When things go wrong in the home, it can be a real headache. While we try our best to keep everything in perfect working order, sometimes our homes have different ideas. Burst geysers, sprouting mold, and rotting flooring are just a few of the crises that a homeowner can suffer. That is why we put together an incredibly detailed and helpful list of hacks that you might have never heard of. Everyone deserves to have a safe, comfortable, and beautiful home, and we want you to have this helpful manual on hand whenever you come across a spot that needs some loving.
Simplify Your Life With The Following Unusual Home Improvement Hacks
Squeaky Doors And Cooking Spray
Cooking spray is great for making sure that burger patties and chicken schnitzels don’t stick to frying pans and oven trays. But did you know that your furniture can benefit from some Pam? If you find that a particular cupboard door squeaks annoyingly when you open it, give it a few squirts of cooking spray and it will loosen the joints pleasingly. Just please be careful when using cooking spray as inhaling this substance can be unhealthy.
Squeaky Doors And Cooking Spray
Nail Polish And Loose Screws
This next one goes out to the fellas – if you live alone, and don’t use nail polish, then it’s time to buy some! Amazingly, you can also use it to seal loose screws in place. If you find that a cupboard door is a bit wonky thanks to an uncooperative screw, then you can glue it in place with nail polish, which will harden quickly and keep the door in place. This sure beats having to rebuild a cupboard!
Nail Polish And Loose Screws
Cover Nail Holes With Crayons
We all have nail holes that stick out like sore thumbs in our otherwise beautiful homes. If you recently removed a painting off the wall, or started a project that you soon decided was a bad idea, then crayons are very useful for hiding your regrets. Simply find a color that matches the wall or surface with the hole in it and color it in. This won’t fix the hole, of course, but it will be well hidden.
Cover Nail Holes With Crayons
Tape And Caulk Edge
Caulk edges can become quite a mess for those trying to get a perfect finish on a room renovation project. No matter how hard some people try, they just cannot get smooth edges. For this reason, we suggest trying painter’s tape, which will allow you to line the wet caulk and reduce the smudging process. Once the caulk dries, you can strip the painter’s tape without damaging anything while leaving a perfectly straight line in place.
Tape And Caulk Edge
Broken Lightbulbs And Potatoes
So, you tried to force a dead lightbulb out of its hole, and squeezed too hard, causing it to break in your hand. Ouch! Hopefully, you didn’t hurt yourself. You probably did get left with a dangerous broken bulb sticking out of your wall, however. May we suggest that you slice a potato in half and wedge it into the glass shards? Once you have a solid grip, turn the potato counterclockwise and carefully loosen the bulb.
Broken Lightbulbs And Potatoes
Rubber Bands And Stripped Screws
Like broken lightbulbs, stripped screws can be seriously slippery devils. You might not be able to get a good grip on them, even with your handy screwdriver. To make sure that your screwdriver sticks to these loose screws, try wrapping elastic bands around the heads tightly. This will allow you to get the traction that you need before yanking them out. All that you need for this trick (alongside your toolbox) is a good handful of rubber bands.
Rubber Bands And Stripped Screws
A Bar Of Soap And Nail Holes
So, now that you have removed your unwanted nails, you might be wondering how to neatly cover up the holes. For this job we recommend a bar of soap that you would be happy to sacrifice. If you smear the bar of soap in a clockwise motion over the hole, then it will soon fill with pleasant-smelling filler. Finish the job by wiping away the excess flakes with a warm, wet towel, and then pat yourself on the back.
A Bar Of Soap And Nail Holes
Stopping Doors From Slamming Or Rattling
Nothing keeps me up at night like a rattling or slamming door. You might have tried all kinds of methods to stop this spooky and irritating sound, only for the banging to resume as soon as you get back into bed. If you have a spare cabinet door bumper lying around, then we have the perfect trick for you. Simply stick the bumper onto the door jamb by the floor. Now, you can enjoy the silence needed for peaceful nights.
