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.
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.
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 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.
Repairing Dark Wood StainsI have successfully used three chemical bleaching methods. Go to your local real hardware store for the supplies.
Removing Heat Marks on TableI doubled a blanket on my dining table, and was ironing a large table cloth on it. Now I have several iron marks all over my table. I don't think the iron will work, since this is how I put them on there.
Magic Cloth for Wood Heat StainI have just used a Magic Cloth to remove heat stains and it worked a treat. They are available at Lakeland in the UK and well worth the price.
Permanent Marker for Paint NicksUse a permanent marker to cover nicks, dings, etc. on painted woodwork.
Using an Iron to Remove White Marks from WoodUsing an iron with old shirt idea worked 100% for a bad one that I had. Thanks for the tip. The key is not to use too much heat as I tried that once before and made the problem worse.
Shoe Polish To Repair Damaged LeatherFWIW we've just had the dreaded nail polish remover on leather scenario, and the shoe polish tip has worked a treat.
Walnut For Furniture ScratchesRub a walnut on damaged wooden furniture to cover up scratches.
Fixing Chair Caster WheelsThe casters on my office chair were really starting to bug me. They were seeming to get stuck or have a hard time rotating, etc. We had just replaced the old ones which were worn out.
Removing Paint From Wood FurnitureI found a couple of ladder back chairs in our storage facility that my daughter wants to take with her to college. One of chair legs had some dried paint spatters on it.
Repainting Old FurniturePainting smaller pieces of furniture is a wonderful way to utilize left-over paint. Not only that, but paint actually protects the wood.
Fixing a Sticking DrawerHave a drawer that doesn't open and close smoothly? Remove the drawer and clean the wooden rails that support the drawer. Clean off any dust or dirt with a damp rag. Then, rub with a candle stub (over the wood rails) a thin layer of wax.
Keep Leather Seats From CrackingEver notice how the side of your car's leather seats dry out and look worn? Clean the leather well - you can even use window cleaner and a soft brush. Then, to make the leather supple, take a clean soft cloth and apply baby oil.
Vinegar to Fix Sagging Cane ChairsCane chair seats that have sagged may be rejuvenated by sponging them with a hot solution of half vinegar / half water and then placing the chairs in the summer sun to dry.
Fixing Loose Screws in WoodIf a screw keeps turning in something that is wooden, simply remove the screw, put a toothpick in the hole, break it off at the top of the hole, insert the toothpick part and replace the screw.
Floor Wax to Restore Damaged Varnished SurfaceIf you damage a varnished surface with ammonia, try applying a thin coat of liquid floor wax to restore the texture and shine. If the first coat is uneven because the wax is soaking in, reapply.
Repairing Scratches On WoodTo cover scratches on wood furniture, rub a matching color crayon into the scratch and smooth with the fingers. Heat and oil from your finger will blend in the crayon. Alternatively, cover with petroleum jelly overnight. Rub in well, remove excess and buff.
Buff Stains from Wood FurnitureVery fine steel wool or sand paper (1000 grit) can be used in many ways. If you have real wood furniture and experience a water stain or a burn, etc. First sand the surface with the sand paper (very little pressure is needed) until the stain is no longer visible.
Use Baby Oil To Treat Wood FurnitureI have finished a raw pine wooden book shelf using just multiple coats of - BABY OIL! You just apply the oil until the wood won't absorb anymore. Voila, an oil finish, using less than a 1/4 of a bottle of baby oil.
Remove Furniture Scratches with WalnutFor furniture scratches, rub the meat of the walnut (no shell!) over any scratches or nicks. Test the method on a less visible area to be sure it doesn't darken the wood.
Refurbishing A Faded Patio UmbrellaOur deck table needed an umbrella and someone threw one out. It was faded but otherwise in pretty good shape. I decided to spray paint it using an indoor/outdoor paint that is good for wood, metal, and more.
Make Seat Covers from Vinyl TableclothI wanted to change the covers on my deck chairs. I purchased a colorful vinyl tablecloth at the Dollar store, cut the "fabric" to size, and used a staple gun to attach. Voila! New seat covers for very little expense!
