Owning a home is a challenging responsibility. You need to consistently manage maintenance and ensure everything operates properly. Failing to do so can lead to bigger, more complicated issues. Additionally, while some home problems are easy to fix, hiring professional help can be costly.
So, if you wish to save money while keeping your home in good shape, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 50 home repair tips and tricks that will make your life easier. Keeping these tips in mind will allow you to resolve issues promptly without spending money.
Use Crayons to Fill Nail Holes
Taking down paintings and objects from walls can be problematic as the nail can leave a hole. Usually, fixing it involves a cost. However, with this suggestion, you can easily repair the hole without needing assistance. Just find a crayon that matches your wall’s color. Insert the crayon tip into the hole and move it up and down. By coloring it, the nail hole will blend in. The best part is it’s cost-free and quick.
Use Ice to Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Maintaining garbage disposals can be difficult. Yet, if you neglect it, you might have to purchase a new one, which can be pricey. But there’s no need to worry. You can easily clean the disposal with ice cubes. Just place a few ice cubes in the disposal and run it with cold water. As the ice melts and is crushed, it will clean the disposal thoroughly, including hard-to-reach areas. Then, you can add fruit peels for a pleasant scent or salt to eliminate any bad odors.
Eliminate Foul Garbage Odor Using Two Ingredients
No matter the circumstances, trash cans often become smelly, even when using trash bags. A lasting solution to get rid of bad trash odors is to use bread and vinegar. Just take a slice of bread, soak both sides with vinegar, and place it at the bottom of your trash can overnight. The following day, upon replacing the trash bags, there will be no lingering odor. To prevent the bread from dirtying your can, put a sheet of baking paper underneath it. This easy trick will permanently resolve your issue.
Create an Opening in the Garbage Bag for Airflow
Here’s another useful tip for trash cans. Many people use garbage cans with liners, and it can be difficult to remove the trash without spilling anything. If you face this issue, try this method: just drill a hole on the side of your liner. This will solve the suction problem and make it easier to take out the trash. Just be sure not to drill holes at the bottom, as that could result in leaks.
Use Tape to Achieve a Straight Caulk Line
Caulk is an excellent material for fixing different structures and stopping leaks, but it can be tricky to use. Achieving a straight edge can be difficult, even with precision. However, this trick will help you create perfect edges with caulk. All you need is some painter’s tape, which can be found at any hardware store. To create a straight edge, apply the tape over the wet caulk and then remove it. Make sure not to let the caulk dry, as this can cause pieces of it to come off and create an uneven line.
Have a Broken Bulb? Try Using a Potato
Light bulbs often burn out, and when removing them, they sometimes break. If a bulb shatters, you face the difficult task of taking it out. Trying to remove it with your bare hands can cause injury. That’s where this technique becomes useful if you find yourself in this situation. Simply cut a potato in half and use one half to unscrew the bulb. Start by pressing the fleshy part of the potato into the broken glass. Then, turn it counterclockwise. And voila, the bulb will come off easily, keeping your hands safe.
Remove Stripped Screws Using an Elastic Band
Extracting stripped screws can be a challenging task. While using only a screwdriver is possible, it might take a considerable amount of time. This technique can expedite the process. Start by obtaining a rubber band and a screwdriver. Position the rubber band over the head of the screw and then grip the screwdriver. Turn the screwdriver to extract the stripped screw. The rubber band supplies the needed friction, facilitating the screw’s removal.
Use a Soap Bar to Repair Nail Holes
While using crayons to fill nail holes works well, there’s a better approach for white walls. You can repair the hole for free by using a bar of soap in a matching color. Rub the edge of the soap over the mark in a counterclockwise motion. This will cover the hole so effectively that you’ll soon forget it was there. However, keep in mind that soap may leave a residue. To fix this, gently wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
Apply baby powder to quiet squeaky floors.
Wooden floorboards can be rather troublesome. Over time, some may get loose and produce a loud squeaking sound, which can disturb others and annoy you. However, you can permanently get rid of the noise from the boards by using some baby powder. Simply fill a squeeze bottle with the powder and pour it into the gaps between the floorboards. To make sure it fills the spaces properly, use a makeup brush to push the powder into the cracks without getting your hands messy. Once you’re done, the noise will be completely eliminated. Remember, the powder doesn’t have to be baby powder specifically.
