If you’re a homeowner, you know that home improvement issues can pop up at any time. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a squeaky door, or a cracked tile, these problems can be annoying and costly to fix. But don’t worry, you don’t have to call a professional for every little thing. Here are five tips for fixing common home improvement issues by yourself.
1. Use baking soda and vinegar to unclog drains. If your sink or bathtub is draining slowly, you might have a clog in the pipes. Instead of using harsh chemicals, try this natural solution: pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Wait for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This should clear up most clogs and leave your drain smelling fresh.
2. Use WD-40 to silence squeaky hinges. Nothing is more annoying than a door that squeaks every time you open or close it. To fix this, you just need some WD-40 or any other lubricant spray. Spray a small amount on the hinges and move the door back and forth to distribute the oil. Repeat until the squeak is gone.
3. Use nail polish to fix small cracks in tiles. If you have a tile floor or wall that has a small crack or chip, you don’t have to replace the whole tile. You can use clear nail polish to fill in the gap and seal it. Just apply a thin layer of polish over the crack and let it dry. You can also use colored polish to match the tile color if you have it.
4. Use toothpaste to fill small holes in walls. If you have small holes in your walls from nails or screws, you don’t need to buy spackle or plaster to fix them. You can use toothpaste instead. Just squeeze some white toothpaste into the hole and smooth it with your finger or a spatula. Let it dry and then paint over it if needed.
5. Use duct tape to fix anything else. Duct tape is a versatile tool that can fix almost anything in a pinch. You can use it to patch up holes, seal leaks, reinforce joints, or even make temporary furniture. Just make sure you use enough tape and wrap it tightly around the problem area. Duct tape is not a permanent solution, but it can buy you some time until you can get a proper repair.
