Owning a home can be difficult. You have to constantly stay on top of maintenance. Additionally, you need to make sure everything functions correctly, or else you’ll encounter more significant and complex issues. Moreover, while some home problems are simple to resolve, hiring an external worker can be expensive.
If you’re looking to save money while maintaining an ideal home, you’re in the right spot. Here are 50 home repair tips and tricks that will simplify your life. With these tips, you can resolve issues quickly and without any cost.
Use Crayons to Fill Nail Holes
Removing paintings and objects from walls can be a hassle because the nail leaves a hole behind. Fixing this usually costs money. However, with this tip, you can quickly repair 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 covering the wall, the nail hole will be invisible. The best part is that it’s free and not time-consuming.
Use Ice to Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Cleaning garbage disposals can be challenging. However, if you neglect regular maintenance, you’ll end up needing a replacement, which is costly. Don’t worry, though. You can easily clean the disposal with ice cubes. Simply put some ice cubes in the machine and operate it with cold water. As the ice melts and grinds, it will thoroughly clean the disposal, including the difficult-to-reach places. After cleaning, you can also add fruit peels for a nice scent or use salt to remove any unpleasant odors.
Eliminate Bad Smells from Garbage Using Two Ingredients
Garbage cans tend to smell over time, even when using a trash bag. To eliminate trash odors for good, try using bread and vinegar. Simply take a piece of bread and soak it with vinegar on both sides. Then, leave the bread at the bottom of your trash can overnight. The next day, when you switch out the trash bags, you’ll find there’s no odor. To keep your can clean and avoid contact with the bread, place baking paper underneath it. This simple solution will permanently resolve your issue.
Create a Hole in the Trash Can Liner for Suction
Here’s another trash can tip that will greatly assist you. Many people have garbage cans with liners and know how challenging it can be to remove the trash without spilling it. If you face this problem, you should try this method. Simply drill a hole on the side of your liner. This will resolve the suction issue and make it easier to remove the trash. However, be sure not to drill holes at the bottom, as that might cause substances to leak.
Use Tape for a Straight Caulking Line
Caulk is the ideal material for repairing various structures and preventing leaks. Nonetheless, it can be difficult to use. Achieving a straight edge with caulk is challenging even when applied carefully. With this tip, however, you can achieve perfect edges. All you need is some painter’s tape, which is available at all hardware stores. To create a straight edge, apply the tape over the wet caulk and then remove it. Ensure you do this before it dries, or you might pull away some of the dry caulk, resulting in a crooked line.
Have a Broken Bulb? Try Using a Potato
Light bulbs frequently burn out, and when you try to remove them, they sometimes break. Furthermore, if a bulb explodes, you’re left with the challenging task of removing it. Attempting to take it out with your bare hands could result in injury. That’s why this technique can be useful in such situations. Simply cut a potato in half and use one half to unscrew the bulb. First, press the fleshy part of the potato against the broken glass. Then, turn it counterclockwise. And voilà, the bulb will come off quickly, keeping your hands safe.
Remove Stripped Screws Using an Elastic Band
Removing stripped screws can be very difficult. Although it’s possible to remove them using just a screwdriver, this approach can be time-consuming. To save time, you can use this method. First, you’ll need a rubber band and a screwdriver. Place the rubber band over the screw head with one hand, and hold the screwdriver with the other hand. Then, twist the screwdriver to loosen and remove the stripped screw. This technique is effective because the rubber band provides the necessary friction for easier removal.
Repair Nail Holes with a Soap Bar
While using crayons to color nail holes works well, there’s a better method for white walls. You can easily fix the hole without spending any money. All you need is a bar of soap in the same color. Use one of the edges to rub the soap against the mark, moving it in a counterclockwise motion. This will cover the hole so perfectly that you’ll soon forget about it. However, remember that soap can sometimes leave residue. To address this, take a damp cloth and gently clean the surface.
Apply baby powder to quiet squeaky floors.
Floorboards made of wood can become quite bothersome. Over time, some may loosen and create a loud creaking noise. This can be disruptive to others and an annoyance to you. However, you can quiet these noisy boards permanently with some baby powder. Simply fill a squeeze bottle with the powder, then pour it between the gaps of the floorboards. To ensure proper filling, use a makeup brush, which will help push the powder into the cracks without dirtying your hands. Once finished, the noise will be entirely eliminated. Remember, the powder doesn’t necessarily have to be baby powder.
