Owning a home is a challenging task. You need to always keep up with the maintenance. Not only that, but you have to ensure that everything works properly. Otherwise, you’ll face bigger and more challenging problems. Besides that, some home issues are easy to fix, yet an external worker costs a lot.
So if you want to save some money while having a perfect home, you’re in the right place. Here are 50 home repair tips and hacks that will make your life a breeze. Keeping these tips in mind will help you fix the issue in no time and without spending a dime.
Color Nail Holes with Crayons
Removing artwork and other items from walls can oftentimes be bothersome, primarily due to the residual hole left by the nail. Fixing such damage typically requires an expenditure. However, with this handy trick, you can mend the pit rapidly without the need for professionals. The process is simple: locate a crayon that matches your wall paint, press its tip against the hole, and rub in an up and down motion. This method camouflages the nail hole brilliantly, making it virtually invisible. The biggest perk is that it’s cost-free and not at all a drain on your time.
Clean Your Garbage Disposal with Ice
Garbage disposals are tricky to clean. But if you don’t maintain it properly, you will have to get a new one. That will burn a hole through your pocket as the tool is quite expensive. But fret not. With ice cubes, you can clean the disposal with ease. All you have to do is place some ice cubes in the machine and run it with cold water. As the ice melts and grinds, it will clean the disposal thoroughly, even the hard-to-reach areas. After cleaning, you can also add fruit peels to give a pleasant aroma or salt to eliminate any stinky smell.
Get Rid Of Stinky Garbage with Two Ingredients
No matter what, garbage cans always start to smell, even if you use them with a trash bag. One way to get rid of stinking trash permanently is to use bread and vinegar. All you have to do is take a piece of bread. Then apply vinegar on both sides. After that, place it at the bottom of your can for the whole night. The following day, when you replace the trash bags, you’ll notice that no smell forms. To prevent your can from becoming dirty because of the bread, place baking paper underneath it. This quick-fix will solve your problem permanently.
Make a Hole in Trash Can Liner for Suction
Here’s a useful tip for dealing with your trash can that will greatly simplify your life. You might have a trash can with a liner, and you know how tough it is to empty it without spilling the rubbish. If this problem sounds familiar, try this method out. Simply drill a hole in the side of your liner. It’s a quick fix for the suction problem and will make removing trash a lot less stressful. However, beware not to drill holes at the bottom to prevent potential leakage of any substances.
Use Tape for a Straight Caulk Edge
Caulk is the best material to fix various structures and prevent leaking. However, it is also quite tricky to use. Even when using it carefully, getting a straight edge is challenging. But with this tip, you’ll be able to achieve perfect edges with caulk. The only thing you require is some painter’s tape. These are readily available at all hardware shops. To get a straight edge, you should apply the tape on the wet caulk and then remove it. Make sure not to let the substance dry; otherwise, you’ll end up removing some dry caulk too. As a result, the line will be crooked.
Got A Broken Bulb? Use a Potato
Light bulbs often burn out and can break when you attempt to remove them. Also, dealing with a broken bulb can be challenging. Trying to handle it without the proper tools may lead to injuries. Fortunately, there’s a strategy you can use to safely manage such scenarios. Simply split a potato in two and use one half to unscrew the broken bulb. To do this, push the cut side of the potato onto the shattered glass and twist it counter-clockwise. Before you know it, the light bulb will be free and you’ll have avoided any harm to your hands.
Take Off Stripped Screws with Elastic Band
Stripped screws are one of the most challenging things to take off from a surface. While you can remove them with only a screwdriver, the process takes up time. That is why this method will help you if you don’t want to waste your time. The first thing you need to do is get a rubber band and screwdriver. Then place the band over the head with one hand and with the other hand, secure the screwdriver. After that, twist it to take off the stripped screw. The technique is effective because the elastic band offers the desired friction for easy removal.
Fix Nail Holes by Using Soap Bar
Using crayons to camouflage nail holes can work, but for white walls, there’s an even superior method that is easy and cost-free. All you require is a bar soap of an identical color. Then, using one of its corners, rub it over the defect. Make sure to rotate the soap in a counter-clockive direction. This method seals the hole so efficiently that quickly you won’t even remember it was there. However, be aware that the soap may occasionally leave behind a residue. If this happens, simply take a slightly moistened cloth to delicately wipe the area clean.
