Inexpensive Bathroom Wall Covering Ideas?I removed old bathroom tiles and plaster from my bathroom walls and now it's down to the drywall paper. I can't afford to have new drywall installed so I'm looking for ideas to cover it up. Some of the areas are uneven.
Tiny Thin, Brown Bugs?I have tiny bugs in my house. They are very tiny and thin. They are brown and when you smoosh them it leaves a brown streak. They don't look like bed bugs.
How Do I Remove Cat Urine Odor from Mesh Running Shoes?One of my cats had a urinary tract infection and peed in my son's expensive Reebok runners. They are a black mesh, and not the leather shoe. How do I get the smell out of them?
Getting Rid of Tiny Red and Brown BugsI have a bookcase in my room and a few of the shelves have some old papers and magazines on them. I just was going through the papers and I noticed there were a lot of tiny tiny reddish brown bugs on them.
Flarp Stains on Clothing?How do you remove noise putty from clothes?
Deodorize a Musty Couch?I found a semi-old couch that my university that was going to thrown out. I snagged it before they could throw it in the dumpster. It is a really nice couch that I could really use, but it has a slight mildew and dusty smell to it.
Removing a Musty Smell from Faux Leather Furniture?I just bought a foam filled leatherette suite. It has a damp smell. There is no way I can open and clean the interior. I have only had it one night, but it smells horrible. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Getting Rid of Spiders with Moth Balls?I have a problem. I have had a new home built. I noticed spiders inside the home (bunches). I asked the contractor what to do? He told us to put moth balls inside the crawl space under the house and it will make the spiders and mice stay away.
Temporary Surface For Under Picnic Table?I'm looking for advice for an inexpensive, temporary covering for underneath our picnic table. We do not have a deck or patio and our picnic table has been on grass over the past few years.
Removing Dog Poop From Cement?How do I remove dog poop from a cement patio?
Upcycle Above Ground Pool Post into Plant TrellisDo you have an old above ground pool you're taking down? Or see someone tossing theirs out? Keep the posts! Here's another idea you could do with them for inexpensive - we made this plant trellis for our dragonfruit.
Forks to Keep Critters Away in the GardenThese past two years have been a challenge in the garden because of rabbits. I spent a lot of time and money with commercial sprays and powders. They did not work, even though I reapplied after watering and rain.
Troubleshooting A Water Tank?Dirty water tank is not filling. Reservoir is empty. Cleaned all filters.
Repairing a 1985 Coleman Sun Valley?Hello! We just bought this trailer and was able to open and close before leaving the sellers property. I have NO idea what happened but it is now stuck in an UP position. The crank will not turn.
Dusty Tippee Toes Doll?I own a vintage Tippee Toes vinyl and plastic doll. It was stored in its box all of these years and never removed from the box. I removed her and she is very dusty. When I dust her, the dust immediately reappears as if the doll is shedding. Please advise and please let me know why my doll is always dusty. The dust appears reddish also. The dust is only on the vinyl parts. The plastic parts are fine.
Can Ozone Remove Odors?Nowadays, we all know that ozone is a kind of green disinfectant, which is widely used for many aspects of our life. In market, there are many kinds of ozone machines for rooms, toilet, pet room, office, etc. to disinfect.
Find Seeds in Your Spice CabinetI used to purchase packages of dill seeds. I found out that the dill seed in my spice cabinet will sprout just as well as the commercial seeds. This will work with fennel, coriander, mustard and other spices.
Using Coconut Planter Inserts?What to use to keep coconut inserts in flower pots from dripping out bottom.
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.
Fanny Pack for Clothespin BagI have an old fanny pack and have discovered it has multiple uses. I have been wanting an apron clothespin bag but just haven't gotten around to making one. After using my fanny pack for dropping seed, when planting the garden, I thought about using it for a clothespin bag. Hooked around my waist, it's so easy to get the clothespins out when hanging clothes on the line. This little bag will hold well over 60 clothespins.
Water Build Up in Dryer?I have water accumulating in my clothes dryer. Has anyone had this problem before? I cannot imagine where this water is coming from. I have to dry my dryer before each use.
Flies in the Garage?Is there any way to get rid of flies in a garage? There is nothing there to attract them. They just seem to fly in. I have tried fly paper and spray. This has just started.
Still Seeing Fleas After Terminex Has Left?Someone please put my mind at ease. When I first noticed the fleas I treated the house with a few store bought chemicals that really didn't work. I have since had Terminex here (today) and had the dog dipped and applied frontline.
How Do I Keep Jays From Raiding Sparrow Nests?How do you get rid of blue jays that are eating all of the chicks in my birdhouses? I enjoy watching the baby sparrows grow in the birdhouses. Today blue jays arrived and ate all of the chicks.
What Color Refrigerator Will Coordinate With Bisque Appliances?I have bisque appliances and my side by side is on the brink. I would like to know what color I can match with the bisque color. I'm looking at the French door model for more space. My other appliances are only three years old so there's no need to replace all.
Fiberglass Tub Has Yellowed?How do you make a yellowed fiberglass shower look white again? Mine is 22 yrs. old. At one time I used Gel Gloss for boats. Nothing seems to work now.
