DIY Like a Pro: 34 Simple Solutions for Common Home Repairs
Guide to Cleaning Vinyl Siding
Cleaning your home’s vinyl siding efficiently involves a few straightforward steps. Step 1: Mix Cleaning Solution – Start by mixing T.S.P powder with warm water in a large bucket, or opt for a mixture of white vinegar, baking soda, and water for a natural alternative. Ensure you’re wearing gloves for safety. Step 2: Water Down Siding – Use a hose or pressure washer to spray down the siding, removing loose debris. Step 3: Scrub Siding – Employ a long pole brush to apply the solution and scrub the siding, especially focusing on areas with more build-up.
Step 4: Deep Scrub – For tougher spots, use a smaller brush for a thorough clean. Step 5: Rinse – Finish by rinsing the siding with water, utilizing a pressure washer if necessary to remove stubborn stains. This efficient method, taking about 2 hours, is effective for maintaining and rejuvenating the appearance of vinyl siding.
Clean Your Bathtub With Dish Soap And A Broom
Save yourself the back pain that comes when you bend to scrape and clean the bathtub. Use a broom specifically for this task and the same soap you use to do the dishes. The detergent will dissolve the soap scum and mildew in the bathtub. You can brush and scrape it off with the broom while standing up. No more back pain!
Getting rid of soap scum from your tub will keep your grout and glass fresh for longer. Combine a half gallon of boiling water and two tablespoons of dish soap in a bucket. Scrub all bathtub surfaces with a scrub sponge or dipped in the bucket. Transfer soapy water into the tub on a regular basis. After immersing your sponge or brush in your bucket solution, sprinkle baking soda straight onto the sponge or brush and scrub vigorously. Rinse the tub after it’s clean. Finish by using a clean, dry cloth to polish the tub faucet, drain, and handles.
Use Common Household Ingredients To Unclog A Drain
Here we have an easy recipe to unclog a slow-draining sink, bathtub, or shower. These are not abrasive chemicals that could damage the piping. Steps:First, boil some water and pour it down the drain. Second, pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain (some people mix in a ¼ cup of salt) followed by ½ cup of plain white vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes and flush again with hot water.
Using a wire hanger from your closet to unclog a drain is another simple but effective method. Curl one end into a little hook after straightening it out as much as possible. The hook should trap around the hair and another crud that has built up inside the drain. Remove the hangar, clean the hook, and snake it down the drain until it no longer pulls anything up. When you’re finished, flush the drain with hot water to remove any residual debris.
Removing Water Stains
To remove those unpleasant water stains on the ceiling, this solution acts as a cleaner before you paint over it. How to do it: Mix one cup of bleach and three cups of warm water in a bowl and gently apply on the stain. This mild homemade solvent will remove mildew, grease, and dirt, preventing the paint from sticking properly. To keep your walls clean, we recommend the following additional tips: Dust your walls on a regular basis to avoid grime accumulation. As soon as you see a stain, clean it.
With a damp sponge, fresh stains can be removed fast and completely. When cleaning painted walls, start with tiny sections and work your way up. Take breaks after finishing a wall to avoid “wash marks.” Cleaning your walls with abrasive cleansers or bristle brushes might scratch the surface. For future painting work, consider semi-gloss or gloss paints, which are simpler to clean than flat finishes.