Use an Iron to Fix Dents in Wood
If you have wooden furniture or floors in your home, you should know this trick. With this method, you can remove dents on all types of wooden surfaces. The best part is that it only takes a few minutes. Moreover, it’s a completely safe technique that won’t cause any further damage. First, wet the area with the dent. While doing this, heat your clothing iron. Then, place a damp cloth over the mark and iron it. Be sure to move the iron in a circular motion. In just a few minutes, the dent will disappear.
Remove Crayon Marks from Your Wall with WD-40
If you have children, you’re likely familiar with their tendency to color on any surface they can find, whether it’s a wall, floor, or any other part of your home. This can be problematic because marker stains are difficult to remove. However, there’s no need to worry. By using this hack, you’ll never have to repaint your wall again. It has been tested and proven effective, so you can completely depend on it. Simply spray some WD-40 on the markings. This spray can remove colors, markers, crayons, and more. However, remember that this method doesn’t work on oil-painted and matte walls.
Use a toilet cleaning solution to clean grout.
Grout can spoil the appearance of your floors, making them look dirty and dingy. It stands out and can be easily noticed, especially if you frequently entertain guests at your home, leaving a negative impression. If you have grout between your floor tiles, it’s time to remove it. Simply apply a toilet cleaning solution to the grout lines and leave it to sit for at least fifteen minutes. Afterwards, clean the floor with warm, clean water. Your grout will vanish, leaving your floor looking brighter and more polished.
Kool-Aid for Detecting Toilet Leaks
These days, plumbers charge quite a bit to diagnose toilet leaks, and if they discover one, they’ll bill you even more to fix it. That’s why you might want to try solving the problem on your own. However, if you work on a toilet based solely on suspicion, you could end up causing more harm. But don’t worry anymore. With this tip, you can confirm your suspicion for just 20 cents. All you need is a packet of dark-colored Kool-Aid. Simply add the contents to the toilet tank by opening it. If the water inside the toilet bowl changes color after thirty minutes, you have a leak.
Use 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 much easier. The secret to cleaning oven doors effectively is using dishwasher tablets. They quickly remove all stains. When using them, it’s important to wear gloves, as the tablets contain bleach which can irritate your skin. Additionally, you should wet the tablet before wiping the door, but avoid soaking it completely, as this can hinder proper cleaning.
Eliminate Sink Odors Using Lemon
Occasionally, dirty dishes can cause an unpleasant odor in the kitchen sink, making it difficult to work nearby. Therefore, it’s important to prevent your sink from developing a bad smell. One effective method is to use lemon juice. Lemons are citrus fruits that can provide a nice fragrance not only to dishes but also to sinks. To give your sink a fresh scent, mix lemon juice with boiling water and pour it down the drain. In just a few minutes, your sink will smell pleasant.
The Ultimate Bathtub Cleaning Trick
White bathtubs tend to get dirty fast, despite daily washing with water. Mildew and scum can build up around the edges. Over time, it starts to lose its shine and seems aged. However, this cleaning trick can restore your bathroom to its former glory. To clean the bathtub, you only need liquid dish soap and a scrub brush or broom. Start by applying the solution to the inside of the tub and spreading it with 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 clear clogged drains.
Blocked drains are among the most annoying issues. Initially, you must wait for the water to empty. Afterwards, you need to clean up the remaining debris. If you’re using chemicals for this task, you should stop. They not only damage the drain but also add to unnecessary costs, especially since you already have all the necessary ingredients in your kitchen. To unclog drains, you’ll need three ingredients: water, baking soda, and vinegar. Begin by pouring boiling water down the drain. Next, add half a cup of baking soda followed by vinegar. Finally, pour water down again after ten minutes and the drain should clear up.
Utilize bleach to clean pipes.
If your drains often get clogged, it indicates your pipes need maintenance. You can either hire a plumber and pay for their services, or you can use this quick fix to keep your pipes functioning properly. The best part is that all you need is bleach. Start by pouring some bleach into your bathtub or other drains. Allow the liquid to sit for at least ten minutes, then flush it down with hot water. This will help clean the pipes effectively. However, be cautious not to use this method too often, as bleach contains strong chemicals.
The Tea Bag Trick for Dirty Dishes
It’s ironic that teabags both stain and clean your utensils. It may sound strange, but it’s true. Teabags contain chemicals called tannins, which give tea its color. Tannins can also be used for cleaning dishes. So if you ever run out of dish soap, don’t worry. Just fill your sink with hot water and add used or unused teabags. Then use that water to scrub your dishes, and the tannins will help remove grease easily. You can also clean pots by filling them with water and adding teabags.