Stopping Doors From Slamming Or Rattling
Squeaky Floors And Baby Powder
No one likes to hear squeaking when they walk on their wooden floors. It can make some people believe that their home is in poor condition and that they need to replace their flooring. Rather than paying for a very expensive project, you could simply sprinkle talcum powder in the tight spaces between the floorboards. Finish by sweeping up the remaining powder that didn’t make it in. Now, try stepping on the suspicious floorboards and see if they still make a sound or not.
Squeaky Floors And Baby Powder
Car Dents And Ice Cubes
Damaging your carpet is an almost inevitable part of living. No matter how carefully we try to navigate our homes, the likelihood of a small accident cannot be completely avoided. If you would like to undo the damage, then you could place an ice cube on the affected area and wait for it to seep into the carpet. Once the fibers absorb the water, they will expand and fill the hole. If the opening has not completely filled then you can take a hard-bristled brush and ruffle the other strands into place.
Car Dents And Ice Cubes
A Hot Iron And Wood Dents
We used the power of ice to fix carpets, now let’s try the power of heat to smoothen out wooden dents in cupboards or wooden floorboards. Start by wetting an affected area and covering it with a damp cloth. Once the water has dried, take a hot iron and smoothen the affected area in a clockwise fashion. This will save you the cost of replacing the whole item or going the extra mile with fancy products.
A Hot Iron And Wood Dents
WD-40 And Marker Stains
Kids love to go crazy with markers and crayons and turn your home’s walls into their personal exhibitions. You need not freak out when you come home to find your walls renovated, however, as a can of WD-40 can save the day. That is provided that your wall is coated in sheen. If not, then avoid cleaning the artworks with WD-40 as you could properly damage your paint coat. If your walls are sheen-free, then try a Magic Eraser.
WD40 And Marker Stains
Toilet Bowl Cleaner And Grout
Taking a nice, hot shower is the ideal way to start the day. But what happens when you realize that you are standing on a disgusting amount of moldy grout? The gross stuff builds in between shower floor tiles if they aren’t cleaned properly. No need to worry, as squirting some toilet bowl cleaner onto the affected areas is a great start. Leave the substance to set for a few minutes before going to the affected areas with an old toothbrush.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner And Grout
Leg Cramps And Soap Bars
Nighttime leg cramps are a real threat to many people’s peaceful sleep. Rather than taking medication, we have a remedy that might not be scientifically proven but has plenty of anecdotal evidence to support it. Before you get under the sheets, slip a bar of soap under them. It could be that the magnesium will ease the tension in your body, or if anything, the placebo effect could be enough. There’s no harm in trying, and if anything, at least you will have pleasant smelling sheets!
Leg Cramps And Soap Bars
Garlic Cloves And Insomnia
We’ve got another nighttime hack that is also rather creative. If you suffer from insomnia, we recommend placing a garlic clove beneath your pillow before you lie down. The sulfur compounds and aroma will have the needed sedative effect that will put you to sleep in no time. Just try to ignore the garlicky smell and imagine that you are in the countryside. We would happily put up with the odor for restful night’s sleep.
Garlic Cloves And Insomnia
Kool-Aid And Toilet Leaks
Knowing whether a toilet is leaking or not can be quite a difficult process if you do not know the right hack. Rather than pulling your throne apart, we recommend buying a sachet of colorful Kool-Aid. Remove the cistern’s cover and empty the sachet into the water. Leave the room for about half an hour, and when you return, if the toilet bowl matches the color of your cistern, then you can be certain that there is a leak.
Kool Aid And Toilet Leaks
Aluminum Foil And Phones
If winter is harsh in your area and thick, woolly gloves are a must, then you probably know how irritating it can be to use a smartphone while out and about in the chill. Your fingers annoyingly slip off the screen and getting anything done is almost impossible without the right contact. If you do not mind looking a bit bizarre, you could wrap smooth tinfoil around your gloved fingers. This will allow you to touch the screen without a problem. Just make sure that the foil is as smooth as possible as wrinkles could scratch your screen.
Aluminum Foil And Phones
Shower Doors And Dishwasher Tablets
Is your glass shower door looking a bit gritty? Are there stubborn spots that you cannot seem to get rid of? We recommend using a dishwasher tablet to clean the glass panel properly. Start by wetting the shower door and then get to work softly rubbing the dishwasher tablet on the affected areas. Do not press hard, as the glass could get scratched by the rough texture of the tablet. Finish by wiping the remaining gunk off with a cloth.
