Free Flat Tire Repair at Discount TireFlat tire repairs due to a nail can charge anywhere from $10 to $20. Discount Tires offers free flat tire repairs, no matter where you bought your tires from. There are over 900 Discount Tire locations in the United States. If you ever have a flat tire with a nail, try Discount Tires. If you do not have a Discount Tire around, you can call the bigger tire retailers and ask if they provide complimentary services.
Shred Wax Paper to Lubricate ShredderDo you use a paper shredder for disposing of sensitive documents like I do? After a while, the blades need a little lubrication. Run a piece of waxed paper through the shredder to make it work like new again!
Crayons To Camoflauge Bleached CarpetOh my God! I found the solution for bleached stains on carpets! Simple as this: crayons and a hair dryer. Just find the color matching your carpet and color it moving lightly over the stain, then use the dryer to "melt" the crayon (once you found the right match).
How To Repair Frizzy American Girl Doll HairThis is an easy and inexpensive way to repair American Girl Dolls' hair using household items.
Glue to Make an Oversize Ring FitI've always been encountering this, especially if someone gives you a ring as a gift. When the ring is too big that won't fit on your finger that would be a problem and sometimes I go to a goldsmith to have it cut it to make fit on my finger. And this will cost you a money, right?
Stretching Tight BeaniesI've recently found that I can shape any beanie, even the ones that are oddly tight, like swimmers caps, by stretching them with the right objects. Take something that's a bit bigger than your head, like a melon, fit the beanie over it and let it sit there for at least 24 hours.
Save Money on Parts at the DealershipMy car's starter needed to be replaced. An aftermarket car starter from Auto Zone, Advanced Auto Parts, NAPA and comparable range from $250 to $430 - not new but rebuilt.
Free Fix for Sagging SofaOur older sofa and loveseat were losing support. There are sofa supports for sale at about $25 each. However, I used a large box, cut it in half, folded it and placed it under the cushions.
Getting A Swiffer WetJet WorkingBrand new Swiffer and I couldn't get it to work until I looked closely and realized there was cardboard paper around the border of where the bottle fits. Pull out the bottle, then the paper on the side of where the bottle sits, then put the bottle back in the Swiffer. It should now work perfectly.
Fix for a Broken Flip FlopFlip flops can break at any time. Carry a bread tab with you. If the toe portion comes out, put it back in the hole and attach the tab on the sole side of the flip flop. This will secure it.
Unsticking Two Stainless Steel PotsThis way is easier than the hot water and ice method. Fill the under pot with water by finding a way to put the water in through the rim. When you have a nice quantity, bring the pot to a boil. The steam will push out and up the pot at the top. That's what worked for me.
Repairing Stuck Paper Lever PunchI was making heart confetti and my paper level punch was stuck. I decided to just stick my scissors into the center where the dot is sticking out and pushed it down. It released the stuck paper punch!
How to Repair a Card ShufflerThe machine worked great to begin with and then after a couple of days, it began to get slow and sluggish like the batteries were giving out. I thought to myself, this machine is not worth a toot and figured we had wasted our money and it would go in the trash.
Replacing Door HardwareWe recently had to replace our doorknob, which was about 10 years old at that point. At first, we thought to change the look and style of the knob but soon realized that the original knob had marked the door over time. It looked terrible. We went back to the store and found the exact same knob pattern, which covered the damage exactly. Sometimes, change is not the best answer.
Using Duct Tape for RepairsI was vacuuming today and I noticed there was no suction. I discovered a ripped hose. The Shark vacuum I own comes with a 5-year warranty. However, you can only have one claim, which I used a couple of years ago.
Hang Up Mending Projects in Your ClosetI don't know about you, but a "mending basket" never worked for me. For one, I rarely had any mending. Two, it just looks like a pile of stuff to wash, fold or donate. So I was recently purging, and came up with an idea. I now have three dresses that need hemming. To remind me to get to them, I have them hanging inside out.
