It’s that time again, where we want to share some very resourceful household repair tips that could save you a buttload of money from hiring someone else to come and fix something you can do perfectly on your own and by using tools that you already have lying around the home.
This is a 4 page series post with navigation at the very bottom.
You can see our first 47 actionable DIY home repair tips here
Have a favorite DIY home repair tip to share? Leave a comment, or join our facebook group and tell us about it : )
…Without further ado:
#1 How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling Neatly
You’ve got to admit that popcorn (acoustic) ceilings make the home look outdated and terrible after a water leak. When trying to rid your ceiling of the “cottage cheese” texture, this process can cause a mess to your carpeting. There’s way around this.
What you need to do:
Take a 6″ inch spackle knife and attach to the end of your shop vac using duct tape creating a new extension for the vacuum to clean up all the falling popcorn and dust particles as you push the blade along the ceiling.
*Please note: In some cases, asbestos has been found in popcorn ceilings “The Clean Air Act of 1978” banned the use of the ceiling material, but manufacturers were allowed to use up their existing inventory, so popcorn ceilings continued to crop up across the country well into the mid-’80s.
Have your popcorn ceiling tested before removing yourself.
#2 Have a Leaky Toilet?
(Source: bcpssd.org)
If you think that your toilet is leaking you need to start with repairs as soon as possible to avoid increases in your water bill, damage to your bathroom floor, and the internal components of your toilet from becoming too damaged. There are quick ways to test your toilet for leaks, and most homes have this simple tool in their kitchen pantry. Add some food coloring into the tank of your toilet and wait for about an hour or two. If you see that the water in the toilet bowl has changed to the food coloring used then that is a sign of your toilet leaking.
What you need to do:
Change the flapper to your toilet.
First, make sure that you make sure to turn off the water valve, and you can do this by locating the water valve behind the toilet. Next, Lift off the tank lid and start flushing the toilet to remove the water inside until empty. Also, have a sponge (or towel) on hand to soak up excess water. Then you will locate the flush chain lever and remove it and simply slide on the brand new flapper from the overflow tube and connect the chain. Lastly, turn the water valve back on and test out the toilet by repeating the food coloring test.
#3 Unclog a Drain
(Source: jezebel.com)
A clogged up drain can be a disgusting pain in the butt for the drain owner and quite embarrassing when having guest over. There is a simple solution to this problem without shelling out big bucks for the expensive clog removal products.
What you need to do:
Alka-seltzer works wonders on a human drain that is clogged with acid indigestion and heartburn, but it can even fix your clogged drain’s “sour stomach” by following a simple process.
Take three Alka-seltzer tablets and drop them into the drain with a cup of white vinegar. Let the two components work its magic for fifteen minutes then add boiling water to the clogged drain and the drain will rid itself of clogged up hair, grease, and any other creepy things that found its way in there.
Bonus Tip – Do wait a few days before attempting this easy solution after using a commercial product used for drains.
#4 Fix Scuffed Flooring
(Source: vanguardcleaning.com)
Scuff marks can cause an unsightly appearance to your flooring, but there are simple solutions to this problem.
What you need to do:
Grab yourself a broomstick and a tennis ball and attach the two together. Rub the tennis ball over the scuff mark and watch that ball do better than it has while on the court. If you don’t have a tennis ball nearby or don’t want to damage one, then you can use a sneaker as an alternative method. Make sure to use a clean sneaker as it can easily remove the scuff marks leaving a buff appearance.
#5 Add More Space to Your Kitchen Pantry
(Source: rackspacecloud.com)
If you have extra desk organizers lying around with nothing to hold then fear no more. Create more space by giving those organizers multiple purposes.
What you need to do:
Screw the organizers to the wall of your pantry which will add more storage space and then add your spices creating a mock “spice rack” leaving more space for your nonperishable items.
#6 Hide Unsightly Television Wires With Shower Rod
(Source: freshcrush.com)
Nothing can ruin a beautiful living room or cause you much distraction while watching a film only to see the cords sticking out everywhere creating an eyesore. We have a something to help you.
What you need to do:
Hide all of the wires inside of a shower rod cover by following the steps listed here.
#7 Add Cornflour to Your Windows for Extra Privacy
(Source: annabelvita.com)
You add more privacy with a “frosted” appearance simply by adding liquid starch to your window. Want more? You can add some lace designs, as well, by using fabric.
What you need to do:
Mix two tablespoons of cornflour (cornstarch) with two tablespoons of cold water followed by one and a half cups boiling water. The ending result will be a paste that can be applied to your window.
Using a paintbrush apply a thick coat of the paste to the window pane. Find a piece of fabric that showcases the design you want on your window like the lace fabric pictured above. Place the fabric on top of the window paste and add another layer of paste to the fabric from top to bottom.
For more details check out the site we found this amazing tip on.