Use an Iron to Fix Dents in Wood
If you have wooden furniture or flooring in your house, you should try this trick. With this method, you can eliminate dents from various wooden surfaces. The great thing is it only takes a few minutes. Besides, it’s a completely safe technique that won’t cause more damage. Start by wetting the dented area. As you’re doing that, heat up your clothing iron. Next, place a damp cloth over the dent and apply the iron to it. Make sure to move the iron in a circular motion. In just a few minutes, the dent will vanish.
Remove Crayon Marks from Your Wall with WD-40
If you have children, you’re likely aware that they often color on any surface they find, such as walls, floors, or other items. This can be problematic because marker stains are hard to get rid of. But you don’t need to worry anymore. With this method, you won’t need to repaint your wall. It’s been proven effective, so you can rely on it fully. Just spray some WD-40 on the marks. The spray can remove colors, markers, crayons, and more. However, please note that this approach is not suitable for oil-painted and matte walls.
Clean grout using toilet cleaning liquid.
Grout can spoil the look of your floors, giving your home a dirty and dingy appearance. The worst part is that it’s very noticeable, and it can create a bad impression on your guests if you host gatherings. So, if you have grout between your floor tiles, it’s time to get rid of it. Just pour a toilet cleaning solution into the gaps, let it sit for at least fifteen minutes, and then mop the floor with warm, clean water. Voilà, the grout will disappear, and your floor will appear shinier than ever.
Kool-Aid to Fix Toilet Leaks
Currently, plumbers charge a lot to identify toilet leaks, and if they discover one, there’s an additional cost for the repair. Because of this, you might want to take care of the issue on your own. However, attempting repairs based on mere suspicion might inadvertently cause more harm. But don’t fret, as with this simple tip, you can verify your suspicion for just 20 cents. You only need a packet of dark-colored Kool-Aid. Open the toilet tank and pour in the contents. If, after thirty minutes, the color of the water in the toilet bowl changes, there’s a leak.
Utilize dishwasher tablets to clean the oven.
Cleaning ovens after baking can take a long time, especially when dealing with grease on the door. However, this method makes it a lot simpler. The key to cleaning oven doors is using dishwasher tablets, which can quickly remove all stains. When using them, make sure to wear gloves since the tablets contain bleach that can irritate your skin. Additionally, wet the tablet before wiping the door, but don’t soak it entirely, or it won’t clean well.
Eliminate Unpleasant Sink Odors with Lemon
Sometimes, dirty dishes can cause the kitchen sink to emit an unpleasant odor, making it challenging to work nearby. Thus, it’s important to maintain a fresh smell in your sink. The best way to do this is by using lemon juice. As citrus fruits, lemons offer a refreshing scent to both dishes and sinks. To freshen your sink’s smell, combine lemon juice with boiling water and pour it down the drain. In just a few minutes, your sink will smell wonderful.
The Ultimate Bathtub Cleaning Trick
White bathtubs can easily get dirty, even with daily rinsing. Mildew and grime can accumulate along the edges, making the tub look dull and old over time. However, this cleaning method can bring back your bathroom’s shine. All that’s required for cleaning is some liquid dish soap and a scrub brush or broom. Start by pouring the dish soap into the tub and spreading it around with the broom. Let the soap sit on the surface for a few minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
Utilize Common Kitchen Items to Clear Drains
Blocked drains are very annoying. First, you have to wait for the water to go down, and then you need to clean up the leftover debris. If you’re using chemicals for this task, it’s time to reconsider. They can harm the drain and are an unnecessary cost, especially because you probably have all the needed ingredients in your kitchen. To clear drains, use three ingredients: water, baking soda, and vinegar. Begin by pouring hot water down the drain. Then add half a cup of baking soda followed by vinegar. Lastly, pour more water after ten minutes, and the drain should be clear.
Utilize Bleach for Pipe Cleaning
If clogged drains are a frequent issue for you, it suggests that your pipes require maintenance. You have the option of hiring a plumber and covering the cost of their services, or you can attempt a quick solution to ensure your pipes are working correctly. The positive aspect is that this method only requires bleach. Begin by pouring some bleach down your bathtub or other drains. Let it sit for at least ten minutes, then rinse it down with hot water. This process will help effectively clean the pipes. However, keep in mind not to use this method too frequently, as bleach has strong chemicals.
The Tea Bag Trick for Dirty Dishes
It’s ironic that teabags can both stain and clean your utensils. It seems odd, yet it’s true. Teabags contain tannins, chemicals that give tea its color. Tannins can also be used for cleaning dishes. So, if you ever run out of dish soap, don’t fret. Just fill your sink with hot water and throw in used or unused teabags. Use this water to scrub your dishes, as the tannins will help you easily remove grease. You can even apply this technique to clean individual pots by filling them with water and teabags.
