Owning a home is a challenging responsibility. You must always keep up with maintenance and ensure that everything is working properly. If you don’t, you’ll face bigger and more complicated problems. Moreover, while some home issues are easy to fix, hiring external help can be costly.
Therefore, if you wish to save some money while keeping your home in good shape, you’re in the right place. Here are 50 home repair tips and tricks that will make your life easier. Remembering these tips will help you address issues promptly without spending any money.
Use Crayons to Fill Nail Holes
Taking down paintings and objects from walls can be a hassle since nails leave behind holes. Repairing these holes typically incurs expense. Yet, with this simple trick, you can easily fix the hole by yourself. Just locate a crayon that matches your wall’s color, press its tip into the hole, and rub it around. By coloring over the area, the nail hole will become unnoticeable. The greatest advantage is that it saves money and is quick to do.
Use Ice to Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Maintaining garbage disposals can be difficult, but failing to do so may result in purchasing a new one, which can be expensive. Fortunately, cleaning the disposal can be done effortlessly with ice cubes. Just insert some ice cubes into the disposal and operate it using cold water. The melting and grinding of the ice will effectively clean the disposal, even in hard-to-reach areas. Afterward, for a pleasant fragrance, you can add fruit peels or use salt to eliminate any bad odors.
Eliminate Foul Garbage Odor Using Two Ingredients
Trash cans often become smelly, even when trash bags are used. To permanently remove these odors, you can use bread and vinegar. Just take a slice of bread and soak both sides in vinegar. Put it at the bottom of the trash can and leave it there overnight. When you change the trash bags the next day, there will be no unpleasant smell. To prevent the bread from dirtying the can, place a sheet of baking paper underneath it. This easy solution will permanently address the issue.
Create an Opening in the Garbage Bag for Airflow
Here’s another helpful tip for managing your trash can. Many have liners, and you might find it tricky to remove the trash without spilling. If this sounds like your issue, try this method: drill a hole on the side of your liner. This will address the suction problem and make it simpler to take out the trash. Just be cautious not to drill holes at the bottom, as that could lead to leaks.
Use Tape to Achieve a Straight Caulk Line
Caulk is the perfect material for fixing different structures and stopping leaks, but it can be tricky to use. It is often difficult to achieve a straight edge, even with careful application. With this tip, you can make perfect edges using caulk. All you need is some painter’s tape, which you can easily find at any hardware store. To get a straight edge, apply the tape to the wet caulk and then remove it. Make sure the caulk doesn’t dry before you remove the tape, as this could pull off some of the dry caulk and create an uneven line.
Have a Broken Bulb? Try Using a Potato
Light bulbs often burn out, and when you try to take them out, they sometimes break. Additionally, if a bulb breaks, you’re faced with the difficult task of removing it. Trying to do this with your bare hands can lead to injury. That’s why this method will be useful if you find yourself in this situation. All you need to do is cut a potato in half and use one half to twist the bulb out. First, press the fleshy side of the potato into the broken glass. Then, turn it counterclockwise. And just like that, the bulb will come out easily, and your hands will stay safe.
Remove Stripped Screws Using an Elastic Band
It can be challenging to remove stripped screws. While it’s possible to do it solely with a screwdriver, it can be very time-consuming. Here’s an approach that can help you save time. Start by getting a rubber band and a screwdriver. Lay the rubber band across the head of the screw, then grip the screwdriver. Turn the screwdriver to take out the stripped screw. The rubber band adds the required friction, facilitating the screw’s removal.
Use a Soap Bar to Repair Nail Holes
While using crayons to fill nail holes works, there’s a more effective technique for white walls. You can repair the hole at no cost by using a bar of soap in the same color. Rub one of the soap’s edges over the mark in a counterclockwise motion. This will conceal the hole so effectively that you’ll soon forget it was there. However, be aware that soap might leave a residue. To fix this, gently wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
Apply baby powder to quiet squeaky floors.