DIY Apartment Clothes DryerMultipurpose your vacuum cleaner to help dry your clothes! Fit your garment bag onto the shower curtain rod, if it must be put on beforehand. You will want to set up your curtain rod over the bathtub, a little ways inside from the shower curtain that you may already have.
Cheap White Washcloths for EverydayIf you have young children or teenagers who wear make-up, purchasing a bulk package of plain white washcloths can be very economical! I used to have nice, thick washcloths with pretty designs until I began to have kids.
Gnats In Room With Guinea Pigs?I have guinea pigs and I gave them some pineapple about 2 wks. ago. I started getting gnats and was using a flying pest spray on them. I would spray the entire room after removing my piggies and let it sit closed for an hour or so. Well, no more pineapple since my piggies don't eat it but my gnat problem has increased about 10 times more than before. How do I get rid of these annoying things w/out harming my piggies and how can I prevent it.
Hanging Fitted Sheets On the ClotheslineI love being able to hang my sheets on the clothesline. To keep from stretching the elastic on my fitted sheets, I hang them with the elastic on the inside.
Left Hand Glove Turned Into A Right Hand GloveI use rubber gloves when I wash dishes and I wear the right hand glove out before I do the left hand glove. I save the left hand glove and when the next right hand glove gets a hole in it and I have two left hand gloves, I turn one inside out and immediately have another right hand glove.
Use a Tarp for Yard CleanupWe cut the pampas grass and used a small light weight tarp for cleaning up the clippings. After putting it on the tarp, I tied the bottom ends of the tarp together in a loose knot, then tied the other end to give me a good grip to drag it. It took 3 trips and the tarp worked great for dragging the heavy clippings to the brush pile. It was easy to roll them off after I untied the ends.
Best Time to Plant?When is the best time this year to plant in Toppenish, Washington?
Using Totally Awesome Cleaner for Washing Machines?Is LA's totally awesome all purpose concentrate cleaner degreaser spot remover able to clean the washer for odd smells too? I have to get a funky stinky smell out of the washer before I can't wash my clothes anymore! It's getting ''''nasty!
Identifying Spiders?I would like help identifying these spiders. The first picture is of one found on a bed. The second one was found in the bathroom. Is it a false widow?
Prevent Squirrels and Rats from Climbing Up Fruit TreesAre squirrels or rats bothering your garden especially your fruit trees? Try this free solution out. It has been working for us!
Restoring a Vintage RCA Stereo Cabinet?My grandfather recently passed and I'm looking to restore his RCA stereo cabinet. The left speaker is blown so I'm replacing the speakers. But the 8 track doesn't work (it sounds like its trying to play but it's struggling to wind and it makes loud noises/vibrates when you change tracks) and the record size switch is stuck. Would anyone be able to tell me if the 8 track is salvageable or if there's replacements out there? if there's any manuals/schematics available? Or the best way to go about fixing the other issues? The model number is VTT300W serial number 424310322.
Sleeves on Old Letter Jacket Are Sticky?I still have my son's high school letter jacket from 20 years ago. Guess I am waiting for a grandson! Lol! Anyway, the sleeves are made of a type of vinyl, I am sure you know what I mean. Keeping it in the closet for so long, I think the heat or age has gotten to it. The sleeves are sticky or tacky.
Rotten Onion Smell in Home?Has anyone ever experienced a strong odor of rotten onions in just one place in the house? It is not the fridge, not the cat box, and not the trash bin. It has been going on for more than two weeks. If anyone has had this problem, do you know the cause and what has been effective in removing the noxious odor?
Bread Maker Won't Knead the Dough?Have a Sunbeam 5891 breadmaker that suddenly refuses to knead the dough. The machine runs, but the paddle won't turn. Does it need a new basket and paddle or a good swift chunk into the trash? I can't find a bread machine anywhere on line and my handmade bread sucks rocks.
Sealing a Gap at Base of Wooden Door?How do I seal the gap in the door where a small section has rotted away for the least amount of money.
Disinfecting a Backyard?How do I disinfect my backyard? It is all dirt.
Removing Musty Odor from a Photo Album?Does anyone have any idea how I can remove the musty, moldy smell from my parents' wedding album that was stored in the basement? My niece wants to use some of these old photos at her wedding. Thanks!
Planting an Eastern Redbud Tree?I have an Eastern Redbud which produces multiple seedlings in the summer. This year I decided to save a few of these trees, which are only a few inches tall. I put them in separate gallon sized pots with nice, fertile soil. How I should handle these trees through the winter and when should I put them in the ground?
Adding Scent to Vacuum Cleaner?What can I use to make my vacuum bag smell better?
How to Clean Mouse Pee From Clothing Storage Dresser?We had a really bad mice infestation and they got into these dressers. They are fabric clothing storage dressers. They have those storage cubes which feel like they have cardboard inside. I wiped them down with Clorox wipes and sprayed them with Dreft. Some were used for clothing and some were used for holding snacks and stuff. Can I clean and reuse or should I toss. Thanks
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.