Eliminate Static in the Dryer Using Tin Foil
A lot of people use dryer sheets for drying clothes, but some might find them undesirable because of the static they create. If you’re looking for a substitute, you’re in the right spot. This tip can help you dry your clothes effectively. Just roll a piece of aluminum foil into a ball and put it in the dryer instead of dryer sheets. The foil decreases static electricity but doesn’t soften the clothes. Additionally, you can reuse the aluminum ball for at least two months, which can save you money.
Find Studs Using a Measuring Tape
Detecting studs in walls can be difficult without the right tools. Buying a stud finder is an option, but it might be costly. However, if you have a measuring tape, you can find studs at no additional cost. Inspecting the tape closely, you’ll notice some red numbers. These are meant to help locate studs. Just position the tape on the wall and mark the points that line up with the red numbers. To be precise, you can confirm one marked spot by checking.
No Funnel? Use Aluminum Foil
Funnels are frequently used tools for pouring liquids into containers with narrow openings. If you try to pour water without a funnel, you’re likely to spill some. Therefore, it’s helpful to know an alternative method if a funnel isn’t on hand. Begin by cutting a medium-sized piece of aluminum foil. Shape it into a funnel form. Place it at the opening, and you can pour liquids with ease. The benefit of a foil funnel is that it can be reused and is readily available.
Use foil to remove rust.
Aluminum foil is extremely versatile. It’s perfect for wrapping items and keeping food warm. It’s also excellent for cleaning surfaces, clothing, and more. One issue it can help with is rust removal. If you have chrome utensils or other objects, you can easily restore them to their original state. Begin by cleaning the object’s surface with soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Next, crumple some foil into a ball and rub it on the rusted area. The rust will come off, making your item look brand new.
Quietly Close Doors with Cabinet Bumpers
When doors slam shut, they make a loud noise that can disturb the whole household. It might also give the impression that you’re angry. So, if you want to avoid the noise of slamming doors, try this simple trick to quiet them. Just use some cabinet bumpers and attach them to the doors. These will absorb the impact and lessen the noise. You’ll be able to close the doors firmly without making any sound. You can even put these bumpers on noisy drawers. This way, you can keep things tranquil without spending much money.
Utilize a magic eraser to remove stains from utensils.
Magic erasers truly live up to their name. They can clean bathtubs, utensils, and a lot more. What’s amazing about them is that they can remove stains that even a dishwasher can’t. So if you have stained utensils at home, it’s time to gather them and clean. 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 wonders. However, always remember to wash the utensils after using the magic eraser.
Use a Magic Eraser to Remove Wall Stains
If there are stains on the walls of your home, you should immediately get a magic eraser. Your surfaces can be cleaned in just a few minutes. Simply scrub the walls with the eraser and then wipe them with a damp cloth. Wall discoloration is another difficult issue. Although you can’t prevent it entirely, you can revive the surface’s appearance. Use the magic eraser once more to make your home look bright and clean. The best part is that you won’t need to repaint your walls, and the sponge is reusable, making it a valuable investment.
Use Tennis Balls to Open Tight Containers
Opening tightly sealed lids demands considerable effort, and maintaining a firm grip is crucial, especially with glass jars, as they could slip and break. Cleaning up the mess would be time-consuming, and there is also a danger of getting hurt by the shards. To avoid these situations, you can try this tip. Just take a tennis ball and cut it as shown in the picture above. You’ll be surprised at how effortlessly it aids in opening tightly sealed jars.
Utilize an Elastic Band to Keep the Door from Shutting
If your home has doors that shut automatically when you release the handle, you’re probably aware of the annoyance this can create. You might need to keep reopening the door if you’re moving back and forth. For example, if you’re moving furniture into your room, the door may shut every time you bring in an item. You would need to put everything down, open the door again, and then pick everything up. To avoid this hassle, you can wrap the doorknobs with an elastic band, which will hold the latch back and prevent the door from closing.
Repair Tears with Nail Polish
Are your windows equipped with mesh screens? If so, you might know that they can tear rather easily. When this happens, it can allow insects and dust to come into your house. Even the smallest tear can let in many creepy crawlies, some of which can be quite scary. To prevent this, you can fix the mesh with nail polish. Just make sure to use a clear color, as it will act like glue and quickly fix the rip. This approach is only effective for small tears, but it’s very handy and provides instant reassurance.