Shower Doors And Dishwasher Tablets
Bathtubs And Dish Soap
Did you know that you can save yourself a lot of back-breaking work by using some dish soap and a broom to clean your bathtub? This method certainly beats getting on your hands and knees with a sponge. Start by squirting the dishwashing liquid all over your tub and then let the hot tap run for a few seconds to get everything nice and soapy. Now, give your bath a good scrubbing with a broom. Finish by running the tap for a few minutes to clean the bath out completely.
Bathtubs And Dish Soap
The Aluminum Foil Funnel
Funnels are those important kitchen tools that so many of us wish we had but never bother or remember to buy. Luckily, most of us have aluminum foil in our kitchen drawers! You can tear off and use a sheet of this metallic stuff and coil it into a cone with enough space in the narrow end to create a makeshift funnel! Now you can pour whatever you need into your bottle or container without any spillage.
The Aluminum Foil Funnel
Aluminum Foil And Rust
Aluminum foil is a very handy household item that has all manner of uses. Did you know that you can even use it to get rid of rust on your faded tools? Start by wiping down the rusty tool with some soapy water and a microfiber cloth. You can then scrunch up a handful of aluminum foil and begin rubbing the rust off. What an incredibly handy hack! This will also work for barbecue grills.
Aluminum Foil And Rust
Rubber Bands And Doors
When you live by yourself, one thing that you might fear is getting locked out of your home by a slamming door. This is an especially threatening possibility when you have to carry your groceries in and you no longer have a free hand for the door. To stop your door from shutting, you can loop a rubber band on the bottom of the door. This will act as a door stopper and the door will harmlessly bounce back rather than slamming in the wind.
Rubber Bands And Doors
Vinegar And Shower Heads
If your showerhead’s water pressure has lessened significantly then you might want to try this hack before you call the plumber. The problem might be caused by a clogged shower head rather than a problem with your piping. Start by unscrewing your showerhead and poking the most clogged holes out with a toothpick or needle, depending on how small the holes are. Then, soak the showerhead in vinegar before washing with water. Dry the showerhead and then screw it back into your shower.
Vinegar And Shower Heads
Pool Noodles And Garage Walls
If you find yourself drifting dangerously close to the walls of your garage whenever you drive in and out, you might want to consider sacrificing a pool noodle to save your car and garage wall from damage. Simply slice a pool noodle longways and glue the strips onto your garage wall at the level where you find your car nearing most often. Now you can park your car with a little less stress, but don’t get careless, now!
Pool Noodles And Garage Walls
Squeegees And Pet Fur
Squeegees are the best tool for cleaning home and car windows with, but did you know that they are also a blessing for pet owners? Certainly, you have a high chance of finding plenty of cat or dog hair around the place if you have pets. Simply sweep a squeegee across the hairy areas and watch as the fur gets swept up by the plastic. This might turn into a continuous effort, but it is worth it to keep the place spotless.
Squeegees And Pet Fur
Taking Care Of Ceiling Fans
If you would rather not spend a lot of money on an air conditioner to keep your rooms in the ideal climate then you could begin learning a little more about how fans work. You see, when a fan spins slowly, it warms the air. On the other hand, a fast-spinning fan will cool a room down significantly. So, try and adjust the speed of your fan appropriately. You can adjust the speeds between seasons.
Taking Care Of Ceiling Fans
Home Climates And Bubble Wrap
When a window no longer seals your room’s warmth properly and needs fixing, you could temporarily fix the situation and stop winter from wrecking your happiness with a bit of water and a bubble wrap. Start by lightly wetting your problem window before lining it with bubble wrap. This will keep the window insulated until the professionals arrive for a proper fix. While this temporary fix might not look very appealing, it sure beats shivering!
Home Climates And Bubble Wrap
More Clogging Busters
We would like to now recommend an amazing product for the next time that any drain in your home gets clogged. While hacks are a cheap and simple way to effectively deal with clogs, why not stop them from happening in the first place? The TubShroom is an affordable device that you can purchase from Amazon. Once it arrives, simply place it over your bath or shower drain. Hair and other gunk will then get trapped inside it, rather than the drain.