#8 Clean Your Dryer Ducts
(Source: koopmanblog.com)
Having a clogged up dryer ducts not only raises your utility bill from the need to dry clothes over and over again because the dryer isn’t performing as it should due to lint buildup it also causes a risk of fire. Here’s what you can do to alleviate this household hazard.
What you need to do
Move the dryer away from the wall and unplug the dryer. Insert the vacuum hose extension and vacuum away until you’ve gotten all the excess lint out. You will now save money on your electric bill and sleep well knowing that you reduced your chance of fire.
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Daniel says
As an HVAC professional I recommend against covering the thermostat. Its more than just a control pad. It has a temperature sensor in it that detects the temp of the air in the room its in. Covering it can limit air flow around the T-stat and cause the air in the room to be different from the air around the T-stat behind the cover. That will cause the system to come on/off based on the temp behind the cover regardless of the temp in the room/house.
Mike says
Excellent point of view, Daniel. However, if you’re swinging on a hinge described in the photo, you’re never really restricting the air-flow. A standard door hinge will out-kick 1/4 to 3/8th’s of an inch off of the wall — so we are not really restricting air-flow ( if anything, it’s minuscule). I do entirely agree about the point your trying to get across you’re absolutely right about never completely covering a T-stat.
Sandra Shepard says
What he is saying is that covering it up means that the thermostat will only make the temp behind the picture the temp you want. So when the temp behind the pic reaches 72 the air turns off which will mean the rest of the house will be colder or hotter. It will make your unit run more because it won’t accurately read the room temperature
Scott says
I agree with you. You should not cover the thermostat or impede airflow around it in any way.
Kimberly says
That is alarm
Richard says
Daniel, the “tip” above was for covering a home security key pad not a thermostat, I agree 100% with your explanation for not covering a thermostat.
Raynette Kepa says
Thankyou trying out the food coloring drop right now, waiting 2 hours
Mike says
Awesome. This trick works great for detecting toilette leaks : ) Let me know how it goes.
Raynette Kepa says
Gonna buy Alka seltzer
Mike says
Let me know how it works for you, Raynette. It has been hit or miss with some. This could depend upon how bad the clog is. Worth a shot.
CARLA says
What can you do about squeaky floors that have CARPET?
Mike says
Carla, one option you have, is to take a drywall screw and screw down into the flooring. One or two might do the trick. Try to locate the exact spot and spread the carpeting the best you can and drive a screw into the wood floor.
Judy says
Can I receive these DYI ideas in my email
Mike says
Let me see what I can do, Judy. I might be able to include a printing option at the top of the article.
Sue says
Love your ideas
Mike says
Thank you, Sue.
Ginny says
Any tips of what to do with ceilings after removing the popcorn?
Mike says
You can smooth them out with a drywall sand-block and re-paint them
Tiffany says
Any ideas of how to get “white cloudy” stains out of wood furniture? Thanks in advance!
aimee says
What can you do with a particle board dresser sir that’s all scratched up aside from just painting it is there another solution I bought it used and I know I need to sand it
Robin says
Hiding a thermostat behind something is a bad idea the thermostat is there in the open to sensor the air around it really doesn’t matter what it looks like it’s in the open for a purpose and we all have one
Gina says
FYI. You should know that popcorn ceilings can contain asbestos. It is harmless if undisturbed. Before removing it yourself, you should really have it tested to see what it is made up of. Breathing the particles in can cause lung cancer and should only be removed by a professional. That being said, It sure looks like a “neat” way to remove it.
Eric Edwards says
The Vasilene idea is really bad! Better to use a dab of axle grease, won’t dry out like Vasilene will.
Vance says
Please remove tip number 1 regarding removing popcorn ceilings! Especially in older homes, popcorn texture may contain asbestos fibers. Typical shop vacuums, even with HEPA filters, cannot filter out the extremely small fibers of asbestos generated when it is disturbed. The vacuum then blows these fibers out, spreading them throughout the house. Anyone removing popcorn ceiling should have it tested for asbestos prior to beginning work. Removing texture containing asbestos safely requires special equipment and training, and the consequences of improper procedure can be fatal to you or your family members.
connie says
Hints on fixing the edgeing of wood floors. Not just edges of floor but everywhere at some of the corners lufting just enough to be seen
Rhita Taylor says
I use golf tees to fix stripped screw holes. Just apply a little glue on the tee, insert it in the hole, let dry. Cut off the tee flush with the framing and replace the screw.
Rhita Taylor says
Baking soda and vinegar, followed by boiling water works great to unclog a sink drain too.
AnneS says
How much of baking soda per how much of vinegar? What is the ratio of the two ingredients?
Karla says
How can you find out if your popcorn ceiling has asbestos in it? The house was built in 1986.
Mike says
Hi Karla, it’s best you consult with a home inspector to have a sample tested.
Regina carroll says
How can I clean my car seats? They are stained n dirty?
Nichole says
Great information. The coloring in the toilet worked wonders.