Remove Carpet Dents with Ice Cubes
We all love it when our home looks attractive because of the decorations, and a crucial part of décor is the carpet. Choosing the right one for your home can take a lot of time. So, it’s annoying when dents appear on them. Luckily, this problem is totally preventable and free to fix. To get rid of carpet dents, put some ice cubes on them. Wait for the ice to melt, then soak up the water with paper towels or a cloth. Right after that, use a toothbrush to smooth out the surfaces.
Apply Vinegar to Your Showerhead
Many people like taking a quick hot shower, but if the showerhead is old, it can be problematic. Mineral deposits and grime build up on the head over time, resulting in calcification that decreases the water flow. If you’re dealing with this issue, don’t worry—there is a solution. You can use vinegar to restore the showerhead’s flow without causing any harm. Just fill a plastic bag halfway with vinegar and tie it around the showerhead. Let it soak overnight.
Place Pool Noodles in Your Crowded Garage
If your house has a small garage, you’re probably aware of the issues with opening car doors. Although getting out of the car might be easy, repeated encounters with the wall can cause dents on the door. You can easily fix this problem with pool noodles. These soft buffers can be mounted on the walls. So when you leave the car, the door will hit the pool noodle instead of the wall. Because they are soft, they absorb the impact and prevent dents on your car.
Utilize a Squeegee to Remove Pet Hair
Owning a pet is a delight because they are loyal and can help reduce feelings of loneliness. However, regardless of the type of pet you have, they all have one thing in common: they shed a lot of fur and hair. While fur on the floor might not be troublesome, removing their hair from the carpet can be difficult. Thankfully, with these tips, you won’t have to worry anymore. All you need is a squeegee, a tool with a rubber blade that effectively removes pet hair from the carpet. It’s also often used for cleaning windows and floors.
How to Properly Rotate Fans
Were you aware that ceiling fans need to rotate in different directions for winter and summer? The direction of their rotation can significantly affect your energy costs, so this tip is important to know. In the winter, the fan should rotate clockwise at a low speed to pull warm air upwards and spread it around the room. On the other hand, in the summer, the fan should spin in the opposite direction at a faster speed to circulate cool air and keep you comfortable. Keep in mind that this feature is found in newer fan models, not in those that are over ten years old.
Remove Grout Stains with These Simple Ingredients
A lot of people assume that grout is permanent and cannot be removed. If you think this, you’re wrong. Grout can be easily managed. We once recommended using toilet cleaning liquid on it. However, there’s an even better solution for removing discolored and dirty grout. This technique uses a combination of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. Mix ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide, ½ cup of baking soda, and a teaspoon of dish soap. Apply the mixture to 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.
Loose windows can be problematic in the winter as they allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape, which can make you feel cold even with the heater running. Professional repairs can be costly, but here’s a DIY solution: moisten the window with water and apply bubble wrap sheets. This will help them adhere to the glass and reduce airflow. Keep in mind, though, that this solution might not be attractive from the outside.
Prevent the Formation of Clogged Drains
There are many online methods to unblock drains, but we offer a solution that stops clogs from happening initially. The best part is that it’s very cost-effective. Just buy a product called TubShroom on Amazon (see the image). It replaces the drain strainer and prevents hair from entering the drain. All you have to do is clean it occasionally, which is much faster than dealing with a clogged drain.
Use Cooking Spray to Quiet Squeaky Doors and Cabinets
If you’ve lived in the same home for quite some time, you’ll likely experience creaky cabinets, floors, and doors. Should you be facing this problem, we’re here to help. Using WD-40 or cooking sprays can reduce the noise from doors and cabinets. Simply select whichever one is available to you and spray it onto the hinges of the squeaky items. The noise should cease within moments, providing relief. To prevent the spray from touching the cabinet, you can cut a piece of parchment paper to position in between, allowing you to target only the hinges.
Apply Aspirin to Your Plant
Home maintenance involves more than just indoor repairs; your garden is an essential part of your home too, and its appearance can influence people’s impressions of you. Therefore, it’s important to take care of the plants in your yard. A simple way to improve the color and thickness of your lawn is to use aspirin. Just dissolve one tablet per gallon of water and apply the solution in small doses every 2 to 4 weeks. Over time, you’ll notice the results and wish you’d known this trick sooner.
Apply nail polish to secure screws and prevent them from loosening.
Securing screws to objects can be difficult because they may become loose over time and fall out. This could cause the object to break apart, possibly resulting in financial losses. To keep screws from loosening, a very effective method is using nail polish. While it might seem unconventional, applying clear nail polish to the screw before inserting it into an object works as an adhesive, keeping the screw firmly in place for a long duration.
