Quick Home Fixes You Can DIY Today

Silence Your Squeaky Doors

Squeaky doors can be a constant annoyance in your home, but there's an easy fix that doesn't require professional help. All you need is some olive oil or petroleum jelly. Start by removing the hinge pins from the door using a hammer and nail. Clean the pins with a cloth to remove any dirt or rust. Once clean, coat them liberally in olive oil or petroleum jelly and reinsert them into the hinges. This simple application should reduce or eliminate the squeak, allowing for smoother and quieter door operation.

Unclog a Slow-Draining Sink

A slow-draining sink can disrupt your daily routine, but before reaching for harsh chemicals, try this eco-friendly method. First, remove any visible debris from the drain. Then, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to loosen any buildup. Mix one cup of baking soda with one cup of vinegar and pour the mixture down the drain. Cover the drain with a plug or a cloth for about 15 minutes to let the fizzing reaction work its magic. Finish by flushing the drain with boiling water again. This natural solution should clear up minor clogs and improve drainage speed.

Refresh Your Walls with Magic Erasers

Walls can quickly become marked or stained, especially if you have kids or pets. To restore them to their former glory without repainting, try using a magic eraser. These handy cleaning tools can remove scuffs, crayon marks, and fingerprints with ease. Simply dampen the eraser, gently scrub the affected area, and watch the marks disappear. For persistent stains, a little extra elbow grease may be required, but magic erasers are a cost-effective solution to rejuvenate your walls.

Revive Dull Wooden Furniture

Wooden furniture adds warmth to any home, but over time it can become dull and worn. To revive its natural luster, make your own polish using two parts olive oil and one part vinegar. Mix them in a spray bottle and mist lightly onto a clean cloth. Gently rub the mixture into the wood, following the grain, to restore its shine and hydrate the surface. This DIY polish is not only budget-friendly but also free of harmful chemicals, making it safe for your family and the environment.

Fix a Running Toilet in Minutes

A constantly running toilet is not only noisy but can waste a significant amount of water. Fortunately, this is a quick fix you can undertake yourself. Start by lifting the lid off the tank and checking the flapper chain. If the chain is too short, it may be preventing the flapper from sealing properly. Adjust the length so there is a little slack when the flapper is closed. If the flapper seems worn out, it's a simple matter of purchasing a replacement from a hardware store and swapping the old one out. This quick repair can save water and lower your utility bill.

Repair Small Holes in Walls

Whether from moving furniture or hanging pictures, small holes in walls are common but unsightly. These holes can be patched quickly and easily using spackle or a pre-mixed wall repair compound. Apply the compound to the hole using a putty knife, smoothing it over to fill the damage and ensure it's level with the wall. Allow the compound to dry as per the instructions, sand the area smooth if needed, and touch up with matching paint. The result will be a seamless repair that rejuvenates the appearance of your walls.

Conclusion

Tackling these minor DIY projects not only enhances the functionality and aesthetics of your home but also offers a sense of accomplishment. These quick fixes can be done within a day and usually require only a few tools and materials. By taking on these tasks yourself, you save money on professional services and gain valuable skills that will benefit you with future home maintenance. So next time you notice a small household issue, remember that with the right approach, you can likely fix it yourself today.