Fixing things around the house doesn’t always mean calling a contractor and spending a small fortune. Plenty of everyday problems have simple fixes that can be handled with things you already have at home.
DIY projects can also be pretty satisfying. There’s something nice about looking at a repair and knowing you handled it yourself, whether it was a five-minute fix or something that took the better part of an afternoon. These DIY projects can help with some of those small household annoyances without requiring a toolbox full of expensive equipment.
Fix a Squeaky Door With Olive Oil
A squeaky door hinge can drive you crazy, especially when it happens every time someone opens the door. A few drops of olive oil can help quiet it down.
Put a small amount directly on the hinges, then open and close the door several times so the oil works its way into the moving parts. Wipe away any excess oil with a cloth.
For a stubborn squeak, you may need to repeat the process or use a lubricant made for hinges.
Related: 12 DIY Home Renovation Ideas Under $5000
Use Toothpaste to Fill Nail Holes
Small nail holes can make freshly painted walls look less than perfect, but you don’t always need a trip to the hardware store for a tiny repair.
For very small holes, white toothpaste can work as a temporary filler. Press a small amount into the hole, smooth it with your finger or a putty knife, and wipe away the excess. Once it dries, touch up the spot with matching paint.
For larger holes or areas that need a durable repair, use spackle or wall filler instead.
Remove Carpet Dents With Ice Cubes
Heavy furniture can leave deep dents in carpet, especially after sitting in the same spot for years. Ice cubes can help bring those flattened fibers back up.
Place an ice cube or two over the dent and let them melt. Once the carpet has absorbed the water, gently lift the fibers with a spoon or soft brush. Let the area dry completely before putting the furniture back.
Test this trick on an inconspicuous area first, particularly if you’re dealing with delicate or color-sensitive carpet.
Related: 15 Genius DIY Hacks for Brilliant Home Fixes
Baking Soda and Vinegar to Unclog Drains
A slow drain is one of those household problems that always seems to show up at the worst time. Baking soda and vinegar are often suggested as a quick fix for minor buildup.
Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for around 15 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.
This method may help with light buildup, but a serious clog may need a plunger, drain snake, or professional help. Never mix vinegar with chemical drain cleaners.
Use a Rubber Band to Remove Stripped Screws
A stripped screw can turn a simple repair into a frustrating chore. Before giving up on it, try placing a wide rubber band over the damaged screw head.
Press the screwdriver firmly against the rubber band and turn slowly. The rubber can fill some of the worn areas and give the screwdriver extra grip.
A manual screwdriver is often easier to control than a power drill for this trick. If the screw is badly damaged, you may need a screw extractor.
Related: 13 DIY Flooring Tricks That Lead to Major Damage
Clean Blinds With a Sock and Vinegar
Dusty blinds can take forever to clean if you wipe each slat individually with a paper towel. An old sock can make the job much quicker.
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a bowl. Slip the sock over your hand, dip it into the solution, wring it out well, and run your hand across each slat.
Once you’re finished, wipe the blinds with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture and prevent streaks.
Baby Powder to Quiet a Squeaky Floor
A squeaky wood floor can make every trip across the room sound like a tiny construction project. For certain floorboards, baby powder can help reduce the friction causing the noise.
Sprinkle a small amount over the area where the boards meet, then work it into the cracks with a soft brush or broom. The powder can reduce movement between the boards and quiet some minor squeaks.
If the noise keeps returning, the floor may have loose nails, screws, or other structural issues that need a proper repair.
Related: 13 DIY Flooring Tricks That Lead to Major Damage
Make a Simple Furniture Polish With Olive Oil and Lemon
Dull wood furniture can often look better with a simple homemade polish. Mix two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice and apply a small amount to a soft cloth.
Rub it gently over the wood, then buff the surface with a clean cloth. The oil adds shine while the lemon gives the mixture a fresh scent.
Before using any homemade cleaner, test it on a hidden section first. Some finishes can react poorly to oils or acidic ingredients.
For other household cleaning ideas, check out these natural pest solutions.
Hold Nails With a Clothespin
Holding a tiny nail between your fingers while swinging a hammer is an easy way to smack your hand instead. A wooden clothespin gives you some extra distance.
Place the nail between the jaws of the clothespin and hold it against the surface where you want to hammer. Once the nail is secure enough to stay in place, remove the clothespin and finish driving it in.
It’s a small trick, but it can make hanging pictures and completing other little repairs much safer.
Freshen a Garbage Disposal With Citrus Peels
A garbage disposal can develop an unpleasant smell after food scraps build up inside. Citrus peels can help freshen it up.
Put a few small pieces of lemon or orange peel into the disposal, turn on the cold water, and run the disposal briefly. The citrus oils can help with odors and leave behind a fresher smell.
Avoid putting large pieces or tough peels into the disposal, since they can cause problems rather than solve them.
Use a Wine Cork to Fix Wobbly Furniture
A wobbly chair or table doesn’t always need to be thrown away. If one leg is slightly shorter than the others, a wine cork can work as a quick temporary fix.
Cut a thin slice from the cork and place it beneath the shorter leg. Add or trim material until the furniture sits level.
For a more permanent repair, especially on frequently used furniture, replace the damaged foot or repair the leg properly.
Turn a Towel Rack Into a Pot-Lid Organizer
Pot lids have a habit of taking up more cabinet space than they should. A small towel rack can turn the inside of a cabinet door into useful storage.
Mount the rack on the inside of the door and slide the pot lids into place. This pot-lid organizer keeps the lids upright and makes it easier to find the right one.
Measure the cabinet door first and leave enough room for the door to close without the lids hitting the shelves.
Use Vinegar to Loosen Stiff Paintbrushes
Old paintbrushes don’t always have to go straight into the trash. If the bristles have become stiff from dried paint, vinegar can sometimes soften them.
According to this paintbrush cleaning experiment, soaking or gently heating the brush in vinegar can help loosen dried paint. Afterward, rinse the brush thoroughly with water and work the bristles back into shape.
For brushes with heavy layers of dried paint, you may need a dedicated paintbrush cleaner.
Use Toilet Paper Rolls to Organize Cords
A drawer full of tangled charging cables can become a mess surprisingly quickly. Empty toilet paper rolls offer an easy way to keep individual cords separated.
Coil each cord, place it inside a toilet paper roll, and label the outside so you know what it belongs to. You can keep several rolls upright in a box or drawer for easy access.
This toilet paper roll cable organizer is especially useful for chargers and cables you don’t use every day.
Use Coffee Grounds to Help With Household Odors
Used coffee grounds can be useful around the house after you’ve finished brewing your coffee. They can help absorb some unpleasant odors when placed in an open container.
Put dry grounds in a small bowl and leave them in an area with an unwanted smell. Replace them regularly so they don’t become damp or develop mold.
For more ideas, check out these coffee ground hacks for a fresher-smelling home.