Utilize Hydrogen Peroxide to Eliminate Pests
Hydrogen peroxide is extremely versatile and valued by many. It can be used for activities like cleaning, unclogging drains, and more. It is also effective in getting rid of pests, as they are repelled by its components. Therefore, if pests are harming your garden, you might consider using hydrogen peroxide. The solution can be applied to both plants and soil, but it’s crucial to use a concentration of 3% or less. Using a higher concentration could harm your plants as well as the pests, which would negate the purpose.
Restore Burnt Pots with These Ingredients
If you’ve got burnt pots in your kitchen, it’s time to remove them. With this trick, you can restore them to their original state. The three magical items you’ll need for this are baking soda, foil, and the well-known hydrogen peroxide. First, apply 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 the foil and scrub the pot. Be sure to wash it once its appearance is restored.
Utilize Windex for Moving Large Appliances
Transporting large appliances is difficult. If lifting the heavy object isn’t possible, you’ll need to roll it on wheels. Unfortunately, this may result in scratches and dents on your flooring because many appliances come with poor-quality wheels. Fixing such damage can be costly and might require replacing affected tiles or floorboards. However, using Windex can help safeguard your floor. Just spray it on the route you intend to move the appliance along. Keep in mind not to apply this technique on wooden floors.
Line pots with filter paper.
If you own plants, you’re likely aware of the soil problem. Despite your best efforts, soil often leaks out from the bottom of the pot, necessitating regular cleaning of the area around it. If this issue is causing you frustration, there’s a simple solution. All you need is a coffee filter. Place a coffee filter inside the pot before adding soil. This will permit water to drain while keeping the soil contained, reducing the need for daily cleanup.
Easy Microwave Cleaning Tip
Cleaning ovens and microwaves can take a lot of time because particles often cling stubbornly to surfaces. This leads to hours of scrubbing to get them clean. However, using this trick, you can cut down the cleaning time to just a few minutes. Just mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a bowl and microwave it for at least 8 minutes. The steam from this mixture will loosen the grease and other particles. Then, when you wipe the appliance, the surfaces will become shiny in just a few minutes. Make sure to heat the solution in a microwave-safe container.
Advice for Dealing with Frozen Locks
During winter and snowy conditions, it is quite common for locks to freeze. The cold can lead to ice formation on the locks of your house, car, or other items. Fortunately, you don’t need to wait for hours for the ice to melt if you use the proper techniques. One way to de-ice a lock is by applying hand sanitizer to it, as the alcohol content will melt the ice in seconds. Additionally, you can warm your key before inserting it into the lock. Breathing on the lock’s surface is another method, although this will take a few minutes instead of seconds.
Utilize Windex to Repair Printer Cartridges
Printer cartridges are expensive nowadays. Moreover, some cartridges can become clogged. Usually, you might consider buying a new one in such a case. However, that’s not needed anymore. With this technique, you can unclog it in just a few seconds. Just apply some Windex on a paper towel, and then wipe the area of the cartridge where the ink is dispensed. Keep rubbing the bottom until you notice some ink marks on the towel. Make sure to use the paper towel while it’s still wet from the liquid.
Use bread to handle broken glass.
Whenever you shatter something made of glass, exercise caution around the fragments. Don’t handle them with bare hands, as it could result in serious injury. One effective way to clean up is by using bread. It might seem odd, but bread adheres to the glass shards efficiently. The best part is that it works well regardless of the shard size.
The next time you shatter glass, grab a piece of bread and give the method a try. We think you’ll be amazed by the outcome once you’ve finished cleaning up.
Eliminate Musty Odors from Your Washing Machine with This Method
Experts advise cleaning your washing machine at least once a month. Neglecting this can lead to a musty smell developing within the appliance, which could also make your clothes smell bad. To clean the machine, use a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and detergent. Put these ingredients in the drum and run the longest cycle at the hottest temperature. After cleaning, keep the machine door open for some time to enable air circulation, ensuring a fresh-smelling machine.
Use a Potato and Salt to Clean Cast Iron Pans
It is commonly understood that cast iron pans should not be cleaned with soap, as the chemicals in soap can diminish the pan’s non-stick qualities. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean you should leave your pan unwashed after each use. Instead, sprinkle some salt on the surface of the cast iron. Cut a potato in half and use the cut side to scrub the surface. This technique will assist in removing old food residues. After cleaning, apply some oil and heat the pan in the oven. Then, store the pan until you need it again.