dishes and sinks alike. To freshen up your sink, mix lemon juice with boiling water and pour it down the drain. Your sink will have a nice aroma in just a few minutes.
An Ideal Method for Cleaning Your Bathtub
White bathtubs tend to become dirty rapidly, even if you rinse them with water daily. Mildew and grime can build up along the edges of the tub. Over time, it starts to lose its luster and looks aged. However, with this cleaning tip, you can restore your bathroom to its former splendor. To clean the bathtub, all you need is liquid dish soap and a scrubber or broom. First, apply the solution to the interior of the tub and spread it using a broom. Allow the soap to sit on the surface for a few minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
Utilize Kitchen Ingredients to Unclog Drains
Blocked drains are among the most exasperating issues. Initially, you need to wait for all the water to go down. After that, you have to deal with the leftover residues as well. If you use chemicals for this, it’s best to stop. They damage the drain and are an unnecessary expense, especially since you already have the ingredients in your kitchen. To clear drains, you need three ingredients: water, baking soda, and vinegar. First, pour boiled water down the drain. Follow this with half a cup of baking soda and vinegar. Finally, pour water again after ten minutes, and the drain will be cleared.
Utilize Bleach for Pipe Cleaning
If your drains often get clogged, it indicates that your pipes need maintenance. You can either hire a plumber and pay for their services, or you can try this simple solution to ensure your pipes function properly. The best part is that all you need is bleach. Start by pouring some bleach down your bathtub or other drains. Allow it to sit for at least ten minutes, then flush it with hot water. This will help clean the pipes effectively. However, remember not to use this method too frequently, as bleach contains strong chemicals.
The Tea Bag Trick for Cleaning Dirty Dishes
It’s amusing that teabags both stain and clean your utensils. Although it might seem strange, it’s true. Teabags contain tannins that give tea its color. Tannins can also be used for cleaning dishes. So if you run out of dish soap, don’t worry. Just fill your sink with hot water and add used or unused tea bags. Then, use that water to scrub your dishes. The tannins will help you remove grease effortlessly. You can even clean individual pots using this method by filling them with water and tea bags.
Eliminate Dryer Static Using Aluminum Foil
Many people use dryer sheets for drying clothes, but some might not like them due to the static they cause. If you’re searching for a substitute for dryer sheets, you’re in luck. This tip allows you to dry your clothes quickly. Simply roll some aluminum foil into a ball and toss it into the dryer instead of using sheets. The foil will reduce static electricity and doesn’t soften clothes. Additionally, you can reuse the aluminum ball for at least two months, helping you save money.
Find Studs Using a Measuring Tape
Finding studs in walls can be difficult without the proper tools. Although you can purchase a stud finder, it can be expensive. However, if you have a tape measure at home, it can help you locate studs at no additional cost. If you closely examine the tape measure, you’ll see some red numbers, which are intended to assist in finding studs. Simply place the tape measure against the wall and mark the points where it aligns with the red numbers. To ensure accuracy, you can verify one spot.
No Funnel? Use Aluminum Foil
Funnels are commonly used tools for pouring liquids into containers with small openings. You could try pouring water without a funnel, but some will likely spill. Therefore, you should know this method if you lack a funnel. Begin by cutting a medium-sized piece of aluminum foil. Then, roll it into a shape resembling a funnel. You can then use this foil funnel to easily transfer liquids between openings. The benefit of a foil funnel is that it can be reused and is easy to find.
Remove Rust Using Foil
Aluminum foil has many uses. It is ideal for wrapping items and keeping food warm. Additionally, it is great for cleaning surfaces, clothes, and more. One of the benefits of using foil is that it can help remove rust. If you have chrome utensils or other items, you can easily restore them. Start by cleaning the object’s surface with soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Then, form a ball with some foil and rub the affected area. The rust will be removed, and your item will look new again.
Use Cabinet Bumpers to Prevent Slamming Doors Quietly
When doors slam, they make a loud noise that can disturb the entire house. It can also give the impression that you’re upset. If you dislike slamming doors as well, it’s time to quiet them with this trick. Simply get some cabinet bumpers and attach them to the doors. They will soften the impact and reduce the noise. This means you can close the doors with any force, and they won’t make noise. You can even use the bumpers on drawers that close loudly. With this approach, you can have peace without spending much.
