There are quick, clever and cost-effective ways you can make your space more of a desirable place to come home to at the end of the day.
If you don't have the time (or the will) to improve your home, don't panic.
Here are 15 quick and clever home fixes that won't put a dent in your wallet or the weekend.
1. Squeaky Door Hinges
Spray a little WD-40 lubricant or petroleum jelly onto the hinges, moving the door back and forth until it eases up. Or you can also lift the hinge pins about halfway and specifically lubricate them before putting back in place.
2. Creaking Floor
Pour talcum powder in small amounts over the noisy area and sweep up the residue. Minimize creaks and squeaks by driving screws up from the bottom through the subfloor into the hardwood.
3. Peeling Wallpaper
Put wallpaper paste on a separate writing paper and rub it against the underside of the peeling section. Press the wallpaper against the wall, making sure to smooth away bubbles with a clean cloth.
4. Worn Caning
To tighten caning back up, use wet sponge to rub the underside and let dry slowly overnight. Repeat if necessary.
5. Dusty Chandelier
Wear a pair of white cotton gloves, making sure one is dry while the other is moistened with glass cleaner. Wipe first with the damp glove, and then wipe it again with the dry one.
6. Stained Tub
Use baking soda and cream tartar (equal parts) and mix it with lemon juice to make a paste. Rub it into the stain, let it sit for about an hour, and rinse off with water.
7. Stuck Sliding Windows
Grease the skids by spraying a little silicone spray lubricant onto it, and then wipe along the tracks.
8. Hard-to-Remove Decals
Use WD-40 lubricant to wet the decals and the surrounding areas. Let sit and then gently scrape away the decal with a soft knife. Degrease the tub with liquid dishwashing soap.
9. Slamming Door
Affix a few pieces of peel-and-stick foam weather stripping around the doorstop. Or wrap around the doorknobs on both sides a wide rubber band but don’t cover the latch. This will soften the slam of the door.
10. Hard-to-Remove Light Bulb
Press the center of duct tape (about a foot long) onto the bulb’s middle surface. Fold each loose end in half so it sticks onto itself. To loosen the bulb, give it a counterclockwise twist, gripping each end between your thumb and index finger.
11. Dry Cutting Board
Warm a bottle of pure mineral oil in a bowl of hot water. Wipe your board with oil. Let it sit for half a day then wipe off the excess.
12. Scuffed Linoleum
Using an eraser or a dry cloth, rub the spot with white toothpaste or spray with WD-40 lubricant. Let it sit for an hour and then degrease the area with liquid dishwashing soap and water.
13. Dirty Decanter
Combine a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap, two tablespoons of white vinegar, and a cup of uncooked rice. Fill the decanter halfway with the mixture and swirl it around for a few minutes. Rinse the residue off with hot water, and air-dry.
14. Stinky Sink
Dump half a cup of baking soda followed with a cup of vinegar. After it has been washed down the drain, pour hot water as well as ground citrusy fruit.
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