More Clogging Busters
Varnishing Tricks With Coffee
Have you ever spilled coffee on your carpet or coffee table? Of course, you have – it’s only natural. But if you want to remedy the situation, you could see the benefits of coffee for your furniture. You can use coffee grounds to softly rub wooden pieces that have scratches and chips. Such an act will fill the small dents in with coffee grounds and provide a lovely coffee color to the object. Now you don’t need varnish or paint!
Varnishing Tricks With Coffee
Clothing Pegs And Fingers
It’s hammer time! When those nails are in need of a good hammering, you might just end up whacking your fingers, which is a terribly painful moment, we know. But how does one go about protecting their fingers from the deadly slam of a hammer? Try keeping your nails still with everyday objects like clothes pegs, hairpins, and combs. Now your nails will stay in place and there’s a far lower chance of injury and pain.
Clothing Pegs And Fingers
Taking Off Stickers And A Blow-Dryer
Retail therapy is one of the modern person’s most indulgent ways of cheering up. We all love buying new things, especially during lockdown when online shopping is one of the most tempting distractions. But when your small pile of items finally arrives, you’ll have to face an onslaught of stickers that need peeling! Rather than getting your nails all sticky, why not use a hairdryer to melt and loosen the film that holds them on?
Taking Off Stickers And A Blow Dryer
Tape And Frames
Paintings and picture frames need to be drilled in nails to hang safely and securely, that is no mystery. But what might be a bit more difficult to grasp is how to accurately hang them in the most balanced manner possible. For this, we use masking tape and measuring tape. Once you calculated the exact spot where your nail will be banged in, put a small strip of masking tape there and then mark the point with a pen.
Tape And Frames
Old Tape And A Microwave
Tape is one of the handiest tools in a DIY toolkit. Not just that, we use tape for so many different projects and everyday quick fixes. But what happens when our trusty tape’s stickiness starts to fade? Well, we suggest putting it in the microwave for a few seconds! No, you will not be eating it, so get that strange idea out of your head. Rather, the few seconds of heat will melt the tape adhesive enough to make it sticky once more.
Old Tape And A Microwave
Nail Holes And Magnets
That ugly wallpaper that you hung up all those years ago is finally getting replaced with a beautiful coat of duck’s egg paint, but there are a few things that you need to do before you get to work. You will need to take down all the pictures and paintings hanging, of course. Now, it is time to get painting! Once you are finished, you can relocate all your now camouflaged nails with a magnet.
Nail Holes And Magnets
Drilling Into Tiles
While we would never call drilling an easy job, doing so in the bathroom can be a real nightmare. The tiles are just so slippery! To drill safely and properly without breaking a tile or injuring yourself, you might want to get some masking tape. Simply stick a little strip of masking tape on the area that you need to drill into and the drill bit will stay in place. You can then get the job done safely and securely.
Drilling Into Tiles
Stopping Rust
Metal is a prevalent material in any home. While it will generally be safe in most areas of the home, the bathroom is a different story. The build-up of steam and dampness in this room will eventually begin to cause this ugly effect on towel racks and curtain rails. You can bust the rust with a bottle of nail polish by coating the affected areas with the substance and leaving it to work its magic.
Stopping Rust
Wallpaper Renovations
Everyone has that one room in their home that they wish they could revamp and make exciting or pleasant. Old wallpaper is one of the most depressing features that absolutely must be replaced with a fresh set, or if you want to go the painting route, even better. To strip the old wallpaper with ease, you could try mixing vinegar and water in a bucket in equal parts. Next, dunk a paint roller in the mixture and allow it to soak for a few minutes before rolling it all over the wallpaper.
Wallpaper Renovations
Sharpening Scissors With Foil
Scissors are an essential part of any home. With all the cutting that they do, it is inevitable that they will get blunt over time. If you do not have a whetstone then the always handy roll of aluminum foil in your kitchen drawer will do just fine. Simply tear off a sheet and begin cutting through it with your blunt scissors. You only need about eight cuts to sharpen the blades before they are back in perfect condition!