Unclogging a ToiletThe best tip that I have heard is about how to unplug your toilet. I don't know about you, but to me a plugged toilet is the worst. Who wants to deal with peoples' ... output. I'm always afraid of it flooding over on to my bathroom floor. No fun!
Repairing Old FigurinesI fixed these before I started visiting Thrifty-Fun, but the instructions should be easy to follow.
Garage Door LubricantAnything with moving parts will require lubrication. Over time, lubrication will wear away and the parts will begin to cause friction, make noise, and ultimately wears down the mechanisms.
Separating Drinking Glasses That Are StuckIf you have drinking glasses that are stuck within each other, this trick will release them quickly. Fill the top glass with some ice, then dip the bottom glass in some hot water, or run hot water around it. Gently twist and they will come apart. I did this several times after going through old drinking glass sets I'd put in storage to donate.
Cleaning Out Your AC Condensation Drain LineWhile our air conditioning was running - the PVC pipe had water overflowing out of the pipe and dripping onto our hardwood floors. I called my dad, and he told us to pour water and blow on the pipe.
No Spackle Hole RepairOne day while painting a room with latex paint, I noticed that larger drops of paint, when left to dry, became pliable like a putty. I hit on the idea that this half dried paint could be rolled into a a tiny ball and smashed into a hole left by a picture hanger. It worked. Even if you need to lightly sand smooth, the color is through and through.
Repairing Clothing SnagsKnit fabrics are very easily snagged. Here is an easy way to repair the snag using an unusual tool - a dental floss threader. Here we show the process on two men's shirts.
Drinking Glasses Stuck TogetherWhen glass glasses get stuck together, it can be challenging to separate them, lest one or both break. I solved this by carefully pouring a small amount of vegetable oil between them and letting them sit overnight for the oil to disseminate.
Repairing a HingeI had to replace a hinge and I was by myself. I had no one to hold the door for me, so I used a yoga block with some towels on it to let the door rest on it. Made the job easier.
Contact Environmental Services About Broken Trash Bin PartsWith regular wear and tear, our trash bin wheels broke and it was getting harder to push out every week. For the City of San Diego, if you need a new trash bin given that it is over 10 years, it will cost you $70 + a $25 delivery fee.
Use a Screw as a Missing Desk Pin/Shelf PegIs your desk missing a pin to support a shelf? You can use a screw instead. Screw in at an angle to ensure the screw is in place.
Temporary Fix for a Sagging MattressWe spent a lot of money on our mattress, no stains in new like condition except it's sagging! The temporary fix was by buying a 2 inch mattress topper and, depending on how saggy your mattress is before putting your mattress topper on top, fold towels in the sagged area, or a pillow. It varies depending on how minor/serious the sag is!
Repairing A Scratched Hamper with MarkerI recently bought a wicker hamper is sound shape. But the edges were wooden and the black paint looked a bit shabby. It hit me when I got it home and a marker might not help much but it couldn't hurt, either.
Why Some Repair Bills Do Not Have to Show UpI had a problem with my washing machine. The pipe that drained the dirty water was clogged, so dirty water was flowing out of it and into the bottom of the house. I have a home warranty but I also have "a guy." He comes over for $20, while the home warranty comes over for $100.
Covering Chips on a TeapotI got a beautiful teapot on Freecycle. It had a noticeable chip on the end of the spout. If it had been anywhere else, I would have covered it with a Sharpie or some other kind of paint. However, since I am going to drink tea, I was concerned about the paint getting into the water.
Duct Tape for Hole in ScreenIf you have a hole in your screen and need a quick fix, try this. Cut two pieces of tape a bit larger than the hole. Put one piece outside and one inside. The sticky sides should be facing each other. Works well at keeping flies out. You can get all different types of duct tape. Get one that is closest to the color of your screen.
Repairs with Duct TapeI have a plastic (not fiberglass) tub in my 1973 mobile home. It is cracked and water leaks out underneath. After trying several other ways to fix the cracks that didn't work, in desperation, I tried clear duct tape. It worked! Now all the cracks are sealed and no more leaks.