Use Baby Powder to Silence Noisy Floors
Wooden floorboards can become very annoying. With time some of them loosen up and produce a loud squeaky noise. This can disturb others and bother you as well. However, with some baby powder, you can silence the noisy boards forever. Just fill a squeeze bottle with some powder. Then pour it between the spaces of floorboards. To fill them correctly, you should keep a makeup brush with you. It will help you push the powder in the cracks without getting your hands dirty. And after you’re done, the noise will be gone completely. Keep in mind that the powder does not have to be necessarily a baby powder.
Use Iron to Repair Wood Dents
If you have wooden furniture or floors in your home, then you must learn this trick. With this method, you can get rid of dents on all types of wooden surfaces. The best part is that it will only take up few minutes of your time. Not only that, but it is an entirely safe technique and won’t damage your structure further. First, you need to wet the area that has the dent. While you water the dent, heat your clothing iron. Then place a wet cloth over the mark and iron it. Make sure to move the device in a circular path. In just a few minutes, the dent will go away.
Clean Colorings from Your Wall by Using WD-40
If you have kids, you must be aware of their habit to color whatever surface they find, whether it is a wall, floor, or any other structure. This can create trouble for you as writing from markers is hard to remove. But worry no more. With this hack, you’ll never have to repaint your wall. It has been tried and tested, so you can rely on it entirely. All you need to do is spray some WD-40 on the markings. The spray can remove colors, markers, crayons, and much more. However, keep in mind that this method does not work on oil-painted and matte walls.
Use Toilet Cleaning Liquid to Clean Grout
Grout can ruin the look of your floors. It gives off a dirty and grimy look to your home. The worst part is that it is easily noticeable. And if you host parties in your house, it will leave a negative impression on the guests. So if you have grout between your floor spacings, then it’s time to get rid of it. All you have to do is pour the toilet cleaning solution into the cracks. Then let the solution rest for at least fifteen minutes. After that, you should mop the floor with warm and clean water. And voila, the grout will be gone, and your floor will be shinier than ever.
Kool-Aid for Toilet Leaks
Nowadays, plumbers take quite a lot of money to diagnose toilet leaks. And if they do find one, they’ll charge you more to fix it. That is why you may prefer to resolve the issue yourself. However, if you work on a toilet on just suspicion, you’ll end up doing more damage. But worry no more. With this tip, you can confirm your doubt in just 20 cents. The only thing you require is a dark-colored Kool-Aid packet. After that, add the contents to the toilet tank by opening it. If, after thirty minutes, the color of water inside the toilet bowl changes, you have a leak.
Use Dishwasher Tablets for Oven Cleaning
Cleaning ovens after baking something takes up a lot of time. Especially, removing grease from the door requires quite the effort. But with this method, it will be a breeze. The key to cleaning oven doors is to use dishwasher tablets. They remove all the stains within no time. While using them, you should keep in mind to wear gloves. That is because the pills have bleach which can irritate your skin. Another thing you should remember is to wet the tablet before wiping the door. However, make sure not to soak it thoroughly. Otherwise, you won’t be able to clean properly.
Get Rid Of Stinky Sink with Lemon
The unpleasant odor originating from dirty dishes can often make the kitchen sink an unpleasant place to work around. To ensure your sink maintains a refreshing smell, it’s imperative to keep it free from any funky smells. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using lemon juice. Being citrus fruits, lemons have the ability to lend a delightful scent not only to your dishes but also to your sink. By combining lemon juice with hot water and pouring it into the sink drain, you’ll be able to give your sink a fresh smell. In no time, you’ll notice your sink emitting a pleasing fragrance.
The Perfect Bathtub Cleaning Hack
Bathtubs, especially white ones, tend to appear dirty in no time, even with daily rinsing with water. Soap scum and mildew often amass around the tub’s perimeters, causing it to lose its luster and appear aged over time. However, this cleaning tip can restore your bathroom to its pristine condition. All you require to spruce up your bathtub is some liquid dish soap and either a scrub or a broom. Begin the process by applying the soapy solution to the interior of the tub and spreading it with a broom. Allow the soap to sit on the tub’s surface for some time, and then rinse it off with warm water.
