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Running a home can be hard work. There are so many things to clean, maintain and repair, and various issues can suddenly arise out of nowhere, costing you a fortune. To ensure you’re always prepared, find out how to solve common household problems.
In This Post:
Hard Water
Hard water is easily one of the biggest plumbing problems various US households can face within the home. Hard water is simply an excess of calcium, iron or magnesium in the water, which can ultimately damage your septic systems, water heaters, plumbing, washing machines and disposal units. It is, therefore, important to test for hard water in the home, which can be improved with water softeners.
Door Problems
A door allows people within the home to enjoy a little privacy, which is why it can be frustrating if you have a door that refuses to close. If this is a problem within your home, it might be a smart idea to set a few days aside to fix the issue. It’s often best to take the door off, before removing the trim to gain access to the jamb, which will need to be replaced. Everything else will then need to be shimmed to accurately seat the door onto the frame. While it might seem like a complex task, it will be worth the trouble once you can close the door and enjoy a little privacy.
Dirty Windows
There is nothing worse than dirty raindrop stains blighting a beautiful view from a window. Fortunately, there is a great way to say goodbye to the problem. All you need to do is fill white vinegar into a household spray bottle before spraying it directly onto your windows. If the stains are a little stubborn, allow the vinegar to sit on the window pane for a few minutes before wiping it away. You should then use a microfiber cloth to smooth any smudges or blemishes on the glass. It’s the ideal way to restore your view.
Clogged Drains
One of the most annoying problems within the home is a clogged drain. You will, however, be happy to learn that there are some clogs you can easily remove without the help of the plumber. Simply disconnect the drain line located beneath the sink and remove the obstacle that refuses to budge with a wire with a hook on the end, or a similar tool. If that doesn’t work, you will need to hire a professional plumber to unclog your drain successfully.
Wine Stains on a Carpet
Most people love a glass of wine, but they don’t love the stains the tipple can leave behind on a carpet. Spilling wine can take a second to do, but removing wine stains will undoubtedly take much longer, especially if it has already set into the material. If you have a troublesome wine stain, you will have two effective options to choose from: rent a steam cleaner or hire a professional carpet cleaning company.
Countertop Stains
Countertop stains can accumulate over time, and you probably will not notice them until the light hits the surface just right – and then it will be all you can see. You’ll be happy to learn this common household problem is often easy to fix. All you must do is apply a poultice, which is a porous material, such as a paper towel or flour. You will also need to apply a solvent, such as peroxide or ammonia. This can lift the stain’s molecules from the surface, which will make your countertop appear as good as new.
Permanent Marker on the Wall
Finding permanent marker on the walls is a household nightmare for most parents. However, there is no reason to panic, as you will be happy to learn there is a solution for the problem. Grab some baking soda and toothpaste and squeeze a generous amount onto an old toothbrush’s bristles. The next step is to gently rub the toothpaste onto the wall until the marker starts to break apart. Then, grab a damp rag and wipe away the not-so-permanent marker off the wall. It will take just a few minutes, and it will prevent you from having to repaint the wall.
An Ant Infestation
Finding a few little ants within the home might not seem like a big deal, but it could be a sign of a much bigger problem. Those tiny little insects can quickly multiply and will happily make their way into your kitchen cupboards to destroy your food. While red and black ants often won’t damage your property, they can become an unhygienic pest within the home.
The best way to tackle an ant infestation is to add ant traps, use sprays or apply granules. If you are struggling to control the problem, it’s advisable to contact a professional exterminator as soon as possible to prevent the infestation from growing out of control.
Mold & Mildew
One day your shower might be a bright white, and the next day there is a brown mold on the walls. Before you know it, it has turned black and has started to spread across the bathroom walls. Unfortunately, mold that has had time to live on the surface can be much harder to remove than fresh mildew. Thankfully, there are many household mold and mildew products available in stores that can tackle the toughest spores. So, regularly apply the mildew products before mold or mildew strikes, and prevent the problem from arising by cleaning your shower after use.
Kitchen Sink Odors
Have you noticed a terrible smell coming directly from your kitchen? If so, you have more than likely scrubbed your refrigerator, emptied the trash, and rummaged through your cupboards, but you have still been unable to find the culprit. You might be surprised to learn that the smell in your kitchen could be coming from your sink.
The smell is often caused by the rubber seal located between the strainer and sink. It can often accumulate food particles over time, which will be unable to escape and can eventually emit a foul odor. All you will need to do to make your home smell clean and fresh once again is to change the seal.
Garage Oil Stains
Car oil leaks can ultimately lead to garage stains. As you are probably already aware, oil can be a difficult stain to remove, especially if you regularly park in the same spot and have failed to notice an oil leak for many months.
The first thing you must do is extract the excess oil from the concrete’s surface with kitty litter or an oil absorbent material, as they will work as a sponge to soak up the oil residue, which you should leave to set for a few days. Once it has left a dry surface, scoop away the absorbent.
Your next step should be to either buy or rent a steam cleaner, and purchase a high-quality pair of goggles and a box of Trisodium phosphate (TSP). You should then open the garage doors and cover any water-sensitive belongings, before putting on your goggles and applying the maximum manufacturer recommended amount into the reservoir. Steam the flooring rather than a select spot, as this will release most of the stains set in below the surface. Remember, different steam cleaners will have different nozzles and pressures, so you might need to experiment with the device until you find the best setting.
Wrinkled Clothing
With many household chores to complete, ironing your clothing is one task you might want to avoid. Well, here is one tip that can ensure you rarely have to pick up the iron. Simply hang your clothing in the bathroom while you are getting ready. The steam from a shower will help to eliminate wrinkles from your clothing, so you can avoid ironing. It’s also perfect for clothing that is difficult to iron.
Damaged Wooden Furniture
Do you own wooden furniture that looks a little damaged? Buff away scrapes by rubbing a shelled walnut onto the furniture, as it will deposit an oil to smooth out scratches. For bigger dings to your wooden furniture, place a damp washcloth onto the area and allow a hot iron to sit on it for up to 10 seconds, as the steam can swell the wood to push out those troublesome dents.
Dirty Trash Can
Nothing is more unpleasant than a dirty trash can in the kitchen. Not only is it horrible to clean, but it can also produce a foul odor you will want to avoid. Prevent having to clean a trash can in the future by simply placing pages from an old newspaper, or a paper bag, into the bottom of the trash can. The paper will absorb any leakages, which can be easily removed and can protect your trash can.
Do you have a household issue that is the bane of your life? Do you have any top tips on how to make a problem a thing of the past? Share your advice by posting a comment below.