12 Super Easy Home Repair Hacks That Will Make You Look Like You Belong On HGTV
July 17, 2019
source: The Door Doctor / Reddit
Do you have a friend or family member who is just so handy? Well, you can be, too! All you need to do is learn some simple hacks for around the house that will make repairs smooth, quick, and inexpensive. The following hacks are designed to help out even the least handy of us!
1. Toothpaste For Nail Holes
Have a bunch of unsightly nail holes and no time to go out and buy putty? Don’t worry, just use some toothpaste! Dab some toothpaste on the hole, then wipe off the excess. Those drywall holes will be gone in no time.
2. Crayons For Nail Holes
Speaking of nail holes, if it’s not white walls you’re dealing with, you can use different-colored crayons to patch drywall holes. Just gently press the crayon to the hole and turn it a few times. The wax will fill in the hole.
3. Baby Powder For Creaky Floors
If your hardwood floors are squeaky and creaky, pour some baby powder over them. Then, use a toothbrush or other small bristle brush to nudge the powder in the cracks. When you’re done, sweep away the excess and your floors should be much quieter.
4. Mayonnaise For Wood Stains
If your wood table has one of those white rings from a hot dish being placed on it or a water stain, apply a generous amount of mayonnaise to the area. Cover the mayonnaise with saran wrap, then let it sit for about a day. When you wipe off the mayonnaise, the stain should be gone.
5. Baking Soda As Grout Cleaner
If your grout is looking a little filthy, make a paste using baking soda and water. Use a toothbrush to apply the paste to the grout, then let it sit for about half an hour. Afterwards, scrub the grout, then rinse off.
6. Vinegar For Clogged Shower Heads
If your shower head is clogged, use an elastic band to attach a bag full of distilled vinegar to the shower head. Let it sit overnight, and it should be back to full pressure again when you remove the bag.
7. Clear Nail Polish To Repair Screens
Similar to pantyhose rips, clear nail polish can work in a crunch to repair small rips and tears in screen doors and windows.
8. Rubber Bands For Stripped Screws
When trying to remove a stripped screw, place a rubber band over top of the screw before you press the screwdriver to it. This will help add some friction which will allow the screw to turn more easily.
9. Potato To Remove Broken Lightbulbs
If you want to safely remove a broken lightbulb, cut a potato in half, then use the inside part to press on to the broken glass. You’ll be able to unscrew the lightbulb while protecting yourself and your floor from broken glass. Just remember to switch off the electricity first!
10. WD-40 For A Jammed Lock
If you suspect your door lock is jammed, spray some WD-40 onto it before you go and call a locksmith. Much of the time, this will help to lubricate the locking mechanism and make it unstick.
11. Pull The String!
If you have an electric garage door opener and the power goes out, don’t panic. You’re not stuck after all! The cord (usually red) hanging from the top of the garage door disengages the chain so that you’ll be able to slide the door up and down yourself.
12. Find A Stud
If you don’t have a stud finder or aren’t sure if the “knocking technique” is working, just get out your measuring tape. Most studs are spaced 16 inches apart, so start in the corner of a room, then work your way over 16 inches at a time.