Utilize a Magic Eraser to Remove Stains from Utensils
Magic erasers truly live up to their name. They can clean bathtubs, utensils, and much more. What’s remarkable about them is that they can remove stains even a dishwasher can’t handle. So if you have stained utensils at home, it’s time to gather them and clean them. The eraser removes marks and discoloration from all items except those made of stainless steel, as it can damage the surface. For other materials, simply rub it well on the dirty area, and it will work its magic. However, always remember to wash the utensils after cleaning them with the magic eraser.
Use a Magic Eraser to Remove Wall Stains
If there are stains on the walls of your home, you need a magic eraser right away. In just a few minutes, you can achieve clean surfaces. Simply rub the walls with the eraser and then wipe them down with a wet cloth. Another challenging issue is the discoloration of walls. Although you can’t stop the process, you can restore the surface’s appeal. Use the magic eraser again, and it will help make your home look shiny and clean. The best part is that you won’t need to repaint your walls, and the sponge is reusable, making it worthwhile.
Use Tennis Balls to Open Tight Containers
Opening tight lids takes a lot of effort, and you need a strong grip, especially for glass jars. This is because the container might slip out of your hand and break. Cleaning up the mess can be time-consuming, and you might hurt yourself on the broken glass. To avoid this situation, you can use this hack. Simply take a tennis ball and cut it as shown in the picture above. Once you try the trick, you will be amazed at how easily tight containers can be opened.
Use a rubber band to keep the door open
If you have doors in your home that close as soon as you release the handle, you’re probably familiar with the frustration they can cause. After all, you’ll have to keep reopening them if you’re going back and forth. For instance, picture moving furniture into a room, and the door closes when you fetch each item. You’d have to set everything down, open the door again, and then pick up your items. To avoid this hassle, simply loop an elastic band over the doorknobs. This will prevent the latch from engaging, keeping the door from closing.
Repair Tears with Nail Polish
Do your windows have mesh screens? If they do, you’re probably aware that they can be easily damaged. When this occurs, insects and dust can invade your home. Even a small rip provides an entry route for various bugs, some of which can be quite alarming. To prevent this, you can repair the mesh using nail polish. Just ensure that you use a clear polish. It functions like glue to quickly seal the tear. While this method is effective for small rips, it is quite useful and will quickly offer you some reassurance.
Remove Carpet Dents with Ice Cubes
We all enjoy having our home look pleasant due to decorations, and an important aspect of décor is carpet. It can take a significant amount of time to select the perfect one for your home. This is why it’s frustrating when dents form on them. Fortunately, this issue is entirely avoidable and doesn’t cost anything. To eliminate carpet dents, place some ice cubes on them. Allow the ice to melt and then absorb the water with paper towels or a cloth. Immediately afterward, use a toothbrush to smooth out the surface.
Apply vinegar to your showerhead.
We all enjoy a quick hot shower, but this can become a problem if the showerhead is old. Over time, mineral and dirt deposits build up on the head, leading to calcification and slowing down the water flow. If you’re experiencing this issue, you don’t need to worry anymore. Using vinegar, you can restore the showerhead’s flow without causing damage. Simply half-fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around the showerhead. Let the showerhead soak in the solution overnight.
Place Pool Noodles in Your Crowded Garage
If you have a small garage at home, you’re likely familiar with the challenges of opening car doors in tight spaces. Although it may not be difficult to exit the vehicle, frequent contact with the wall can lead to dents on the door. However, this problem can be easily addressed with pool noodles. These soft materials can be attached to the walls, ensuring that the door hits the pool noodle instead of the wall when you get out of the car. Their softness absorbs the impact, preventing any dents on your car.
Utilize a squeegee to remove pet hair.