Use Kitchen Ingredients for Unclogging Drains
It’s incredibly aggravating dealing with blocked drains – you’re forced to wait for the water to slowly drain away, and then you’re left with the mess to clean up. If you’re utilizing chemicals to do this, it’s time to put a stop to it. Such products only cause damage to your drains and are an avoidable expense, given that you likely already have all the necessary items in your kitchen. All you need to dislodge the blockage in your drains is a combination of water, baking soda, and vinegar. Begin by pouring boiling water down the drain, followed by a half cup each of baking soda and vinegar. After ten minutes, rinse with water again, and voila, your drain should be clear.
Use Bleach to Clean Pipes
Continuous clogs in your drains are a signal that your pipes need some attention. You could hire a plumber, which will cost you, or you could use this simple solution to ensure your pipes are functioning correctly. All you need is some bleach. Initially, you need to pour a bit of bleach down your bathroom sink or your other drains. Allow the bleach to remain for minimum ten minutes before flushing it out with hot water. This will allow the bleach to work its way through the pipes and clean them efficiently. However, remember not to use this method regularly as bleach consists of potent chemicals.
The Tea Bag Hack for Unclean Dishes
It’s a curious fact that teabags can both tarnish your kitchenware and serve to clean them. This might sound strange, but it’s accurate. Teabags carry substances known as tannins, which contribute to the tea’s hue. Surprisingly enough, these same tannins can also effectively clean utensils. So, should you ever find yourself without any dish soap, there’s no need to fret. Simply add some hot water and a few used or fresh tea bags to your sink, then use this mixture to wash your items. The tannins should lift the grease with relative ease. You can also utilize this method to clean individual pots by filling them with a solution of water and tea bags.
Get Rid Of Static Dryer by Tin Foil
Many people use dryer sheets to dry clothes. But some of you may not prefer the method because of the static it produces. If you’re looking for an alternative to dryer sheets, then you’re in the right place. With this tip, you can dry your clothes promptly. You only have to roll some aluminum foil into a ball and throw it inside the dryer instead of the sheets. The foil will decrease the static electricity and also does not soften the clothes. Not to mention you can reuse the aluminum ball for at least two months which will help you save a lot.
Locate Studs with Measuring Tape
Locating studs on walls can be tricky if you don’t have the right tools. While you can buy a stud finder for your purpose, it will do some damage to your wallet. Meanwhile, if you have a measuring tape at home, it will cost you zero money to find studs. If you check the tape carefully, you’ll notice some red digits on it. These are given mainly to help people find studs. You just have to place the tape on the wall and mark the areas coinciding with red numbers. For surety, you can check one spot to see the accuracy of the tape.
Don’t Have A Funnel? Use Aluminum Foil
Funnels are one of the standard tools to transfer liquids to utensils with narrow openings. Of course, you can try to pour water without a funnel, but you’ll end up wasting some of it. That is why you need to know this technique if you don’t have a funnel. First, you should cut up an intermediate-sized piece of aluminum foil. Then roll it in such a way that its shape replicates a funnel. After that, you can place it between the opening and transfer liquids with ease. What’s so great about using a foil funnel is that it’s reusable and readily available.
Get Rid Of Rust by Using Foil
Aluminum foil is highly versatile and perfectly suitable for securing items and maintaining the temperature of food. It’s also great for tidying up surfaces, fabric, and much more. One remarkable way that foil can assist you is in removing rust. For example, if you possess chrome utensils or other similar products, it’s a quick way to rejuvenate their appearance. The process begins by washing the item’s surface with soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Immediately following this, twist some aluminum foil into a ball and scrub the affected area. The rust will be eliminated, restoring the item’s original condition.
Silence Slamming Doors with Cabinet Bumpers
When doors slam, they create a loud noise that can disturb the whole house. Not to mention it can give people an impression that you’re angry. So if you also hate slamming doors, then it’s time to silence them with this trick. All you need to do is get some cabinet bumpers and place them on the doors. They will cushion the impact and dampen the sound. This means you can close the doors with any force, yet they won’t create noise. You can even put the bumpers on drawers that slam when you shut them. With this method, you can have peace without spending a lot.