Refurbishing Painted Metal SnapsI have a white snap front sweatshirt that the white paint wore off of the snaps and made the sweatshirt look shabby. I grabbed my witeout that you use for paper and applied a coat. It covered beautifully and now my sweatshirt looks new again
Reusing a Mattress TopperI had a mattress topper, one of the ones that is held on with elastic straps. The elastic stretched out and didn't stay on very well. I took it and cut the straps off. I put a fitted sheet on my mattress upside down then put the topper on it. When I got it set in the right place, I pinned it in place, took it to my sewing machine and stitched them together. Then I sewed it from corner to corner in a big X.
Baby Oil for Sticky Rubber HandlesI have scoured the internet looking for the answer to this dilemma. Most sites say use baking soda or talcum powder. I didn't think that would be good for my camera so I experimented with a sticky pen. The unbelievable solution is baby oil! My camera has been sticky free for over a year. A very small amount will do the trick.
Wax for Waterproof Leather ShoesTo waterproof your shoes rub a good coating of wax over the leather shoe (I used a candle) then heat the wax with a hairdryer for about a minute on high or until it turns clear. I gently rubbed it in with my finger once it became clear.
Use the Company Customer Service NumberI saw a non-working Keurig on Freecycle. I knew about descaling it from an article written by Mary Hunt on the Debt Proof Living website, so I decided to take a chance. However, the descaling and cleaning did not work, so I called their toll-free number, and within 10 minutes the screen error the previous owner experienced was fixed and I have a great machine. I got the manual online and downloaded it.
Unclog Your Bath Sink DrainFind the overflow outlet for the sink. Then cover the overflow outlet using duct tape or something similar. Get some water in the sink bowl and use a plunger. The tape over the overflow vents will stop air from entering as you are using the plunger. This will work for a bathtub.
Raising a Bed with BooksI recently had a hollywood frame under the bed. It was too high and tended to roll out when I "hopped" up on it.
Remove Batteries to Avoid CorrosionIf you know you are not going to be using an item for a long time that requires or has batteries, I would recommended to remove it. That way you avoid battery corrosion, like what happened to my spare mouse here.
Quick Temporary Hem FixI was in a hurry this morning and snagged the hem of my slacks with my big toe. It ripped out a good portion of the stitching. I needed those black slacks and didn't have time to get a needle and thread and fix them.
Sharpen Scissors with SandpaperWe have all heard of using foil to sharpen scissors. I find they are much sharper and cut way better when sharpened with fine-grit sandpaper. Turn the sandpaper so the roughness is facing down, then cut long strokes all the way through so your blades are sharpened evenly.
Use Hot Glue On Slippery ShoesI have had shoes with no traction left on the bottom of my shoes. This can be very dangerous for falls. Just add some hot glue dots to the bottom, and this will give you traction.
Hold Bra Straps Together with Paper ClipsHook a paper clip onto the back of your bra straps to hold them together. That way, the straps will not go down your arms.
Remove Lint From Your ClothesWe all hate the little fuzz balls that end up on our clothes after washing and drying them. They make our clothes look old and grungy. One option many people use to combat this is by using a battery operated fabric shaver. There are a few disadvantages to these.
Fixing Chips in White FormicaWhite-out does a great job of fixing chips in white formica. You may need 2-3 coats. Put one coat at a time. Wait 10 minutes between coats
Restringing Levolor Window BlindsOur window treatments by Levolor are in pretty good condition, but the string to pull the blinds up and down recently broke on one of our windows.
Nail File for Many UsesNeed a small, precise file to use on a variety of materials? A nail file coated with synthetic sapphires is ideal. The ones I am currently using came from the cosmetics aisle of a local supermarket.
Rubber Band for Tight JeansDid you just recently purchased a pair of jeans that do not fit you but it's a final sale purchase, therefore you can't return it? Or do you have a favorite pair of jeans that no longer fits but you still love to wear? This will work for those expecting too, but not yet at the stage to wear maternity jeans.