Eliminate Static from the Dryer Using Aluminum Foil
Many individuals use dryer sheets for drying clothes, though some may avoid this method due to the static it generates. If you’re seeking an alternative, you’re in the right place. This tip allows you to dry your clothes efficiently: simply roll some aluminum foil into a ball and place it in the dryer instead of using sheets. The foil will reduce static electricity and won’t soften the 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 challenging without the proper tools. You could purchase a stud finder, but it might be costly. Alternatively, if you have a measuring tape at home, you can locate studs at no additional cost. Upon closer inspection of the tape, you’ll see some red numbers. These are primarily meant to assist in finding studs. Simply position the tape against the wall and mark the places that align with the red numbers. To ensure accuracy, you can verify one spot using the tape.
No Funnel? Use Aluminum Foil Instead
Funnels are commonly used tools for transferring liquids into containers with narrow openings. While you can attempt to pour water without a funnel, it’s likely that some will be wasted. Therefore, it’s useful to know this technique for when you don’t have a funnel. First, take a medium-sized piece of aluminum foil and roll it into a shape that mimics a funnel. Then, position it between the opening of the container and easily transfer the liquid. The advantage of a foil funnel is that it is reusable and easily accessible.
Remove Rust Using Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is highly versatile. It’s ideal for wrapping items and keeping food warm. In addition, it’s great for cleaning surfaces, clothes, and much more. One of the things foil can help with is removing rust. If you have chrome utensils or other items, you can easily restore their quality. First, clean the object’s surface using soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Then, immediately roll some foil into a ball and rub the affected area. The rust will come off, and your item will look as good as new.
Use Cabinet Bumpers to Quietly Close Doors
When doors slam, they create a loud noise that can disturb the entire house. Additionally, it can give others the impression that you’re upset. If you dislike slamming doors, it’s time to quiet them with this trick. Simply get some cabinet bumpers and attach them to the doors. They will cushion the impact and reduce the noise. This way, you can close the doors with force, but they won’t make a sound. You can also put the bumpers on drawers that slam when closed. With this method, you can enjoy peace without spending much money.
Utilize Magic Eraser to Remove Stains from Utensils
Magic erasers live up to their name. They can clean bathtubs, utensils, and much more. What’s great 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 and clean them. The eraser removes marks and discoloration from all items except those made from 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, remember to always wash the utensils after using the magic eraser.
Use a Magic Eraser to Clean Wall Stains
If there are stains on your home’s walls, a magic eraser is needed right away. In just a few minutes, your surfaces can be clean. Simply rub the walls with the eraser and wipe them with a damp cloth. Another difficult problem to address is wall discoloration. Although you can’t stop it from happening, you can restore the surface’s appeal. Once again, use the magic eraser to help make your home clean and shiny. The best part is that you won’t need to repaint your walls, and the sponge is reusable, making it a worthwhile investment.
Use Tennis Balls to Open Tight Containers
Opening tight lids demands significant effort, and it’s important to have a strong grip, particularly if the jar is made of glass. This is because the container might slip from your grasp and shatter. Naturally, cleaning up the resulting mess can take a lot of time. More importantly, you risk injuring yourself with the broken glass. To prevent this scenario, you should try this tip. Simply take a tennis ball and cut a part of it as shown in the picture above. Once you apply this trick, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it becomes to open tightly sealed containers.
Use an Elastic Band to Keep the Door Open
If you have doors in your home that close as soon as you let go of the handle, you know how frustrating it can be. You’ll have to keep reopening it if you’re going back and forth. For instance, imagine you’re moving furniture into your room, but the door shuts every time you bring in a piece. You’ll have to put everything down, reopen the door, and pick everything back up again. To prevent this, you can simply loop an elastic band around the doorknobs. This will block the latch and keep the door from closing.
Repair Tears Using Nail Polish
Do your windows have mesh screens? If they do, you probably realize that they can be easily damaged. When that occurs, insects and dust can get into your home. Even a small rip can provide an entryway for many creepy crawlies, some of which might be frightening. To prevent this, you can repair the mesh using nail polish. Just remember to use a clear color. It will work like glue to seal the tear quickly. This method is effective only for small tears, but it’s quite useful and will instantly give you peace of mind.
Remove Carpet Dents with Ice Cubes
We all appreciate when our home looks beautiful due to the decorations, and carpets are an essential part of décor. Selecting the perfect one for your home requires substantial effort. That’s why it’s frustrating when dents form on them. However, this issue is entirely avoidable and doesn’t require spending any money. To eliminate carpet dents, place a few ice cubes on them. Once the ice has melted, absorb the water with paper towels or a cloth. Then, use a toothbrush to smooth out the surface.