Use Magic Eraser to Clean Utensil Stains
Magic erasers are live up to their names. They can clean bathtubs, utensils, and much more. What’s so great about them is that they remove stains that even a dishwasher cannot. 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 the ones made from stainless steel. That is because it will damage the stainless-steel surface. For other materials, just rub it well on the dirty area, and it will do its magic. However, keep in mind to always wash the utensils after cleaning with the magic eraser.
Clean Wall Stains by Using Magic Eraser
If you have stains on the walls of your home, then you need a magic eraser immediately. Within few minutes, you can have clean surfaces. Just rub the walls with the eraser and then wipe them with a wet cloth. Another complex issue to tackle is the discoloration of walls. While you cannot prevent the process, you can still return the surface its charm. Again, use the magic eraser, and it will help you make your home shiny and clean. The great part is that you won’t have to repaint your walls, and the sponge is reusable. So it will be worth it.
Open Tight Containers by Using Tennis Balls
It demands substantial effort to pry open a tightly sealed lid, particularly if it’s affixed to a glass jar. The risk lies in the potential for the jar to slip out of your grasp and shatter, resulting in a time-consuming clean-up and potential injury from the shards of glass. To circumvent this predicament, here’s a useful technique to employ. Simply trim a section off a tennis ball in the form shown in the provided image. Once you’ve applied this method, you’ll marvel at the ease with which those stubborn containers yield.
Use Elastic Band to Prevent Door from Closing
If you have doors in your home that closes as soon as you leave the handle, you must be aware of the frustration it can cause. After all, you will have to open it again and again if you’re moving back and forth. For example, imagine you’re moving furniture into your room, but the door closes while you get each piece. Now you’ll have to keep everything down, then open the door and gather everything again. To avoid such a situation, all you need to do is loop the doorknobs using an elastic band. It will block the latch, and so the door won’t close.
Fix Tears by Nail Polish
Do you have window screens made of mesh material? If you do, you’re probably aware that they’re prone to rips and snags. Torn screens can allow pests and dust to infiltrate your home. Even the smallest of tears can become an entry point for numerous bugs that could potentially be a nuisance. A simple solution to mend the mesh is by applying clear nail polish. Think of it as serving the purpose of an adhesive, sealing the tear rapidly. This solution is effective only for minor rips but it’s quite a practical and immediate way to alleviate the situation.
Get Rid Of Carpet Dents Using Ice Cubes
We all love it when our home looks nice because of the decorations. And a critical piece of décor is carpet. It takes a lot of time to choose the right one for your home. That is why it is disappointing when dents appear on them. However, the problem is entirely preventable and doesn’t cost a dime. To get rid of carpet dents, you should place some ice cubes on them. Wait till the ice melts, and then soak up the water using paper towels or cloth. Then right after that, use a toothbrush to make the surfaces even.
Use Vinegar on Your Showerhead
We all love to take a quick steamy shower, but this can be an issue if the showerhead is old. That is because with time, mineral and grime deposits on the head. And this causes calcification, due to which the flow of water slows down. If you’re suffering from this problem, let us tell you that you no longer have to. With vinegar, you can revive the flow of the showerhead without damaging it. All you have to do is half-fill a plastic bag with vinegar and wrap it around the tool. Let the showerhead soak in the solution overnight. The
Install Pool Noodles in Your Congested Garage
Should your residence include a small garage, you’re likely familiar with the challenges associated with swinging car doors open. Exiting your vehicle might not present much of a issue, but frequent contact with the wall can lead to unsightly dents on the door. An effective workaround for this problem is the use of pool noodles. These are malleable structures that can be affixed to the garage walls, acting as a buffer between the wall and your car door. When you exit your vehicle, the car door will gently collide with the pool noodle rather than the hard wall surface. Thanks to their soft texture, they absorb the impact and prevent the formation of dents on your car door.
Use a Squeegee to Get Rid Of Pet Hair
Having a pet is an enjoyable experience as they are faithful and can alleviate feelings of solitude. Nevertheless, whether you own a dog, cat or any other pet, they share one common trait – shedding plenty of fur and hair. This isn’t much of an issue for hard surfaces, but it can be a challenge to remove from carpets. However, there’s a simple solution to this problem. Just get a squeegee. This device, equipped with a rubber blade, is incredibly effective at getting pet hair out of carpets. It’s a versatile tool as many individuals also use it for cleaning windows and floors.