Wooden floorboards can sometimes be annoying. As time goes by, some may become loose and produce a loud squeak, which can disturb others and irritate you. However, you can get rid of the noise from the boards permanently by using some baby powder. Just fill a squeeze bottle with powder and pour it into the spaces between the floorboards. To make sure it fills the gaps properly, use a makeup brush to push the powder into the cracks without getting your hands dirty. After 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 floors in your home, you should know this trick. Using this method, you can eliminate dents from all kinds of wooden surfaces. The greatest thing is that it only requires a few minutes. Furthermore, it’s an entirely safe technique that won’t cause additional damage. Start by wetting the area with the dent. While doing this, heat your clothing iron. Then, place a damp cloth over the dent and apply the iron to it. Ensure you 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 tend to color on any surface they encounter, such as walls or floors. This can be problematic because marker stains are hard to remove. But don’t worry, with this trick, there’s no need to repaint your wall. It’s been proven to work, 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, note that this method doesn’t work on oil-painted and matte walls.
Clean grout using toilet cleaning liquid.
Grout can spoil the look of your floors by making your home appear dirty and grimy. The worst part is that it is quite noticeable, and if you host gatherings, it can leave a bad impression on your guests. 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 crevices, let it sit for at least fifteen minutes, and then mop the floor with warm, clean water. Voilà, the grout will be gone, and your floor will look shinier than ever.
Kool-Aid to Fix Toilet Leaks
Today, plumbers demand substantial fees to diagnose toilet leaks, and if a leak is found, the cost to repair it is even higher. This might encourage you to tackle the problem yourself. However, attempting to fix a toilet based solely on a hunch could result in further damage. But there’s no need to fret; with this simple trick, you can verify your suspicion for just 20 cents. All it takes is a packet of dark-colored Kool-Aid. Open the toilet tank and pour in the contents. If the water in the toilet bowl changes color after thirty minutes, it indicates a leak.
Utilize dishwasher tablets to clean the oven.
After baking, cleaning ovens can take a lot of time, especially when dealing with the grease on the door. However, using this method can make the task much simpler. The key to cleaning oven doors is using dishwasher tablets, which quickly eliminate all stains. Remember to wear gloves while using them since the tablets contain bleach that might irritate your skin. Additionally, make the tablet wet before using it to wipe the door, but avoid soaking it entirely, as this will hinder effective cleaning.
Eliminate Unpleasant Sink Odors with Lemon
Sometimes, dirty dishes can cause the kitchen sink to have an unpleasant smell, making it challenging to work nearby. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your sink has a fresh scent. The best method for achieving this is by using lemon juice. As citrus fruits, lemons provide a refreshing fragrance not only to dishes but also to sinks. To make your sink smell fresh, combine lemon juice with boiling water and pour it down the drain. In just a few minutes, your sink will have a pleasant aroma.
The Ultimate Bathtub Cleaning Trick
White bathtubs can get dirty fast, 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. You’ll need liquid dish soap and a scrub brush or broom to clean the bathtub. Start by pouring the soap into the tub and spreading it with the broom. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
Utilize Common Kitchen Items to Clear Drains
Blocked drains can be extremely annoying. First, you must wait for the water to go down, and then deal with the leftover mess. If you’re using chemicals to deal with this, it’s time to quit. They can harm the drain and are a needless cost, particularly since you probably have all the needed ingredients in your kitchen. To clear drains, use water, baking soda, and vinegar. Begin by pouring hot water down the drain. Then add half a cup of baking soda and vinegar. Lastly, pour more water after ten minutes, and the drain should be unclogged.
Utilize Bleach for Pipe Cleaning
If your drains frequently get blocked, it suggests your pipes require maintenance. You can either call a plumber and cover the cost of their services, or you can try this quick fix to keep your pipes in good condition. The best part is you’ll only need bleach for this approach. Begin by pouring some bleach down your bathtub or other drains. Let it sit for at least ten minutes, then rinse it away with hot water. This will help clean the pipes effectively. However, be mindful not to use this method too frequently, as bleach contains strong chemicals.
The Tea Bag Trick for Dirty Dishes
It’s ironic that teabags can both stain and clean your utensils. It seems odd, but it’s true. Teabags have chemicals called tannins that give tea its color. Tannins can also help clean dishes. So if you ever run out of dish soap, don’t panic. Simply fill your sink with hot water and add used or unused teabags. Use that water to scrub your dishes. The tannins will help you easily get rid of grease. You can even clean individual pots by filling them with water and teabags.
