Almost every homeowner will need to resolve a big or small household issue at some point. While it can be annoying, most problems can be easily fixed once you know how. To help you restore your property, here are 11 clever solutions for common household problems.
- A Broken Water Heater
It can be frustrating to discover a water heater is leaking. The first thing you must do is turn off the water supply. You should then drain the heater by placing a hose at the valve of the bottom of the tank. Once you have done so, call a plumber for a professional water heater repair.
- Oil Stains on a Garage Floor
Oil drips can eventually tarnish your driveway over time, and the stubborn stains might not disappear no matter how much you try. Fortunately, there is a clever solution to the problem. All you need to do is grab a few cans of room-temperature coke before pouring the soda over the oil stains. Once you have done so, leave the drink to settle into the garage floor overnight before blotting it with an old towel the next day. You should then hose down the flooring to remove any sticky residue.
- A Blocked Drain
If you have a blocked drain in a kitchen or bathroom, there is a simple solution you can try. All you must do is add four Alka-Seltzer tablets into the drain, as well as a cup of white vinegar. Leave the concoction to bubble for 10 minutes before washing it away with boiling water. It works because the acidic solution can cause mushy food to dislodge and free your drain. If it doesn’t work, call a professional plumber for assistance.
- Carpet Stains
Your stomach is bound to churn when your child drops their dinner on a carpet, or your best friend knocks over a big glass of red wine. However, don’t despair, as a homemade cleaning solution can have your carpet looking as good as new in no time. Add two parts water to one part distilled white vinegar before dipping an old towel into the solution. Then place the damp towel over the troublesome stain and iron over it. Allow it to set for 30 seconds before lifting the towel. The stain will be removed from the flooring and will be on the towel.
- An Ant Infestation
While ants are relatively harmless, they can quickly multiply and destroy your food. If you are struggling with the nuisance insects in your home, you will be happy to discover you can say goodbye to the problem with ant traps, sprays, and granules. As stated, ants multiply rapidly, so ensure you tackle the problem before it grows out of control and you’re forced to call an exterminator.
- Bathroom Mold and Mildew
Sudden mold and mildew in a bathroom might take you by surprise, but it’s probably been growing for some time. Unfortunately, it can quickly spread across the room, which can impact your health and damage your interior design. Eliminate the problem by investing in a heavy-duty mold and mildew removal product, which you should be able to find in most grocery stores. It will not only kill the existing mold spores, but it can prevent them from returning in the future. You can also avoid the issue again by cleaning your bathroom after a steamy bath or shower.
- Kitchen Sink Odors
Have you noticed a foul smell coming from your kitchen? You might have initially thought it was caused by a blocked drain, but the smell could simply be coming from your kitchen sink. For example, you should check the strainer connected to the sink, as there could be rotting food particles housed in the rubber seal. Over time they can produce an unpleasant smell that can make its way across the home. Simply remove and change the seal to eradicate the foul odor.
- Countertop Stains
You might not realize you have a countertop stain until the right light hits it. After then, it will be all you will see every time you step into your kitchen. It’s a rather common problem, and there is a relatively easy fix. Grab some flour or a paper towel and mix it with a solvent, such as ammonia or peroxide. It will lift the stain molecules from your countertop’s surface, so it will look as good as new.
- Permanent Marker on Walls
Most parents will need to remove permanent marker from their walls at some point. You’ll be pleased to learn there is no reason to repaint your walls to hide the stain, as a little toothpaste could do the trick. Squeeze a generous amount onto an old toothbrush before applying it directing onto the mark, and gently rub it until it begins to break up. Once you’re happy with the result, wipe it with a damp rag to restore your wall to its former glory.
- A Lack of Natural Light
A poorly lit room can be dull and dreary, which can impact your mood, as well as your interior design. If your home does not welcome much natural sunlight through its windows, you need to look for ways to brighten up your home. For example, you should consider adding a few new windows into the property to maximize light. If this is not an option, hang mirrors in the room to reflect sunlight and make the room appear bigger and brighter.
- A Stuck Window
There might be seemingly no solution for fixing a stuck window. Thankfully, there is an easy way to open a stubborn window. You simply need to use a utility knife and a hammer to pry it open. Use a knife to score the line located between the frame of the window and sash. If this doesn’t work, wedge a putty knife between the frame and sash before gently tapping it with a hammer, so the blade is gently tapped into the window cranny to lift it open.