Apply vinegar to your showerhead
We all enjoy a quick hot shower, but this can be problematic if the showerhead is old. Over time, minerals and grime can build up on the showerhead. This leads to calcification, which reduces the water flow. If you’re experiencing this problem, there’s a simple solution. You can use vinegar to restore the flow without causing damage to the showerhead. Simply fill a plastic bag halfway with vinegar and wrap it around the showerhead. Allow the showerhead to soak in the vinegar solution overnight.
Place Pool Noodles in Your Cluttered Garage
With a small garage at home, you might face problems when opening car doors. Although exiting the car might not be difficult, frequent contact with the wall can lead to dents on the door. Pool noodles offer a simple solution to this problem. These soft barriers can be attached to the walls, so when you open the door, it strikes the pool noodle instead of the wall. Being soft, they absorb the impact and prevent dents on your car.
Employ a squeegee to remove pet hair.
Adopting pets can be enjoyable since they are loyal and can alleviate loneliness. However, regardless of the type of pet, they all share one common trait: shedding a lot of fur and hair. This doesn’t pose an issue for floors, but removing pet hair from carpets can be challenging. Fortunately, with this trick, you won’t have to worry. All you need is a squeegee, a tool with a rubber blade that can effectively remove pet hair from carpets. Many also use it for cleaning windows and floors.
The Correct Method to Adjust Fan Rotation
Did you know that fans should rotate in different directions during winter and summer? The direction of the rotation helps reduce your utility bills, making it important to know this tip. In winter, your fan should rotate clockwise at a low speed to draw warm air and distribute it around the room. In contrast, during summer, it should rotate in the opposite direction and at a higher speed to spread cool air and help keep you comfortable. Remember that this feature is available in newer fan models but not in those that are ten years old or more.
Eliminate Grout Using These Simple Ingredients
Many people think that grout is permanent and can’t be removed. If you believe this too, you’re mistaken. Grout can be easily managed. Previously, we suggested using toilet cleaner for it. However, there’s an even better way to eliminate discolored and dirty-looking grout. This method involves using a mix of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. The proportions 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 area with warm water and a broom.
Apply bubble wrap to windows during the winter months.
Loose windows can cause issues during winter because they let cold air in and allow warm air to escape. This means that even with a heater, you might still feel cold. Professional window repairs can be expensive, but there’s a DIY solution you can try. Simply dampen the window with water and attach bubble wrap sheets to it. The bubble wrap will cling to the glass and help block the airflow. However, be aware that this might make your home look less attractive from the outside.
Prevent Clogged Drains From Developing
Although there are numerous methods to unclog drains online, we have a technique that will stop clogs before they occur. The best part is that it is very inexpensive. Simply go to Amazon and buy a product called TubShroom, which fits in place of the strainer and stops hair from entering the drain. The only maintenance required is occasionally cleaning the device, which is much quicker than unblocking a drain.
Silence Noisy Doors and Cabinets Using Cooking Spray
When you’ve been in the same house for a long time, you will eventually encounter squeaky cabinets, floors, and doors. If you’re dealing with this issue, we’re here to assist you. WD-40 and cooking sprays are two products you can use to quiet the doors and cabinets. Just grab whichever one you have and spray it on the hinges of the noisy items. In a few seconds, the noise will disappear, and you can relax. To stop the spray from spreading onto the cabinet, you can use a piece of baking paper to limit it to just the hinges.
Apply Aspirin to Your Plant
Home repair isn’t just about maintaining things inside your house. Your garden is also a crucial part of your home. If it doesn’t look appealing, it might give others the wrong impression of you. This is why it’s important to care for the plants on your property. To enhance the color and density of your lawn, you can use aspirin. Simply dissolve one tablet per gallon of water and spray the solution in moderate quantities every 2 to 4 weeks. Before long, you’ll see the benefits and wish you had learned this before.
Apply Nail Polish to Keep Screws from Loosening
Attaching screws to objects can be difficult because they tend to loosen over time and may even fall out. This can cause the object to fall apart, leading to potential financial damage. To prevent screws from loosening, there’s a surprisingly effective solution: nail polish. Although it might sound unusual, using clear nail polish can help significantly. Simply apply a coat of transparent nail polish to the screw before drilling it into the object. The polish acts like an adhesive, keeping the screw firmly in place for an extended period.
Utilize hydrogen peroxide to eliminate pests.