Eliminate Static in the Dryer Using Tin Foil
Many individuals use dryer sheets when drying their clothes, but some may dislike them because of the static they produce. If you’re looking for an alternative, you’re in the right place. With this suggestion, you can effectively dry your clothes. Just roll some aluminum foil into a ball and place it in the dryer instead of using sheets. The foil decreases static electricity and doesn’t soften the clothes. Additionally, you can reuse the aluminum ball for at least two months, which helps save money.
Find Studs Using a Measuring Tape
Locating studs in walls can be difficult without the right tools. While buying a stud finder is an option, it may be costly. However, if you have a measuring tape at home, you can find studs for free. By examining the tape carefully, you’ll notice some red numbers. These numbers are meant to help you locate studs. Just place the tape on the wall and mark the points that match the red numbers. To ensure precision, you can confirm one spot by double-checking.
No Funnel? Use Aluminum Foil
Funnels are often used to help pour liquids into containers with narrow openings. If you try to pour water without one, you might end up spilling. Therefore, it’s handy to know this technique in case you don’t have a funnel. Take a medium piece of aluminum foil and roll it into a funnel shape. Place it at the opening, and you’ll be able to pour liquids smoothly. A foil funnel is advantageous because it can be reused and is readily available.
Use foil to remove rust.
Aluminum foil is extremely versatile. It’s perfect for wrapping things and keeping food warm. Moreover, it’s useful for cleaning surfaces, clothes, and other items. One issue it can help address is rust removal. If you have chrome utensils or other items, 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 spot. The rust will come off, making your item look brand new.
Quietly Close Doors with Cabinet Bumpers
When doors slam shut, they create a loud noise that can disturb everyone in the house. It might also give the impression that you’re angry. If you’re not a fan of slamming doors, you can use this simple trick to make them quieter. Just get some cabinet bumpers to attach to the doors. These will cushion the impact and lessen the noise. You’ll be able to close the doors firmly without making any noise. You can also put these bumpers on drawers that are noisy when closed. This allows you to keep things quiet without spending much.
Utilize a magic eraser to remove stains from utensils.
Magic erasers truly live up to their name. They are capable of cleaning bathtubs, utensils, and much more. What’s impressive about them is their ability to remove stains that even a dishwasher can’t tackle. So if you have stained utensils at home, it’s time to collect and clean them. The eraser can remove marks and discoloration from all items except those made of stainless steel, as it may harm the surface. For other materials, just rub it thoroughly on the dirty area, and it will work its wonder. However, always remember to wash the utensils after using the magic eraser.
Use a Magic Eraser to Remove Wall Stains
If your home’s walls are stained, you should get a magic eraser as soon as possible. In only a few minutes, your surfaces can be clean. Just rub the walls with the eraser and then wipe them with a damp cloth. Another difficult issue is wall discoloration. Although you can’t prevent it, you can restore the surface’s appearance. Again, use the magic eraser to make your home look bright and clean. The best part is you won’t have to repaint your walls, and the sponge can be used repeatedly, making it a great investment.
Use Tennis Balls to Open Tight Containers
Opening tight lids demands a significant amount of effort, and having a strong grip is crucial, especially with glass jars, as they might slip from your hand and break. Cleaning up would take a long time, and there’s also a risk of injury from the broken glass. To prevent these incidents, you can use this trick. Just take a tennis ball and cut it according to the shape shown in the picture above. You’ll be surprised at how effortlessly it helps to open tightly sealed containers.
Utilize an Elastic Band to Keep the Door from Shutting
If your house has doors that shut as soon as you release the handle, you’re probably used to the annoyance this causes. You need to keep reopening the door when moving back and forth. For example, if you’re moving furniture into your room, the door closes every time you carry in an item. You’ll have to put everything down, open the door, and then pick everything up again. To prevent this, you can easily loop an elastic band around the doorknobs, which will hold the latch and stop the door from closing.
Repair Tears with Nail Polish
If your windows have mesh screens, you’re probably aware that they can tear relatively easily. When this happens, it allows bugs and dust to access your home. Even a minor tear can serve as an entry point for various creepy crawlies, some of which might be quite troublesome. To prevent this, you can fix the mesh with nail polish. Make sure to use a clear color; it acts like glue and will quickly repair the hole. This solution is only effective for small tears, but it’s quite handy and will provide immediate reassurance.
