Homeownership is a great investment but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming at times. A busy family can create a lot of wear and tear from constant use. So how do you protect what is probably your largest investment? Home Services by The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio has a team of experienced craftspeople who enjoy sharing their home maintenance knowledge. Read on to learn how you can complete easy home repairs, even if you’re not handy!
10 tips & tricks for fixing your home – no tools required!
- Remove marker or crayon off walls. If you’re a parent of small children who love to draw, then this tip is for you! First determine whether the paint on your walls is matte or has a sheen. For matte paint it’s best to use a Magic Eraser but if there’s a sheen then spray a bit of WD-40 on a clean cloth and easily wipe off any markings.
- Unclog a slow draining sink, bathtub or shower. You can use common household ingredients to unclog most drains. First boil water and pour it down the problem drain. Second, separately measure 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of white vinegar and pour them each down the drain. After 10 minutes has gone by follow with more boiling water.
- Remove a broken light bulb. If you’re replacing a light bulb and it breaks while removing it from the socket, you can remove it safely with a potato. Yep! Take a firm potato and cut it in half. Using the soft cut side push it into the broken bulb until the glass is fully inserted. Slowly turn the potato (lefty loosey) until the bulb is out of the socket.
- Fix a hole in a screen. You can quickly (and cheaply) repair a small hole in your window or door screen with clear nail polish. Once dry it acts like glue!
- Patch nail holes with a bar of soap or crayon. If you have a surface with nail holes you want to hide try this easy hack. Choose a crayon that closely matches the surface color. Rub it over the hole with firm pressure. The waxy consistency will fill the opening. Or instead of a crayon, you can use a bar of soap! Take a basic bar of white soap and slowly rub it over the hole in a counterclockwise motion. You can use a warm wet cloth to remove any residue left on the wall.
- Fix a squeaky door or cabinet. Did you use all the WD-40 cleaning your walls? If the hinges on your doors or cabinets are squeaking and getting on your nerves use cooking spray. Spray a little on the hinges for a quick lube.
- Remove water stains. If you’ve recently had a water leak in your home that left an unsightly stain on your ceiling or wall, do this before painting. Mix a solution of 1 cup of bleach with 3 cups of warm water and apply to the stain. It will remove any mildew, grease or dirt and will help the new paint to properly adhere to the surface.
- Loosen a sticky key. Moisture and weather can sometimes wreak havoc on exterior lock mechanisms. If you have a key that sticks when inserted into a lock, try rubbing a graphite pencil over the grooves a few times. It will create a natural lubricant making it easier into and out of the lock.
- Fix a clogged showerhead. Mineral deposits and other grime can accumulate over time and restrict the amount of water flowing from your showerhead. Soak the showerhead overnight in white vinegar. Rinse and repeat the process as many times as needed.
- Keep your garbage disposal clean. Fill the disposal with ice by pushing them down the drain. Turn on the disposal and allow it to run for a bit. The broken down ice will remove excess food and waster. Afterwards pour hot water and lemon down the drain for extra freshness.
Were you surprised by the number of things you can easily fix around the house in little time and with common household products? Fixing little things here and there yourself can really make a difference in the care and maintenance of your home, and in some cases, avoid costly repairs.
If you need professional help to maintain your home, please give us a call at 614-459-4000. We will do our best to connect you with referrals of industry experts who can help. When you have a small home renovation project you’re ready to discuss, visit our website to schedule a consult!