Lifetime Sharpening from TweezermanYou just have to pay a few dollars to ship to them. I mailed two pairs and they came back in a nice plastic case. If they cannot be sharpened, you will get a coupon for half off your next pair. Tweezerman tweezers are expensive, but are of high quality and will end up being cheaper than other brands in the long run.
Use a Paper Clip for Missing Zipper Pull TabThe pull tab breaking off is one of the most common problems we encounter on our zippers. I was at the office for the whole day and accidentally lost the pull tab on my wallet. It's the only way you can open and close the wallet. I just grabbed a small paper clip and inserted it as my pull tab.
Replacing the Elastic Waist on Pajama PantsThe waist elastic on my pajama pants is now loose and they fall down. The pajama pants themselves are still in good condition, so instead of tossing the pajamas out, I added new elastic!
Repairing A Frayed Electronic CordElectronic cables like phone and laptop chargers get very hot and bent out of shape easily. This cable in particular is $29 from the manufacturer. With the help of a spring from a pen, you can get many more years out of your cables.
Caution on Flushable WipesWe had a big clog in our main pipe and had to get a plumber. He found a lot of wipes, and we don't have a baby. The plumber said there are makeup remover wipes, wet wipes, and cleaning wipes, to name a few. He said even if the container says is flushable, will not disintegrate and will clog up the pipes eventually.
Drinking Straw for Threading Draw CordsI use a drinking straw when threading draw cords from my hoodie jackets, and on my shorts. This way, it makes it easy to pull it through. Just insert the draw cord into the drinking straw and staple it so that it won't slip away when you pull it. It is an easy way to keep the draw string in place!
Stretching New Underwear ElasticI bought some new panties and the elastic in the waist was too tight. I put them on the back of this chair and left it for a few days until it stretched to the same size as my old ones. Now I can wear them.
Support for a Leaning FenceIf your fence is leaning over, but still in decent condition, both you and your neighbor can use wood to lean the fence up on both sides. We had leftover wood, so we cut a small piece and then screwed it to the fence, then used a longer piece of wood at an angle for support. This method has been holding up for over a year!
If Your Riding Mower Will Not StartIf your riding mower will not start (most of these tips are applicable to push mowers also).
Desk Mat to Protect from Scratches and SpillsIf you want to keep your desk in new condition and scratch free, I would recommend purchasing a desk mat/pad. Not only will your desk mat help prevent scratches but also serve as a mouse pad if you have a mouse, or use a wireless mouse, and easy clean if you spill anything.
Scotch Tape for ShoelacesSince I have an 8 year old boy, shoelaces are my problem. At this age, they are very active on playing, running, and activities at school. Sometimes, the tip of the shoelace will get split and it's hard to get it inserted into the holes of the shoes.
Minimize Water Damage with FanA few months back, I posted about always being home and awake when you use appliances. A valve in my dishwasher malfunctioned, causing damage to the subfloor in the kitchen. I have removable tiles, so it will be easier to dry out the subfloor, but it can still be done if you don't.
Repairing a Belt LoopMy belt loop broke. It was made from strong thread so I used embroidery floss to fix it. Embroidery floss is six strands of thread put together. I cut 3 lengths of the floss and braided them. I now have a strong belt loop and can extend the life of my coat.
Using Rice for Wet GadgetsI dropped my smartphone in a tub full of water. I buried my wet smartphone in a bowl of rice grains overnight. The next day when I tried to turn on my dead phone, it turned on and worked properly again.
Fixing a Swiffer Wet Jet That is Not SprayingI followed tips for corroded contacts, exhausted batteries, etc. After verifying with a voltage meter that the switch worked and the contacts all through the circuits to the motor were not corroded, I was able to verify that when batteries were in the compartment and I pressed the switch, there was a 6v current at the engine contacts.
Potato to Remove Broken Light BulbI'm sharing this because it seems like an old tip that many people have forgotten about, and especially because I just helped my neighbour with this problem! When one of your light bulbs break and you need it removed from the socket, use half a raw potato.