The Right Way to Rotate Fans
Did you know that fans should rotate in different directions in winters and summers? The movement of rotation plays a crucial role in cutting down your utility bills. That is why it is essential to learn this trick. In winters, your fan should move in a clockwise direction and at a low speed. This will help the fan attract warm air and spread it around the room. Meanwhile, in summers, it should rotate in the opposite direction and speed. This will circulate cold air around the room and ensure that you don’t feel hot. Keep in mind that this option is available in recent fan models and not ones that are a decade old.
Get Rid Of Grouts with These Simple Ingredients
Many people think that grouts are permanent and cannot be removed. If you also believe this, you’re mistaken. Grouts can be easily tackled. Earlier, we told you to use toilet cleaning liquid for them. However, there is another better way to get rid of discolored and grimy-looking grouts. This one involves using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. The measurements for these substances are ¼, ½, and one teaspoon, respectively. Pour the mixture on the grouts and let it rest for a few minutes. After that, clean the surface with warm water and a broom.
Use Bubble Wraps on Windows in winters
Windows that are not tightly sealed can cause issues during the winter months, as they let in cold air and let out heated air. This often results in a cooler indoor temperature, even with a heater running. While professional window repair services can be expensive, a simple do-it-yourself solution is available. Simply dampen the glass with water and adhere sheets of bubble wrap to it. Though they may not enhance your house’s external appearance, they will provide an airlock to reduce temperature leakage.
Prevent Developing Of Clogged Drains
While you will find many ways to unclog drains on the internet, we have a method that will prevent them from happening in the first place. What’s so exciting is that it will cost you only a tiny amount. All you need to do is go on Amazon and purchase yourself a product called TubShroom (pictured). It goes in place of the sieve and prevents hair from going down the drain. The only thing you will have to do is clean the item from time to time. And that, of course, takes way less time than unclogging a drain.
Fix Noisy Doors and Cabinets with Cooking Spray
When you live in the same house for an extended period, you’ll inevitably come across noisy cabinets, floors, and doors. If you’re suffering because of such an issue, then we’re here to help you out. WD-40 and cooking sprays are the two items that you can use to silence the doors and cabinets. So grab whichever can you have and spray the hinges of the noisy objects. Within few seconds, the noise will go away, and you can be at ease. To prevent the spray from spreading on the cabinet, you can cut out a section of baking paper from in between. This will allow only to spray the hinges.
Spray Your Plant with Aspirin
Home repairing is not limited to objects inside the house only. Your garden is also an integral part of the house. And if it’s not pretty, people will get the wrong impression about you. That is why it is essential to take care of the plants at your premises. One way to improve the color and volume of your grass is by using aspirin. Just dissolve one tablet for each gallon of water and then spray the solution in moderate amounts every 2 or 4 weeks. Within some time, you’ll notice the positive results and wish that you knew this sooner.
Use Nail Polish to Prevent Loosening Of Screws
Securing screws onto items can often be challenging as they tend to become unfastened after a period, leading to potential disassembly of the object, which could result in financial loss. One simple yet unconventional remedy to prevent screws from detaching is using nail polish. This might sound unusual, yet it is incredibly efficient. All you need to do is apply a layer of clear nail polish onto the screw before inserting it into your desired object. The nail polish will function as an adhesive, guaranteeing the screw stays in position for an extended time.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Get Rid Of Pests
We all love hydrogen peroxide because of its flexibility. You can use it for cleaning, unclogging drains, and much more. The chemical is also great for getting rid of pests. The sneaky animals don’t love the components that it is made up of. That is why if pests are ruining your pretty garden, it’s time to spray hydrogen peroxide. You can apply the chemical to plants and the soil. However, keep in mind not to use a brand with more than 3% concentration. Otherwise, you’ll rid yourself of the plants as well as pests. And that, of course, would be counter-effective.