Getting a pet is enjoyable because they are faithful companions and can help alleviate loneliness. However, regardless of the pet you own, they all share one trait: they shed a great deal of fur and hair. Although this isn’t an issue for floors, getting their hair out of the carpet can be troublesome. But with this trick, you no longer need to worry. All you require is a squeegee, a tool with a rubber blade that you can effortlessly use to remove pet hair from the carpet. Many people also use it to clean windows and floors.
How to Properly Rotate Fans
Did you know that fans should rotate in different directions during winter and summer? The direction of rotation is important for reducing your utility bills. This trick is worth knowing. In winter, your fan should rotate clockwise at a low speed. This helps the fan pull warm air and distribute it throughout the room. In summer, it should rotate in the opposite direction and at a faster speed. This will circulate cool air around the room, ensuring you stay comfortable. Note that this feature is available in newer fan models but not in those that are ten years old or more.
Eliminate Grout Using These Easy Ingredients
Many people believe that grout is permanent and cannot be removed. If you think this too, you’re mistaken. Grout can be easily dealt with. Previously, we suggested using toilet cleaning liquid for them. However, there’s an even better method to remove discolored and grimy-looking grout. This method involves using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. The measurements for these ingredients are ¼, ½, and one teaspoon, respectively. Pour the mixture onto the grout and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, clean the surface with warm water and a broom.
Apply bubble wrap to windows during the winter.
Loose windows can be problematic during the winter, as they let cold air in and warm air out, making it feel chilly even with the heater on. While hiring professionals to fix the windows can be expensive, there is a DIY solution. You simply need to wet the window with water and apply bubble wrap sheets to it. The bubble wrap will adhere to the glass, preventing air from passing through. However, be aware that this might make your house look less attractive from the outside.
Prevent the Development of Clogged Drains
Though numerous methods for unclogging drains can be found online, we offer a technique to prevent clogs from occurring initially. The best part is that it requires only a small investment. Simply visit Amazon and buy a product called TubShroom (illustrated). It replaces the standard strainer and stops hair from entering the drain. The only maintenance required is occasionally cleaning the device, which is far quicker than dealing with a clogged drain.
Silence Noisy Doors and Cabinets Using Cooking Spray
When you’ve been in the same house for a long time, you’ll eventually encounter squeaky cabinets, floors, and doors. If you’re dealing with this issue, we’re here to help. You can use WD-40 or cooking sprays to quiet the doors and cabinets. Just grab whichever you have and spray the hinges of the noisy items. The noise will disappear in a few seconds, and you’ll feel relieved. To keep the spray from spreading on the cabinet, you can use a piece of baking paper as a shield. This will allow you to only spray the hinges.
Apply Aspirin to Your Plant
Home repairs aren’t confined to just the interior of the house. Your garden is also a significant part of your home. If it’s not well-maintained, people might form an unfavorable opinion about you. Therefore, it’s important to look after the plants on your property. A method to enhance the color and thickness of your grass is by using aspirin. Dissolve one tablet per gallon of water and spray the mixture moderately every 2 to 4 weeks. In a short time, you will see the beneficial effects and wish you had discovered this sooner.
Apply Nail Polish to Keep Screws Tight
Attaching screws to objects can be challenging because they can become loose over time and fall out. In such cases, the object might come apart, leading to financial loss. One effective way to prevent screws from loosening is to use nail polish. Although it might seem like an unusual solution, it works very well. Simply apply some clear nail polish to the screw before drilling it into the object. The polish acts like a glue and helps keep the screw securely in place for an extended period.
Utilize Hydrogen Peroxide to Eliminate Pests
Hydrogen peroxide is incredibly versatile, which is why we all appreciate it. It can be used for cleaning, unclogging drains, and a variety of other purposes. Additionally, it’s effective for eliminating pests, as these pesky creatures are not fond of its components. Therefore, if pests are damaging your lovely garden, consider spraying hydrogen peroxide. It can be applied to both the plants and the soil. However, remember to choose a brand with no more than a 3% concentration, or you might end up harming your plants along with the pests, which would obviously be counterproductive.