Remove Carpet Dents with Ice Cubes
We all appreciate when our home looks attractive because of the decorations, and a major component of décor is the carpet. Choosing the right one for your home can take a lot of time. Therefore, it’s annoying when dents show up on them. Luckily, you can completely prevent this issue without any cost. To remove carpet dents, place ice cubes on them. Wait for the ice to melt, then soak up the water with paper towels or cloth. Right after that, use a toothbrush to smooth out the surfaces.
Apply Vinegar to Your Showerhead
Many people love taking a quick hot shower, but an old showerhead can cause problems. Over time, mineral deposits and grime build up on the showerhead, leading to calcification and reduced water flow. If you’re dealing with this, don’t worry, there’s a solution. Vinegar can be used to restore the showerhead’s flow safely. Just fill a plastic bag halfway with vinegar, secure it around the showerhead, and let it soak overnight.
Place Pool Noodles in Your Crowded Garage
If you have a small garage at home, you’re probably familiar with the issues of opening car doors in tight spaces. While getting out of the car might not be a challenge, repeatedly bumping the doors against the wall can lead to dents. An easy solution is to use pool noodles. These soft paddings can be fixed to the walls, so when you exit your car, the door hits the pool noodle rather than the wall. Since they are soft, they absorb the impact and help prevent dents on your car.
Utilize a Squeegee to Remove Pet Hair
Adopting a pet is enjoyable 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 a problem, removing pet hair from the carpet can be difficult. Fortunately, with this tip, 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 should turn in different directions for winter and summer? The way they rotate can greatly affect your energy costs, so it’s an important tip to remember. In the winter, the fan should turn 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 higher speed to move cool air and keep you comfortable. Keep in mind that this functionality is found in newer fan models, not in those older than ten years.
Remove Grout Stains with These Simple Ingredients
Many people believe that grout is permanent and can’t be removed, but this is incorrect. Grout can be managed easily. While we have previously recommended using toilet cleaning liquid, there’s an even more effective method to remove discolored and dirty grout. This involves a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. Combine ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide, ½ cup of baking soda, and one teaspoon of dish soap. Pour this mixture onto the grout and let it sit for a few minutes. Afterward, clean the area with warm water and a brush.
Apply bubble wrap to windows during the winter.
Loose windows can be problematic in winter because they allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape. As a result, you might still feel cold despite having the heater on. While getting windows professionally repaired can be costly, here is a DIY fix. Just moisten the window with water and apply bubble wrap sheets to it. These will adhere to the glass and prevent air from passing through. However, keep in mind that this might not look attractive from outside your house.
Prevent the Formation of Clogged Drains
There are many methods online for unclogging drains, but we have a way to stop clogs before they start. The best part is, it’s cost-effective. Just buy a product called TubShroom on Amazon (pictured here). It serves as a drain catcher and prevents hair from entering the drain. You simply need to 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 been residing in the same house for an extended period, you’ll likely run into noisy cabinets, floors, and doors. We’re here to help if you’re facing this problem. You can use WD-40 or cooking sprays to silence the doors and cabinets. Just take whichever one you have and spray it on the hinges of the noisy items. The noise should vanish within seconds, providing you with some relief. To prevent the spray from getting on the cabinet, you can cut a piece of baking paper to place in between, enabling you to spray only the hinges.
Apply Aspirin to Your Plant
Home repairs don’t only apply to the interior of the house. Your garden is also an essential aspect of your home, and if it doesn’t look appealing, it could give others the wrong impression of you. Thus, it’s important to care for the plants in your yard. A great way to improve your lawn’s color and density is by using aspirin. Just dissolve one tablet in a gallon of water and spray the mixture in small amounts every 2 to 4 weeks. Over time, you’ll notice the advantages and wish you had known about this tip sooner.
Apply nail polish to secure screws and prevent them from loosening.
Attaching screws to objects can be difficult because they may become loose and fall out over time. This can result in the object coming apart, potentially causing financial loss. To prevent screws from loosening, using nail polish is a very effective solution. Even though it might seem like an unusual method, applying clear nail polish to the screw before driving it into an object acts as an adhesive, helping to keep the screw firmly in place for a long time.