Sharpening Scissors With Foil
Zip Ties And Blocked Drains
We have mentioned some great ways to unclog drains, but here is another way to unclog a particularly stuffed drain. We have to put a disclaimer here: this hack is not for the faint of heart! First, get a bunch of zip ties and link them together into a chain. Next, snip barbs into the zip ties. You can now feed the zip tie into the clogged drain and begin fishing out all the hair and other debris.
Zip Ties And Blocked Drains
Finding Your Nails Easily
Take your toolbox to the next level with this hack. Grab ahold of your trusty hammer, a magnet, and a tube of super glue. Take the glue and apply a small blob onto the flat bottom of your hammer’s wooden handle and stick the magnet on. Wait a short while for the glue to set. Now you have a handy place to keep your nails, that will stay in place as you hammer and can be accessed in no time.
Finding Your Nails Easily
Newspaper Placeholders
Those that are decorating their homes need to carefully consider where they will hang their paintings and photographs. Remember that you could easily regret hanging something up if you did not see how it would look beforehand. Newspapers can then be stuck onto the walls to see whether the positioning is pleasing or not. Simply cut a sheet of newspaper into the size of the frame and stick it up! Once you are finished planning, it is time for the real deal.
Newspaper Placeholders
Loosening Locks
Locks are another metal item that will eventually begin to rust, especially if they hang outside on gates or garden sheds. You could then find that your key gets trapped inside your lock the next time you use it. To avoid this irritating trap, start by sharpening a spare pencil that you do not mind potentially damaging. Next, stick the sharpened point into the keyhole and line the insides with lead. Your lock will now have the needed lubrication to work well.
Loosening Locks
The Easiest Tub Clean Ever
Cleaning your bathtub doesn’t need to be a difficult or arduous process. You just need a broomstick and some dishwashing liquid. Start by squirting a healthy amount of dishwashing liquid into the bathtub. Pour a bit of water in and then get to work with the broom. Scrub all the mold, gunk, and whatever else has stuck to your once beautiful tub with a broomstick. Once you are done, wash the tub out well and thoroughly.
The Easiest Tub Clean Ever
The Handiest Funnel
If you do not have a funnel and need to make some sangria in a pinch (or whatever liquid you need transferring) but do not have one, then aluminum foil is here to save your dinner party! Simply tear off a sheet of the durable stuff and roll it into a cone. Next, insert the pointy end into the container and begin pouring. It is as simple as that! You might want to get a proper funnel one day, though.
The Handiest Funnel
Steadying Your Furniture
Our beloved furniture has a habit of becoming rather wonky after too many bottoms have sat on them. From chairs to tables and even couches, the fear of breaking a piece is all too real when you feel the ricketiness of some furniture. This next fix will take some time, but it is totally worth the trouble. Disassemble a piece, for example, a chair, and fill in the gaps that are causing the wobbling. Wait for the glue to set and then put it all back together.
Steadying Your Furniture
Fight Mold With Windows
Mold is one of those pesky natural threats that can go from disturbing to destructive very quickly. But what causes mold in the first place? The mold spores that settle in a home need humidity to thrive, and you can probably guess how to stop this process from happening in the first place. Simply crack open some windows! This is especially important for bathrooms, and you should try to keep your windows open when you bathe or shower.
Fight Mold With Windows
Bringing Your Fire Pit Back To Life
Fire pits are a lovely way to make your backyard adventures so much more intimate and enjoyable. As awesome as fire pits are, they do create a lot of ash. They will also begin to deteriorate over time. You can reinforce your fire pit with a metal sheet, preferably one that is properly designed for fire pits that is curved. This will allow you to sweep up the ashes easily and keep the surrounding area safe.
Bringing Your Fire Pit Back To Life
Pencil Shavings And Cracked Wood
When you hear about this next hack, you might just kick yourself for having mindlessly thrown away all those pencil shavings in the past. You see, pencil shavings are an incredible filler for damaged wood, at least for cracks and splinters. You can stuff pencil shavings into these small gaps in your furniture or windowsills and then iron them into place neatly. Finish by painting over the fix with a color that matches the wood.
