Every home eventually has small annoyances. Things like a squeaky door or a clogged drain can be a pain in your day to day. The good news is that many of these issues can be easily fixed without spending a fortune. Using a little creativity and some affordable supplies, you can easily tackle these common household problems.
Stop Squeaky Doors with Petroleum Jelly
Not many things are as annoying as a squeaky door. Instead of replacing hinges, apply petroleum jelly for a quick fix. Simply rub a small amount onto the hinge pins, open and close the door a few times, and the noise will disappear. This solution is cheap, fast, and far less messy than using oil.
Use Vinegar to Unclog Your Showerhead
If your showerhead’s water flow is weak due to mineral buildup, vinegar is your best friend. Put vinegar inside a plastic bag, tie the bag around the showerhead, and make sure it’s immersed in the vinegar. Leave it overnight. By morning, the acidity of the vinegar will dissolve the deposits, leaving your shower head as good as new.
Fix Wobbly Furniture with Playing Cards
Wobbly tables and chairs can be frustrating, but you don’t need new furniture to solve the problem. Take a few playing cards and slide them under the uneven leg until the furniture is steady. Trim the edges, and you’ve got an invisible fix that costs next to nothing and works instantly.
Silence a Slamming Cabinet Door with Felt Pads
Tired of cabinet doors slamming shut? Grab some adhesive felt pads. These small, inexpensive pads can be placed on the inside corners of the cabinet door. Once applied, they’ll soften the impact, stopping the loud bang and saving your cabinets from damage over time.
Use a Rubber Band to Open Stubborn Lids
When you encounter a stubborn jar lid, there is no need to reach for fancy tools. Use a thick rubber band for extra grip and tie it around the lid. This little hack gives you more leverage, allowing you to twist the lid off without struggling. It’s an easy, budget-friendly solution that works like a charm.
Remove Carpet Dents with Ice Cubes
Rearranging furniture often leaves unsightly dents in the carpet. Luckily, ice cubes can fix this problem. Put an ice cube over the dents. When it melts, the water will fluff up the carpet fibers. Once dry, a quick vacuum or brush will restore the area to its original state, no costly repairs needed.
Keep Your Trash Can Fresh with Baking Soda
Prevent foul odors from lingering in your trash can by sprinkling baking soda on the bottom. This natural deodorizer absorbs bad smells, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh. Plus, it’s a reasonable solution compared to constantly buying scented trash bags or deodorizers.
Fix a Stripped Screw Hole with Toothpicks
A screw hole getting stripped can make tightening difficult. An easy fix is to insert a few toothpicks coated in wood glue into the hole. Let the glue dry, then reinsert the screw. The toothpicks will fill in the gaps and make the hole strong enough to hold the screw again without buying new hardware.
Use Dryer Sheets to Remove Pet Hair
Pet hair clinging to furniture and clothes can be a daily frustration. A cheap and effective way to remove it is by using dryer sheets. Simply swipe a dryer sheet across the surface, and the hair will cling to it. You won’t need expensive lint rollers to keep your home clean.
Prevent Foggy Mirrors with Shaving Cream
Foggy mirrors after a hot shower can be irritating. Rub a little shaving cream on your mirror, then wipe it off with a cloth. This trick creates an invisible barrier that prevents condensation for weeks. An inexpensive hack that will save you the hassle of constantly wiping down your mirror.
Use Pool Noodles to Prevent Car Door Dings
If your garage is tight, pool noodles can prevent your car door from hitting the wall. Cut a pool noodle in half lengthwise, then attach it to the garage wall where the door would normally hit. The foam will cushion the impact, protecting both the door and the wall. It’s a cheap way to avoid costly repairs.
Unclog Drains with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Use a natural solution to unclog your drains and not harsh chemiclas that could damage the pipes. Start by pouring the baking soda, followed by vinegar. Use equal measurements and allow the mixture to fizz for a couple of minutes, then proceed to rinse with hot water. This effectively clears clogs and is a more cost-effective alternative to commercial products.
Stop Floor Scratches with Cork Pads
Furniture legs can scratch up your floors over time and leave unsightly floor marks. To avoid this, cut small pieces of cork or use adhesive cork pads and stick them to the bottom of your furniture legs. Cork acts as a soft barrier between the furniture and the floor. They are a cheap and eco-friendly solution that prevents scratches.
Fix Drafty Windows with Weatherstripping
Your energy bills can skyrocket with drafty windows but a roll of weatherstripping can fix this problem. Apply the stripping to the edges of your window frames to seal any gaps. This simple installation reduces drafts, and makes your home more energy-efficient and comfortable without a hefty investment.
Use Command Hooks for Cable Management
Messy cables are an eyesore, but the good news is that you can easily organize them with adhesive command hooks. Attach the hooks to the back of your desk or entertainment center, then loop the cords through them. This is a budget-friendly way to declutter your space and keep your cables tidy and off the floor.