Utilize Hydrogen Peroxide to Eliminate Pests
Hydrogen peroxide is very versatile and valued by many. It can be used for tasks like cleaning and unclogging drains, among others. It’s also effective in getting rid of pests, as they are repelled by its ingredients. So, if pests are harming your garden, you might think about using hydrogen peroxide. The solution can be applied to both plants and soil, but it’s crucial to make sure you use a concentration of 3% or lower. Using a higher concentration could damage your plants as well as the pests, which would defeat the purpose.
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 restore them to their original condition. The three magical items you’ll need for this task are baking soda, foil, and hydrogen peroxide. First, apply baking soda to fully cover the burnt area. Then, spray a little hydrogen peroxide. This will form 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 pot. Be sure to wash it once it looks restored.
Utilize Windex for Moving Large Appliances
Transporting heavy appliances can be difficult. Since lifting the heavy item isn’t an option, you’ll need to slide it using wheels. As a result, the appliance might cause scuff marks and dents on your floor. This occurs because many appliances have low-quality wheels. Fixing this can be costly, as you might have to replace all the tiles or floorboards. However, with Windex, you can prevent floor damage. Just spray the liquid along the path where you intend to move the appliance. Be cautious not to use this technique on wooden floors.
Line pots with filter paper.
As a plant owner, you might be aware of the soil problem. Regardless of your efforts, soil often leaks out from the bottom of the pot, necessitating regular cleaning around the area. If this issue bothers you, it’s time for a solution. Simply use a coffee filter. Place the coffee filter inside the pot before adding soil. It will let water drain while preventing the soil from escaping, reducing the need for constant cleanup.
Easy Microwave Cleaning Tip
Cleaning ovens and microwaves can take a lot of time since particles often adhere tightly to the surfaces. This often results in spending hours scrubbing to get them completely clean. However, with this trick, you can cut down the cleaning time to just a few minutes. Just mix equal portions of water and vinegar in a bowl and heat it in the microwave for at least 8 minutes. The steam generated by the solution will loosen the grease and other particles. As a result, when you wipe the appliance, the surfaces will begin to shine 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, locks freezing is a frequent occurrence. The cold can lead to ice forming on the locks of your house, car, or other items. Luckily, you don’t need to wait for the ice to melt for hours if you employ the right methods. One way to de-ice a lock is to apply hand sanitizer, as the alcohol will melt the ice in seconds. Additionally, you can warm your key before inserting it into the lock. You can also breathe on the lock’s surface, though this method will take a few minutes instead of seconds.
Utilize Windex to Repair Printer Cartridges
Printer cartridges have become quite expensive recently. Furthermore, some of them can become clogged. Usually, one might consider buying a new one in such cases. However, that’s not necessary anymore. Using this method, you can clear the clog in just a few seconds. Just put some Windex on a paper towel and wipe the area of the cartridge from which the ink is released. Keep rubbing the bottom until you see some ink lines on the towel. Make sure to use the paper towel while it’s still wet with the liquid.
Use bread to handle broken glass.
When you accidentally break a glass object, be very careful around the shattered fragments. Do not use your bare hands to remove them, as you risk injuring yourself. A surprisingly effective way to clean up is by using bread. Although it sounds unusual, bread adheres well to the glass bits. The bonus is that it efficiently picks up pieces of any size. So
Next time you break glass, grab a piece of bread and try the method. We think you’ll be impressed with the results after cleaning up.
Eliminate Musty Odors from Your Washing Machine with This Method
Specialists advise cleaning your washing machine once a month. Failing to do so may lead to a musty smell forming inside the appliance, which can also make your clothes smell bad. To clean the machine, combine vinegar, baking soda, and detergent. Add these ingredients to the drum and run the longest cycle on the hottest setting. After cleaning, keep the machine’s door open for a while to allow air to circulate, leaving you with a pleasantly scented appliance.
Use a Potato and Salt to Clean Cast Iron Pans
It’s widely recognized that cast iron pans shouldn’t be cleaned with soap, as the chemicals in soap can diminish the pan’s non-stick characteristics. However, this doesn’t imply that your pan should be left uncleaned after each use. Instead, sprinkle some salt on the surface of the cast iron. Cut a potato in half and utilize the cut side to scrub the surface. This technique will assist in removing old food residues. Once cleaned, apply some oil and heat the pan in the oven. After that, you can store the pan until it’s needed again.