Hydrogen peroxide is highly valued for its versatility. It can be used for cleaning, unclogging drains, and more. Additionally, it’s effective for pest control, as pests dislike its components. If pests are damaging your beautiful garden, consider using hydrogen peroxide. You can apply it to plants and soil, but ensure that its concentration does not exceed 3%. Higher concentrations could harm your plants along with the pests, which would defeat the purpose.
Restore Scorched Pots Using These Ingredients
If you have burnt pots in your kitchen, it’s time to clean them up. With this trick, you can make them look new again. You’ll need three magical ingredients: baking soda, aluminum foil, and hydrogen peroxide. Begin by covering the burnt area completely with baking soda. Then, spray a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. This will create a paste-like mixture on the utensil. Allow the paste to sit for at least five to six hours. After that, return to your kitchen with some foil and scrub the pot. Make sure to wash it once it’s restored to its original appearance.
Use Windex to Move Large Appliances
Transporting large appliances is difficult. You can’t lift the heavy item, so you must slide it using the wheels. Consequently, the appliance may leave marks and scratches on your floor. This happens because most appliances have low-quality wheels. Repairing the floor 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 along the path where you will move the appliance. Nevertheless, do not use this method on wooden floors.
Line pots with filter paper.
If you take care of plants, you’re probably familiar with the soil spilling problem. Despite your efforts, dirt tends to leak out from the bottom of the pot. Consequently, you have to clean the area often. If this bothers you, it’s time to solve the problem. All you need to address this issue are coffee filters. Before adding soil, place a coffee filter inside the pot. This will allow the water to drain while preventing the dirt from escaping. This way, you won’t have a messy area to clean daily.
Fast Microwave Cleaning Tip
Cleaning ovens and microwaves can be time-consuming because particles adhere firmly to the surfaces. Consequently, you might end up scrubbing for hours to completely clean the appliance. However, with this method, you can significantly reduce the cleaning time to just a few minutes. Simply mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a bowl and microwave it for at least 8 minutes. The steam from the solution will loosen greasy and other particles, allowing you to wipe the appliance clean in just a few minutes. Remember to use a microwave-safe container for heating the solution.
Advice for Dealing with Frozen Locks
Locks freezing is a frequent issue during winter and snowy weather. The cold can cause icicles to develop on the locks of your house, car, or other items. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend hours waiting for the ice to melt, provided you use the right methods. One method to remove ice from a lock is by applying hand sanitizer. The alcohol in the sanitizer will melt the ice in seconds. Alternatively, you can warm your key before inserting it into the lock. You can also breathe on the surface, but this method will take several minutes instead of seconds.
Use Windex to Repair Printer Cartridges
These days, printer cartridges are quite costly. Additionally, some may become clogged. Typically, you might think of purchasing a new one. However, there’s no need for that anymore. With this method, you can clear the clog in just a few seconds. Simply apply some Windex to a paper towel. Then, wipe the surface of the cartridge where the ink comes out. Continue rubbing the bottom until you see some lines of ink on the towel. Remember to use the paper towel while it’s still damp from the liquid.
Utilize Bread to Manage Shattered Glass
Whenever you break something made of glass, always be cautious around the broken pieces. Avoid picking them up with your bare hands, as this can lead to serious injury. One of the safest methods to clean up the mess is by using bread. Yes, you read that correctly. Bread can easily pick up tiny glass shards. The great thing is that the size of the shards doesn’t matter, as bread works effectively for all sizes. So
Whenever you break glass, grab a piece of bread and try this technique. We bet you’ll be impressed with the cleanup.
Eliminate Musty Odor from Your Washing Machine with This Method
Specialists recommend cleaning your washing machine at least once a month. Failing to do so can lead to a persistent musty odor in the machine, which can transfer to your clothes, giving them an unpleasant smell as well. The essential ingredients for cleaning a washing machine are vinegar, baking soda, and detergent. Add these three components to the machine’s drum, and then run the longest cycle at the highest temperature. After the cleaning cycle is complete, leave the machine’s door open for a while to allow ventilation, resulting in a refreshed scent for the appliance.
Use a Potato and Salt to Clean Cast Iron Pans
It’s well known that you shouldn’t wash cast iron pans with soap since the chemicals in soap can lessen the pan’s ability to keep food from sticking. However, this doesn’t mean you should leave the pan dirty after each use. Instead, sprinkle some salt on the cast iron’s surface. Cut a potato in half and use the side without skin to rub the surface. This method will help you get rid of old food residues. After cleaning, apply some oil and heat the cast iron in an oven. Then you can store the pan until its next use.