Using Thread to Untie KnotsI will often have knots brought to me to untie that are practically impossible to undo. I thread a needle with embroidery floss and get the string of embroidery floss between the knotted yarns. I will keep reinserting the needle and yarn wherever the knot is the most stuck. After a bit of pulling, everything is able to be untied.
Putting A Stop On Jean ZippersWith the modern day type zipper having been around for over one hundred years, one would think the garment manufacturers would know by now how to set a zipper so it doesn't get stuck in the bottom of the track. Not so. With every pair of jeans I buy, there's the same dilemma.
How to Remove a Broken Key from a LockHere's a tip to save time and money to remove a broken key from a door knob or other lock, without having to call an expensive locksmith to do the job.
Flattening a Curled RugCurled corners of rugs can be so frustrating. Sometimes weighing them down with heavy objects or reverse-curling them doesn't put them back into their original flat form for too long.
Protecting a Television Remote ControlOur television remote control circuit board was constantly building up oil from our hands and would not control our television. My husband cleaned the circuit board and I wrapped the remote control in Saran Wrap and secured it with scotch tape on the back. It has worked properly for weeks.
Lubricate Zipper with Candle WaxThe teeth of the zipper is one my problems almost all the time. When I slide through the chain, it won't run smoothly. Before sliding to the chain (teeth), I rub the the candle on both sides. Do it at least 3 times before you zip it.
Covering Up Nicks and Scratches on WoodI used a crayon designed for covering up gray roots to fix a picture frame. This crayon is activated with water and goes on more smoothly than a regular crayon. I'll bet you can't tell where the damaged area was!
Binder Clip for Hook and Eye Closure RepairReplacements pieces for hook and eye closures aren't usually found at any old store so you can take the metal piece of a binder clip and slip the metal prongs through your clothing. Use some thread to keep it in place. Hook in as normal.
Fixing a Broken Shoe with a Key RingRecently, I realized that shoving my shoes off with my other foot was going to come back on me. It did. The little pot-metal clip that the Velcro strap went through broke. I can't afford shoe repair so I did it myself.
Add a Magnet to your Hammer for NailsWhen using just a few nails at a time, or to avoid holding them in your mouth, try this: glue a magnet to the end of your hammer to hold a few nails. It saves a little time and is more convenient!
Rubber Band for Stripped Screw HeadsEveryone runs in to a stripped screw from time to time, and they can be a real pain! Place a wide rubber band on your screwdriver, stretching it lengthwise from the handle down across the tip. The rubber helps to 'fill in' the screw head and helps the screwdriver stay put without slipping, which also allows more torque!
Sharpening Dull TweezersYou don't have to replace your dull tweezers. This tip works on expensive tweezers that have gotten dull and makes cheap tweezers as sharp as their more expensive counterparts.
Household Items to Support a Kitchen ShelfI live in a complex that is 36 years old and just like we humans, things sag from time to time. The second shelf was bowing in the middle, and the flimsy little pegs that hold it up don't really help. So...
Keep Batteries Inside RemoteIf you lose the back to your television remote (like most people usually do), an easy fix for any remote is to just tape the back shut all they way around so there is no way for the batteries to fall out.
Preventing Broken Eye Glass ChainsI have wider than usual eye glass temples. Stretching the little rubber tips that go over the temples often makes them break. While I only spend $1 on them, I still have to replace them when they break.
Use Tack to Make Extra Hole in SandalsIf your sandals are just a little bit to big and won't stay on your feet, just simply use a cork board tack to make a new hole for the buckle to go though. Then they can comfortably stay on your feet.
Remedy for Persistent Bleeping Smoke AlarmMy smoke alarm was set off when there was a lot of dust during a DIY job. It wouldn't stop bleeping when I decided to replace the battery on completing the DIY.
Repairing Elastic BraceletsWhen the elastic in a bracelet stretches, most think it's a lost cause. Many get tossed or recycled into other things (my personal fav'). But if you love the work and want to save it, it's super easy.