Pencil Shavings And Cracked Wood
Candles And Resistant Drawers
Everyone hates wrestling with drawers, but how often will we take some time to properly fix sticky storage areas. There are so many different ways to take apart and try to fix the rails that you might be put off from trying in the first place. Rather, you could use a candle and rub it alongside the problem areas. You will now have lubricated the drawer enough to get your socks out without issue or drama.
Candles And Resistant Drawers
Busting Grout
Grouting is a seriously annoying part of your home and bathroom tiles that you can bust with a quick and easy hack involving a glue gun. If you happen to own one, then you can get to work filling in the grouting with. This will leave a pleasant-looking and soft finish that will look incredibly smooth. It might take some time, but your tiles will also be far more secure in place and will be far less likely to fall out.
Busting Grout
Creamy And Clean Mirrors
Mirrors are lovely additions to our homes, be they hung in our lounges or used more ordinarily in bathrooms. But over time, they can get a bit scuffed or stained. To get rid of the harder to clean spots on mirrors, grab a can of shaving cream and a microfiber cloth. Spread the shaving cream across your mirror and then take a microfiber cloth and softly clean away the area. Finish with a damp cloth and wipe the excess away.
Creamy And Clean Mirrors
Masking Tape For Precise Drilling
Drilling is one of those jobs that can leave ugly holes in your wall if you end up messing the job up. That being said, there never needs to be a miscalculated drilling if you take a bit of time to make accurate measurements. You can do this with masking tape and a pen. Simply stick a bit of masking tape onto the spot where you want to drill and then mark the exact target with a pen.
Masking Tape For Precise Drilling
Keeping Cords Tidy
Cords can easily become the messiest parts of a house when they become tangled with one another. For this next hack, you don’t need anything but a bit of patience. Unplug your cords and then knot them together! It is as simple as that, but it might take a few minutes to properly arrange all your cords by a computer or television area. The plugs will be less likely to pop out suddenly now, too.
Keeping Cords Tidy
Make Your Own Brick Marks
If you are looking to bring that exposed brickwork look to your home without having to go through the expensive process of carefully exposing the brickwork itself then this hack is an awesome way to create the look and feel affordably. Start by slicing a foam noodle in half longways and then cut pieces off into smaller brick-sized sections. You can then attach the pieces to a paint roller and paint red brick-shaped marks onto your walls.
Make Your Own Brick Marks
Boxes Turned Into Shelves
If you want to save some money on furniture and storage, we have a handy trick that will turn a simple box into an awesome and sturdy cupboard or shelf. Take a large cardboard box and cut out the flaps. You can then glue the flaps into the faceless side of the box to make shelves. Finish by wrapping the whole thing in gift wrap or magazine pages for extra security. Now you can place small items or clothes inside!
Boxes Turned Into Shelves
DIY Bin Dispensers
Wouldn’t it be amazing to keep your binbags neat and handy, rather than having to reach into the pantry every time that you need to refill the bin? This all starts with a small cardboard box that is long enough to hold your bin bag roll. Insert the roll into the box and then slice the flap in the middle. Feed the bin bag into the slit and voila! You can now easily take them out whenever needed.
DIY Bin Dispensers
Measuring Tape And Studs
Have you ever looked at your measuring tape strip and seen that there are marked intervals? The colored numbers, usually in black or red, as well as the tiny diamonds, are there to guide you on stub measurements. You can then find studs in your wall with this method as most builders will follow this structure. Or you could try using a strong magnet to find the hidden studs. Whatever is easiest for you, really?
Measuring Tape And Studs
No More Toxic Chemicals
If you find that you are ankle-deep in water every time you take a shower then you urgently need to get your drains unclogged. For this purpose, you might want to consider a harmless DIY solution rather than a toxic one using harsh chemicals. Mix salt (quarter cup) and vinegar (half cup) and then boil a full kettle of water. Start by pouring the boiling water down the drain and then empty your solution into the drain. Let it all simmer for around ten minutes and then turn on the shower head with warm water for a minute.
No More Toxic Chemicals