Moving into your first home is a dream come true. There’s nothing like hosting your first dinner party with friends or even cooking your first meal and enjoying a relaxing time alone. However, homeownership is more than just intimate weekends on the deck.
Keeping your home comfortable and safe requires commitment. Even if you aren’t a “handy” type of person, doing a few repairs and quick fixes are part of the bargain. Here are just some of the most common home issues and how you can quickly fix them:
Fix Squeaky Door Hinges
Squeaky doors can be very annoying but easily fixable with a little grease and elbow work. Spray a lubricant like WD-40 onto your door hinges while moving your door back and forth to work it in. You can also use petroleum jelly along the hinges. If both tricks fail, consider lifting the hinge pins halfway and rubbing the oil in them using a rag to avoid drips.
Unlock A Door Without A Key
Don’t call the locksmith just yet if you’ve lost or left your key. All you need to open doors are lock picking tools. Put the tension wrench in the lower part of the keyhole. Know which way the cylinder should be turned to unlock it. Apply light torque to the wrench in the appropriate direction and hold. Insert the pick in the upper part of the keyhole. Feel the pins and push it until it sets. Continue applying torque and push the pins for all remaining pins. Make use of the tension wrench to turn the cylinder. The lock is now unlocked.
Smoothen Caulking
Uneven caulking can be unsightly. If you want a smoother or more even application, consider re-applying it yourself. First, loosen it with a caulk remover and use a small putty knife to pry the caulking out. Now, fill a disposable cup with water before re-applying the caulk. Dip your finger in the water and slide it over your application. This will give you a smoother and mess-free finish. Finding perfect caulk is not easy. See caulk review from The Tooly before making the purchase decision.
Remove Tub Stains
Tub stains can be difficult to remove, and using harsh chemicals can damage the protective layer of your tub. A mixture of equal parts cream of tartar and baking soda with enough lemon juice can easily remove any unwanted stains. Just make sure to rub the mixture into the stain and let it sit for an hour before rinsing with water.
Remove Scuff Marks From Linoleum
Linoleum floors are making a comeback because of their durability and eco-friendliness. The only downside is that they can scuff easily, mainly if you use it in heavy-traffic areas like the kitchen. To remove these scuff marks, spray some lubricant on a towel and rub over them lightly. Don’t forget to degrease the area by wiping away the oil with soap and water.
Unstick Sliding Windows
Are your windows difficult to open? All you need is a little silicone spray lubricant. Spray it along the skids or into a rag and wipe it along the window edges. You can find silicone spray lubricants at hardware stores, and it’s generally safe to use on wood, metal, or plastic.
Fix Peeling Wallpaper
Before you tear off the offending wallpaper, consider sticking it back into place. Use a knife to smear a bit of wallpaper paste onto a piece of paper. Spread the paste onto the underside of the peeling wallpaper then press the wallpaper against the wall. Carefully slide out the piece of paper and smooth away any bubbles.