Pay Attention to Appliances While You are Using ThemMany people like to operate their washers, driers, and dishwashers right before they go to bed, to take advantage of cheaper electrical rates. I use my appliances when I'm awake and at home and am watchful for noises and/or longer running times. Just this week, an inlet valve on my underground sprinkler malfunctioned.
Happy Toilets Won't OverflowIf a toilet you used starts to overfill with water and you fear it will overflow, first take the back, top lid off and push the rubber stopper down over the open hole.
Fix Reel Mower TreadsMy "Weed-eater" reel mower is 5 1/2 years old, and it shows. But if the plastic wheel treads won't dig in against the resistance of the grass, then it's over. Here's a simple solution to planned obsolescence.
Covering Rust Spots on a White RefrigeratorBecause of the age of our fridge, I just didn't want to put a lot of money into fixing it, I found a roll of white, dry-erase Contact paper. I covered the door from the dispenser area down to the bottom and, unless you really look closely, you can't tell it's not the original finish.
Use Broken Canopy for PartsWe lost our shade structure during an unusually stormy and windy soccer game one fall. My brother had purchased the same structure and broke his frame in a similar manner. Instead of throwing them out, we took apart the broken leg and replaced it from one of the good ones from my brother's frame.
Fixing a Rolltop Desk TambourMy rolltop's tambour would not open all the way. It was like it was jammed from being able to be pushed up all the way to the top, in the totally open position. This meant the drawers were locked. Fortunately, not all of the drawers were shut.
Fixing A Broken Soap DispenserThe pump was frozen. It wouldn't depress. I tried soaking it but it still would only move very slightly. I went to the manufacturers website to find replacement parts and wasn't successful. Finally, we tried applying a light weight oil where the tiny holes are and it worked. An easy, no cost solution!
Balancing a Warped SkilletThis may have only happened to me. But if you ever have this happen, you will probably remember this tip.
Fixing a Squeaky Platform RockerI have been having trouble with a squeaky platform, swivel rocker. I tried new bearings and lubrication of all wood parts but to no avail.
Resetting a Maytag Maxima Steam X Front Load WasherI have a Maytag Maxima steam x front load washer. In mid cycle it throws e01 and f08 codes, the door will not unlock and there is no power. Here is my tip. I kept unplugging the power cord and plugging it back in over and over for about 15 minutes, continuously. It finally unlocked and reset itself.
Use Tea to Mask White Stains on Laminate FlooringTake two tea bags, put in a cup, just about cover them with boiling water, leave it to cool, then put the liquid on the white marks on the laminate flooring. Just rub in gently with your fingers, leave for about half an hour, then remove some of the liquid with a tissue to check the result.
Keep a Check for Freezer LeaksLast year, I walked by my freezer and I stepped in a little water and was wondering where it came from. The freezer seemed to be OK so it took me a while to realize that the water was coming from the freezer. It was not working properly and my husband had to replace the thermostat.
Stretching Shoes With Hot WaterPut very hot water from your sink or tub tap into your boots. Let sit until you feel that you can place your foot in the boot without burning your foot. Wear the boot as much as possible. I usually have to do this procedure several times, but this works on all but rubber/plastic type footwear.
Homemade Shoe StretchFrom what I've read here, I think I'll try dipping a laundry softener sheet into 1/3 rubbing alcohol and 2/3 water mixture. This will be thin enough to wear a while, but will also carry the stuff mentioned in other recipes here.
Rebalancing a Wobbling Ceiling FanAfter you have tried tightening all the screws, and checking to see if the blades are warped and they are not, most likely, the blade arm(s) are bent slightly. I tried everything, but this is how I finally solved the wobbling issue:
Removing a Stuck Lid from a PanMy boyfriend was making burgers and wanted to melt cheese on top of one. He put a glass lid over the burger and the steam sucked it into the pan and then it was stuck.
Unclogging Cat Litter from a ToiletI made the mistake of throwing a large clump of clumping kitty litter down the toilet. Here are some tricks I used to unclog it:
Separating Stuck Pots and PansThis is foolproof technique.
