Quick Fixes to Common Home Problems

Owning a home can be wonderful, but sometimes the amount of repairs required, big and small, can begin to feel overwhelming. While there are many household problems that should be fixed by a professional—think plumbing and electrical work—there are other, less prominent problems that you can solve on your own!

Problem:
Countertop scuff

Solution:
You’ll need a crayon, a spatula knife, and a microwave-safe bowl

1. Pick the Crayon whose color comes closest to matching your countertop. Peel off the paper and place it in the bowl. 
2. Pop the crayon and bowl in the microwave. 
3. Pour the hot, melted crayon onto the scuff mark and work it into the indentation with the spatula knife. 
4. Scrape off the excess with the spatula knife.

The Crayon mixture will harden and dry quickly, erasing your countertop flaw. 

Problem:
Loose cabinet hinge

Solution: 
You’ll need wooden matches, wood glue, and a hammer

1. Remove the cabinet hinge screw. 
2. Dab wood glue on a match and stick it into the screw holes. 
3. Tap it in with the hammer. 
4. Break off the match part that’s sticking out. 
5. Let the glue dry for about 4 hours. 
6. Twist the screw back into place. The match piece will create a new solid base for the screw.

Problem: 
Squeaky floor

Solution:
You’ll need talcum powder

1. Sprinkle the powder over the squeaky section and sweep it into the cracks. 

Problem: 
Stained bathtub

Solution:
You’ll need cream of tartar, baking soda, lemon juice, and a soft cloth

1. Combine equal amounts of cream of tartar and baking soda with enough lemon juice to make a paste. 
2. Rub the mixture into the stain with your fingers or a soft cloth. 
3. Let sit for a half hour, then rinse well with water.

Problem:
A stripped screw

Solution:
You’ll need a hacksaw

1. -Use the hacksaw to cut into the top of the stripped screw to create a new groove for the screwdriver.

Voila, your screw is back to new!

Problem: 
Drywall hole

Solution:
You’ll need wire screen, a pencil, a joint knife, masking tape, sandpaper, and drywall compound

1. Cut the wire screen 2 inches larger than the hole. 
2. Tie one end of the string to the pencil and thread the other end through the middle of the screen—then bend the screen, and insert it and the pencil into the hole. 
3. Pull the string until the screen is flat against the hole (the pencil helps push the screen flat against the drywall) and hold it taut while you apply the drywall compound.
4. Tape the string to the wall to hold the screen in place as the compound dries. 
5. Cut the string when dry. 
6. Sand and smooth compound with joint knife. 

Problem:
Torn window screen

Solution:
You’ll need clear nail polish

1. Slather nail polish over the hole in the screen, both inside and outside. Let it dry and no more bugs will sneak in!

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