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Fix-it jobs around the house are one of the aggravating-yet-expected downsides of homeownership. Not everyone is the do-it-yourself type, and hiring specialists or bothering neighbors can get old fast.
But some common household hiccups can be resolved without spending much, if any, money. In fact, you can solve a lot of problems by simply using everyday items you already own. Here’s a look at a few offbeat ways to make household repairs without household items and save money in the process:
Think creatively and use what you have in a pinch!
When your drain – bathtub, sink, and the works – doesn’t quite drain like it should there’s generally three options: (1) buy costly drain unclogging liquids; (2) buy the tools necessary to unclog the drain by hand; (3) call a plumber. Try heading to your closet and grabbing a coat hanger before opening your wallet. Straighten the hanger and fashion a hook on one end. Insert the hook end into your drain to grab the hair and the gunk that’s been collecting.
When your garbage disposal gets so dull that it can no longer cut through food don’t rush to buy a new one. Instead, try out this n(ice) trick. Turn on your disposal and turn the water on cold. Make sure the water is going straight down the drain and not hitting the basin of your sink. Then all you have to do is drop a few handfuls of ice cubes down the drain. The ice will actually sharpen the blades as it is being chopped up.
Sometimes light bulbs will break and usually the first impulse is to remove the base the bulb is screwed into. Good idea, but it is still possible to hurt yourself in the process. Next time, after cutting power to the light, cut a potato in half. You’ll want to cut the potato on the side where it is the skinniest, not on the more pointed round ends, which makes it easier to hold. Push the cut end into the protruding part of the broken bulb. Now you should be able to twist the light bulb out of its socket without risking harm to yourself.
Whether it was a clumsy trip, a heavy storm or an excited pet, whatever the cause broken ceramics can be fixed. Glue in this type of situation can be your best friend. It can be everyday multipurpose glue, hot glue or even gorilla glue. Just be sure to not drench the broken pieces while you’re applying the glue. You’ll probably only need a few beads along a broken end or a thin line across the larger pieces.
Do you have any “hacks” or short-cuts that you use at your home or in a pinch? Share them in the comments!
Photo Courtesy of R/DV/RS and ginsnob
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