From cleaning and organizing to fixing small issues and enhancing aesthetics, there’s always something to be done around the house. With a treasure trove of ingenious home improvement hacks at your disposal, maintaining your home becomes a breeze.
These hacks cover a wide range of areas, from tackling rust issues and discovering creative cleaning solutions to organizing your space efficiently and making quick fixes for minor problems. You’ll also find tips on enhancing your home’s aesthetics without breaking the bank, as well as repurposing old items for a fresh look.
Get ready to unlock the potential of your home and make your life as a homeowner much easier and hassle-free with these 20 genius home improvement hacks!
Hack #1: Use Vinegar to Remove Odors from your Microwave
If your microwave has been harboring unpleasant odors, there’s a simple and natural solution at your disposal. Place a microwave-safe bowl filled with vinegar inside and run the microwave for about five minutes. The vinegar’s magical properties will eliminate any lingering odors, leaving your microwave fresh and clean.
Hack #2: Use Your Drill to Clean a Grimy Tub
Cleaning a dirty bathtub can be a real workout, but there’s a game-changing hack that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t think of it before. Grab your trusty cordless drill and attach a foam ball polishing attachment (usually found in automotive stores). With this setup, you can effortlessly scrub away grime and dirt from your tub without scratching the surface.
Hack #3: Remove Candle Wax from Furniture with Ice Cubes
Spills are inevitable, and candle wax accidents are no different. Luckily, there’s a straightforward solution using ice! Just put a plastic bag filled with ice cubes over the spilled wax on your furniture. As the wax cools and solidifies, it can be easily peeled off without harming the furniture’s finish.
Hack #4: Toss in a Tennis Ball to Clean Your Pool Water
Having a pool is amazing, but dealing with oily slicks left behind by suntan lotions and body oils is not so fun. The solution is as simple as a fresh tennis ball! Toss one into your pool, and the fuzzy surface of the ball will absorb the oils, leaving your pool water crystal clear.
Hack #5: Prevent Rust with a Handy Chalk to Your Toolbox
Rust can be the enemy of metal tools and hardware, but fret not! Protect your precious tools by tucking blackboard chalk into your toolbox. Chalk is known for its moisture-absorbing properties, keeping dampness at bay and preventing rust from taking over your tools.
Hack #6: Clean your Toilet Bowl with Mouthwash
Who knew that mouthwash could do more than freshen your breath? Pour a capful of mouthwash into your toilet bowl, and let it sit for around 30 minutes. The mouthwash’s cleaning power will work wonders, and you’ll find that scrubbing away grime has never been easier.
Hack #7: Unclog a Stuck Drain with Coffee
Unclogging a stuck drain with coffee grounds offers a natural and environmentally friendly approach, avoiding the use of harsh chemical drain cleaners. This method utilizes the abrasive qualities of coffee grounds and the grease-cutting properties of dish soap to effectively tackle clogs in your drains.
Hack #8: Remove Small Scratches on Furniture with Toothpaste
Say goodbye to scratches on your furniture with this handy hack: toothpaste. Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to the scratches, then gently rub it in a circular motion. The toothpaste’s abrasive properties will work wonders, leaving your furniture looking as good as new.
Hack #9: Get Crayon Marks off Walls with a Hairdryer
Artistic little ones can sometimes leave their masterpieces on your walls using crayons. But fear not, a hairdryer can help you fix it. By heating the crayon marks with a hairdryer for a few seconds, you’ll soften the wax, making it easier to wipe away with a soft cloth.
Hack #10: Polish Furniture with Essential oils
Wood furniture needs some love too! Keep it looking pristine by using essential oils as a natural polish. Lemon essential oil works wonders on dark wood and helps remove stains and spots. Plus, certain essential oils, like tea tree oil, double as an effective furniture polish and a bug deterrent!
Hack #11: Spray Your Mower’s Blades to Keep Clippings From Sticking
Say goodbye to the hassle of grass clippings sticking to your lawnmower’s blades! Before mowing, simply apply cooking spray to the undercarriage and blades. This clever hack will prevent clippings from sticking, making cleaning up after mowing a breeze. Bonus tip: You can also use cooking spray to prevent ice buildup in your freezer.
Hack #12: Use Painter’s Tape for a Perfect Caulk Job
Caulking can be a challenging task, but not anymore with this ingenious hack. Before caulking, thoroughly clean the area, then apply painter’s tape above and below where you’ll be caulking. This simple trick ensures clean and straight lines. Once you’ve applied the caulk, peel off the tape while it’s still wet for professional-looking results.
Hack #13: Grab a Makeup Sponge to Repair Drywall Holes
Forget the conventional methods; a cosmetic sponge is the answer to patching small holes in drywall. Cut the sponge to fit the hole, apply spackle, and you’re good to go! For small wall cracks, create a mixture of baking soda and fast-acting glue, such as Krazy Glue, to form a hard plastic surface that’s easily sandable.
Hack #14: Apply Nail Polish to Fill a Hole in Your Window
When you discover a tiny hole in your glass window, don’t fret. Clear nail polish to the rescue! Apply multiple layers of clear nail polish to fill the hole and create a seamless surface. This handy hack also works wonders for fixing torn window screens.
Hack #15: Keep your Toothbrush off the Dirty Countertop with a Clothespin
Keep your toothbrush free from contact with bacteria-laden surfaces by using a clothespin. Simply attach a clothespin to your toothbrush handle, and you’ll have a convenient and hygienic solution to keep your toothbrush clean and dry.
Hack #16: Use a Second Shower Rod to Store Toiletries
Say goodbye to cluttered shower shelves! Install a secondary tension rod in your shower and hang mesh bags using S-hooks. This DIY setup will keep your sponges, loofahs, and toiletries organized and easily accessible.
Hack #17: Freshen up your Microwave with Vinegar
To effortlessly refresh your microwave, utilize vinegar as a natural solution. Simply take a microwave-safe bowl, pour a small amount of vinegar into it, and then run the microwave for five minutes. The steam generated by the vinegar will eliminate any unpleasant odors. Once the process is complete, take a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior, leaving your microwave smelling fresh and clean.
Hack #18: Limit the Amount of Water your Toilet Uses by Putting a Heavy Item in the Tank
Reduce water consumption with every flush by placing a brick or other heavy item inside the toilet tank. This simple hack displaces some water, leading to water conservation without sacrificing performance.
Hack #19: Clean a Messy Ceramic Cooktop with a Magic Eraser
Easily restore your ceramic cooktop’s shine with a Magic Eraser. This powerful cleaning tool effortlessly tackles tough, caked-on messes, making your cooktop look like new. Simply apply gentle pressure, and the Magic Eraser will take care of the rest, leaving your cooktop spotless and ready for your next cooking endeavor.
Hack #20: Clean a pan with Alka-Seltzer tablets
Don’t let stubborn messes on your pans ruin your day. Fill the pan with hot water, drop an Alka-Seltzer tablet in, and let it work its magic. In just about 15 minutes, the mess should easily wipe away, leaving your pan looking as good as new.
Conclusion:
These are just a few of the ingenious home improvement hacks that can revolutionize the way you maintain your home. From quick fixes to innovative solutions, these hacks are designed to save you time, effort, and money while keeping your home in tip-top shape. So go ahead, try out these game-changing tips, and watch your home maintenance routine become a breeze!