Restore Burnt Pots with These Ingredients
If you have burnt pots in your kitchen, it’s time to take them out. With this trick, you can make them look like new again. You’ll need three magical items for this task: baking soda, foil, and the well-known hydrogen peroxide. Start by applying baking soda to completely cover the burnt area. Then spray a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. This will create a paste-like mixture on the utensil. Let the paste sit for at least five to six hours. Then return to your kitchen with foil and scrub the utensil. Also, make sure to wash it once the appearance is restored.
Use Windex to Move Large Appliances
Transporting large appliances is a difficult task. You can’t lift the heavy object, so you have to slide it using the wheels. Consequently, the appliance may leave scuff marks and dents on your floor. This is because most devices have low-quality wheels. Fixing this can be expensive since you’ll need to replace all the tiles or floorboards. However, with Windex, you can protect your floor from damage. Simply apply the liquid on the path where you’ll be moving the appliance. Just remember not to use this method on wooden floors.
Line pots with filter paper.
If you take care of plants, you likely know about the soil problem: no matter what, the soil tends to spill out from the bottom of the pot, requiring frequent cleaning. If this issue frustrates you, there’s a simple solution: coffee filters. By placing a coffee filter inside the pot before adding soil, you’ll allow water to drain while keeping the soil contained, eliminating daily cleanup.
Easy Microwave Cleaning Trick
Cleaning ovens and microwaves can be time-consuming because particles adhere tightly to the surfaces. As a result, you may find yourself scrubbing for hours to thoroughly clean the appliance. However, this trick can reduce the cleaning time to just a few minutes. Simply mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a bowl, then microwave it for at least 8 minutes. The steam from the solution will help to loosen greasy and other particles, making it much easier to wipe the appliance clean, leaving the surfaces shiny in just a few minutes. Remember to use a microwave-safe container when heating the solution.
Advice for Dealing with Frozen Locks
Locks freezing during winter and snowy conditions is quite common. Cold temperatures can cause icicles to form on the locks of your house, car, or other objects. The good news is that you don’t have to wait hours for the ice to melt, provided you use the right techniques. One method to de-ice a lock is by applying hand sanitizer to it, as the alcohol will melt the ice within seconds. Additionally, you can warm your key and then insert it into the lock. You can even exhale warm air onto the surface, but that method will take a few minutes rather than seconds.
Utilize Windex to Repair Printer Cartridges
Nowadays, printer cartridges can be quite costly, and some may also become clogged. In such situations, your initial reaction might be to purchase a new one. However, that’s no longer necessary. By using this technique, you can unclog the cartridge in just a few seconds. Simply apply some Windex to a paper towel and wipe the surface of the cartridge where the ink is dispensed. Continue rubbing the bottom until ink lines start to show up on the towel. Remember to use the paper towel while it’s still damp from the liquid.
Utilize Bread to Manage Shattered Glass
When you break something made of glass, always be cautious around the broken pieces. Avoid picking them up with bare hands to prevent serious injury. A safe way to clean up the glass is by using bread, as it easily sticks to the glass shards. The effectiveness of this method is the same regardless of the size of the pieces.
Whenever you break glass, take a piece of bread and use the technique. You’ll likely be impressed with the results after cleaning up.
Eliminate Musty Odor from Your Washing Machine Using This Method
Specialists recommend cleaning your washing machine at least once a month to prevent a permanent musty odor from developing. If not cleaned regularly, your clothes might also end up with an unpleasant smell. The essential components for cleaning a washing machine include vinegar, baking soda, and detergent. Add these three ingredients to the drum of the machine, then run the longest cycle at the highest temperature. After the cycle is complete, open the machine’s door and leave it open for a while. This allows the air to circulate, ensuring the machine smells fresh afterward.
Use a potato and salt to clean cast iron pans.
It is well-known that cast iron pans should not be washed with soap, as the chemicals in soap can diminish their non-stick properties. However, this doesn’t mean you should leave your pan dirty after each use. Instead, sprinkle some salt on the pan’s surface. Then, cut a potato in half and use the cut side to scrub the surface. This method will help remove old food residues. After cleaning, apply some oil and heat the cast iron in an oven. Afterwards, you can store the pan until its next use.