Revive Burnt Pots with These Ingredients
If you have burnt pots in your kitchen, it’s time to get them out. With this hack, you can restore them to their original look. The three magical things you’ll require for this task are baking soda, foil, and the famous hydrogen peroxide. First, you should apply baking powder to cover the burnt area entirely. Then spray a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. This will result in the formation of a paste-like mixture on the utensil. Let the paste sit for at least five to six hours. Then return to your kitchen with a foil and scrub the tool. Also, be sure to wash it after the appearance is restored.
Use Windex to Transport Bulky Appliances
Moving around bulky appliances is a tough task. You cannot pick up the heavy item, so you have to slide it using the wheels. As a result, the appliance can leave scuff marks and dents on your floor. That is because most devices come with low-quality tires. And fixing that will be costly as you’ll have to change all the tiles or floorboards. But with Windex, you can prevent your floor from damage. Just apply the liquid on the path that you’ll be using to transport the appliance. However, keep in mind not to use this trick for wooden floors.
Use Filter Paper to Line Pots
If you’re a plant keeper, then you must be aware of the soil issue. No matter what you do, the dirt leaks out from the bottom of the pot. As a result, you have to clean the area quite frequently. If you’re miserable because of this issue, it’s time to get rid of the problem. The only thing you require to tackle the issue is coffee filters. Before adding soil, you should place a coffee filter paper inside the pot. This will allow the water to drain away but at the same time prevents dirt from getting out. So you will have no mess to clean every day.
Quick Microwave Cleaning Hack
Scrubbing ovens and microwaves can be a hugely time-consuming task due to the stubborn particles that adhere to the surfaces. However, employing this tip can reduce your cleaning time considerably. Combine equal amounts of water and vinegar in a bowl, and heat this mixture in the microwave for around 8 minutes. The steam generated by this solution will soften any grease or debris, meaning they can be wiped off far more easily, resulting in a sparkling clean appliance in just a few minutes. Always remember to use a container safe for microwaving when performing this trick.
Tips to Tackle Frozen Locks
Freezing of locks is quite common in winters and snowy weather. Due to the cold, icicles can form on the lock of your house, car, or other objects. But the good thing is you don’t have to wait hours for the ice to melt. That is, of course, if you are using the proper techniques. One way to de-ice a lock is to apply hand sanitizer on it. The alcohol will melt the ice within seconds. Besides that, you can warm your key and then place it in the lock. You can even breathe air on the surface, but that will take few minutes rather than seconds.
Use Windex to Fix Printer Cartridges
Nowadays, printer cartridges are pretty expensive. Not only that but some of them can clog too. In such a case, your instinct would be to buy a new one. But you don’t have to do that anymore. With this trick, you can unclog the cartridge in few seconds. Just apply some Windex on a paper towel. Then wipe the surface of the cartridge from where ink is released. You should continue rubbing the bottom until some lines of ink appear on the towel. Keep in mind to use the paper towel while it is still wet from the liquid.
Use Bread for Handling Broken Glass
Whenever you break something made up of glass, always maintain care around the shattered pieces. And don’t try to pick them up with bare hands, or you’ll end up with a severe injury. One of the safest ways to clean the mess is by using bread. No, we’re not kidding. Bread attaches to the shards of glass easily. The best part is that the size of pieces does not matter as the item is effective equally for all sizes. So
Get Rid Of Moldy Washing Machine Smell with This Technique
Specialists recommend cleaning your washing machine at least monthly. Neglecting this could lead to a persistently musty scent emanating from the machine, resulting in your clothes carrying this undesirable fragrance as well. The recipe for a properly cleaned washing machine includes vinegar, baking soda, and soap. Add these three ingredients into the machine’s drum before you embark on running the longest, hottest cycle. Following the cleaning process, it’s suggested to keep the machine door open for a while to allow airflow, which ultimately results in the machine being left with a clean and fresh aroma.
Clean Cast Iron Pans with Potato and Salt
The undisputed fact is that you must not clean cast iron pans using soap. The soap’s chemical compounds interfere with the pan’s ability to prevent food from adhering to its surface. However, this shouldn’t be a reason to keep your pan uncleaned after use. Instead, scatter some salt on the cast iron’s surface, slice a potato into two, and use the half without the skin to scrub the surface. This method assists in eliminating leftover food particles. Once clean, lubricate it with some oil and warm it in an oven before stowing the pan away for future use.