QUICK HOME REPAIR, REMEDIES AND MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR HOME OWNERS

 

Quick Home Repair, Remedies, and Maintenance Tips For Home Owners
Some of the easiest home repairs are simple tricks that can solve a problem in a matter of a few minutes.
Keeping your home properly maintained will not only save you money by increasing the longevity of your appliances and existing structures, but it will also help you become more energy-efficient and save money on your utility bills.
(Some info courtesy of “the delite and money crashers”)

Hi Everybody, I’m Chris Town owner of Town Construction and Development here again with some cool home ideas and solutions for you. Some ideas you probably know about already and some you may not be aware of. But if you can save some time, save a buck or two like me, and avoid using harmful chemicals, is it worth it, yes?

Ant and Fly Killer:
One of my own inventions I have been using that is environmentally friendly, cost virtually nothing, and safe around young kids and pets. Use white vinegar, dish soap, 20 drops of lemongrass essential oil, and a clean spray bottle.
1: One cup white vinegar
2: 1/2 cup dish soap
3: 20 drops of lemongrass essential oil (Special good for disabling flies)

Use Common Household Ingredients To Unclog A Drain:
1: A slow-draining sink, bathtub, or shower is frustrating. Not only do you have to wait for the water to drain, but you’re left with a residue to clean up. Who wants that?
If you don’t want to use harsh chemicals to unclog your drain — or don’t have any on hand — you can follow the following DIY remedy: First, boil water and pour it down the drain. Then, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain (some DIYers recommend mixing in a 1/4 cup of salt) followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then flush again with hot water from the tap.
2: Take three Alka-seltzer tablets and drop them into the drain with a cup of white vinegar. Let the two components work its magic for fifteen minutes then add boiling water to the clogged drain and the drain will rid itself of clogged up hair, grease, and any other creepy things that found its way in there.


Use Cooking Spray To Fix A Squeaky Door Or Cabinet:
If you don’t have a can of WD-40 handy, no need to fret. Cooking spray will also work wonders on those squeaky doors or cabinets. Spray just a little on the hinges, and you should be squeak-free in no time.

Paint Screws With Clear Nail Polish To Prevent Them From Coming Loose:
It’s amazing what a thin coat of nail polish can do! By painting a screw with nail polish, which acts like glue, it is more likely to stay in place.

Use Crayons To Fill In Nail Holes:
Choose a crayon that closely matches the color of the wall you’re repairing. With firm pressure, rub the crayon over the nail hole.

Unscrew A Broken Lightbulb With A Potato:
Have you ever broken a light bulb while it’s still in the socket? If so, you know how frustrating it can be to remove it. But, you can use a potato to get it out without cutting your fingers.
Cut the potato in half, push the soft side into the broken bulb and turn it counterclockwise until the broken glass is embedded into the potato. Don’t forget to turn off the power and put on protective gloves before you attempt this hack!

Give Your Shower Head A White Vinegar “Bath”:
Remove mineral deposits and other grime from your shower head by simply soaking it overnight in white vinegar.

Leaky Faucets:
The main cause of leaky faucets is worn out washers. The washers inside of the faucet handles are rubber and tend to wear out quickly. Replace them by turning off the main water supply, unscrewing the leaky handle that controls the flow of water to the spout, removing the old washer, and dropping in the new one.

Refrigerator doors:
The main component of your refrigerator that should get your attention is the door seals. Keeping your door seals tight will reduce the amount of energy it takes to keep your food cool or frozen, but will also keep your refrigerator working efficiently, preventing premature wear on internal parts.
To test the door seals, close the door on a dollar bill and attempt to pull it out with the door closed. If you cannot easily pull the dollar bill out from the door, your seals are in good shape. However, if the bill slides out without much resistance, it’s time to replace the seals. You can purchase new seals from any home repair outlet store.

Drafty Windows:
Drafty windows are a major culprit of high energy bills in the summer and winter months. Periodically check the condition of the caulk line that holds your windows in place. If the caulk appears to be dry, cracked, or otherwise weathered, remove the old caulk with a box cutter or other sharp knife and run a new bead of caulk along the seam.

For added utility bill savings, you can further insulate your window by applying an insulating window film over the glass. These methods cost much less than the price of replacing your windows and implementing green energy technologies in your home. I like the idea of using “bubble wrap”, you know that stuff for wrapping objects for shipping. I use it for my basement windows and areas kinda unseen by any Guests. It helps keep the heat in your home and absorbs the sunlight as well.

All solutions for home -living have some advantages and disadvantages…
“There are no perfect solutions out there, only the ones that are perfect for you.”

Hi Everybody, I’m Chris Town owner of Town Construction and Development here again with some cool home ideas and solutions for you. Some ideas you probably know about already and some you may not be aware of. But if you can save some time, save a buck or two like me, and avoid using harmful chemicals, is it worth it, yes?