Water Stain on Oak TableHow do I remove a water mark from an oak table?
Removing Drink Rings on VeneerRemoving white ring water marks on polished wood. The stain is caused by trapped water underneath the surface which needs to be dried out. Cover with a plain dish-towel and then point a hairdryer over the towel 15 cm from the stain for ten to fifteen minutes.
Use Sawdust to Fill Holes in WoodSave that sawdust! Just mix Elmer's glue and sawdust to fill any hole or gouge in wood. Let dry and sand, then stain or paint.
Fixing Rubbing Alcohol Stains on WoodTake a clean, dry paper towel and rub the stained area while heating the area with a blow dryer.
Use Toothpaste to Remove Water Stains from WoodAny brand of plain, white toothpaste (not gel) will almost always remove a water stain (left by a glass) from your wood table. Rub enough toothpaste over the stain to cover it completely - you don't need a lot (a little more than a thin film is plenty).
Use Eyebrow Pencil to Cover Wood ScratchesA couple days ago I was given a lovely old dresser, oak I think. Unfortunately it got scratched in a couple tiny spots in the move. I didn't have any kind of scratch cover on hand.
Refurbished Easy Chair Using Latex Paint!Turn a dirty old chair into a favorite easily with simple paint!
I did this chair in an evening and it was terrible looking, but the sturdy well built condition made it worth lugging home!
Make Your Own Pads for Protecting Hardwood FloorsMy dining room chairs were scratching my hardwood floors. Instead of spending money on the stick-on felt thingys that fall off, I cut furry fabric (I used a 2 liter bottle cap as a template for cutting) and hot glued them to the feet of all my chairs.
Use Spray Glue And Fabric To Cover Worn UpholsteryThink of spray glue as a help with spiffing up your upholstery! My husband used spray glue to glue the tapestry placemats that I had decided to use as sort of antimacassars in a contrasting pattern.
Repair Your Box Spring Instead Of ReplacingInstead of buying a new box springs, I ripped the old cover and padding off of our current box springs. I padded the box springs with polyester padding and a padded bedspread. I used plastic tie down strips to anchor the padding to the springs.
Using Instant Coffee to Color Wood ScratchesFor scratches on wooden tables, picture frames or anything wooden, take a teaspoon of instant coffee, add a couple of drops of hot water (just enough to make a thick paste).
Repairing an Imitation Oak FinishI bought a nice oak look cabinet at a thrift store for my redecorated bathroom but it had some scratches and nicks. At the dollar store, I bought a bottle of brown liquid shoe wax and with a cotton ball went gently over the nicks, scratches and worn spots.
The Benefits Of Solid Wood FurnitureMoving again and I find myself touching up the finishes of our furniture pieces. Because they are old solid hardwoods, a bit of fine sandpaper and some furniture polish/oil touches up the nicks nicely.
Fixing Bad Hinges on an Old TrunkFixing Bad Hinges on an Old Trunk. Do you have an old trunk somewhere up in your attic, gathering dust because years ago some imbecile flipped the lid up hard and bent the hinges outwards? All you need to repair it is some braided high-test fishing line (the heavier stuff) and a staple gun. . .
Faux Marble Tops for FurnitureYou can put a faux marble top on a table using marble patterned floor tiles, cut to fit. Or you can use marble patterned contact paper.
Getting Sticky Dresser Drawers to Run SmoothlyUse Johnson wax to wax the runners on sticky dresser drawers. Makes the drawers slide smoothly. This can make sticky secondhand furniture drawers slide smoothly.
Removing a Nail That Has Lost Its HeadTo remove the nail, slip the claw of the hammer over the remainder of the nail and then pull the nail out by moving the hammer sideways instead of straight out.
Curing a Sticky DrawerIf you have a sticky drawer that doesn't want to open right, just take a white candle and drag over the gliders to make it slide in and out easier...
A Fix for Loose Dresser KnobsFor loose dresser knobs that will not remain tightened, you might consider bow or ribbon ties. This will work best in children's rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms, since the look is rather feminine.