Using Paste on Pre-pasted Wallpaper?I am putting pre-pasted wallpaper on a ceiling. Can I use paste in addition to the pre-pasted wallpaper for extra adhesion?
Fix for Fake Diamonds Turning Black?I have these earrings where several of the stones in the bottom earring have turned dark in color, which may be the metal, not the stones. I have tried to fix this by doing the following things:
2 for 1 SuetI have discovered the birds like my homemade suet over store bought. I scored a great price at Ace Hardware on suet and bought a lot. Then I took another step and melted down 1 cake and added lard, some peanut butter and add ins you want, and get the texture to form a cake by adding flour or oatmeal, or cornmeal.
Best Flowers to Attract Wild BeesWild bees will be most attracted to a garden space that mimics their natural habitat and provides an abundance of food. Interplant local varieties that flower at different times throughout the year to ensure a continuous nectar supply for bees and other pollinators.
Square Mesh Flat to Cover VegetablesDo your vegetables get eaten before they've grown? It's happened to me so many times! Now, I use these square mesh flats over my vegetables after seeding so the birds don't get to them. After my vegetables are bigger and stronger I will remove the flats. Chances are they'll make it and no longer vulnerable.
My Home Depot Van Rental ExperienceDo you need to move something quickly? Or purchase something nearby and need to get it home? Home Depot is really convenient and there is no purchase necessary so you can walk into Home Depot and rent.
Dog Nail Cutters for Flower StemsI've tried all types of scissors including the ones that are for metal, cardboard, etc., those heavy duty kitchen scissors but I've never tried my stainless steel puppy nail cutters. They are absolutely hands-down the easiest. The blade doesn't slide off the stem. It gives a nice even cut, which is better for the flowers.
How to Deter Birds From Pooping On Your CarWe love the Eastern bluebird and have several houses for them. Bluebirds are beneficial as they not only are pretty and pleasant to hear, they also eat bugs. We have them around all year long.
Keep Refrigerator Coils CleanIn 2021, we used more electric (kWh) than we did the year before, causing our electric bill to be over $200.00 more for the year. I have been trying to figure out why. Recently, I noticed that our 1994 refrigerator was not cooling like it should and when the milk soured way before the expiration date, I knew something was wrong. I started searching the internet to see how much it was going to cost to get a new refrigerator.
Protecting Your Sink FaucetThere are lots of ways to help keep your kitchen sink looking new. Here's one more.
Coordinating DecorThis is my frugal idea for decorating your home. I choose a picture that I like and then decorate the room based on the objects/colors of the picture. The decor that I purchase has been found at garage sales or thrift stores. The end result makes my home look well decorated but I am able to do it on a budget. These are some of the pictures and decor I have used.
Extending Dish Detergent with PeroxideA lot of us find the better dish detergents so thick and concentrated, we choose to dilute them a bit (or a lot). We save money and the product is easier to use.
How to Recondition Cross Country Ski Boot Collar?I have 2 pairs of old Alpina cross country ski boots. The collars are flaking off the color layer exposing the foam which is slightly sticky. Has anyone found a way to recondition the collars, stop the flaking and eliminate the sticky feeling?
Changing Stitching Pattern?How do I change the zigzag stitch to normal stitch?
Preheat Your Soil for a Faster Harvest (Solarizing Soil)Many vegetables, like tomatoes, beans, squash and peppers need soil temperatures to reach nearly 70ºF before their growth can really take off.
Should I Repair a Zenith Console Stereo?I'm wondering if it's worth the time to troubleshoot/fix this 1968(?) Zenith Circle of Sound console stereo, Y955. I remember that decades ago, it quit working. My grandfather pulled the fuse which was visibly broken (and is still sitting where he left it on the turntable in the picture). He couldn't find a replacement so the repair attempt ended there and it became just a dust collecting piece of furniture.
How to Fix a Funai VCR/TV Combo?I have a 13 inch Funai VCR/TV combo. The power won't stay on for more than 10 seconds and the tape just won't eject. It's an eBay purchase and worked with 2 different tapes. It was the third when everything stopped working. What can I do please?
Sink Strainer Catch-AllI'm trying to get away from so much processed food. I still indulge occasionally. Single servings of Stouffer's Lasagna is a favorite, and for me, comes with a little kitchen aid bonus.
Baking Soda Will Clean SilverThe earrings I got were completely black with tarnish. I made a thick paste of baking soda and water, covered the earrings, and let them sit for an hour or so. I then rinsed them well, dried them completely, and enjoyed the sparkle.
Deep Clean Your Microwave/Oven When Changing ClocksWhen I went to set my clocks ahead in the kitchen, I took the time to thoroughly clean the microwave. It gets wiped down pretty regularly but there was a surprising amount of greasy dust on the top and bottom. It's over our stove so I removed the vent fan filters and gave them a rinse too. I plan to do my oven this weekend so it is clean and ready for Thanksgiving and holiday baking.
Prevent Hair Clogs in the SinkHair can cause nasty clogs in the sink. I have curly hair and wet it down every morning to freshen up the curls. I used to wet it in the sink. I decided to fill a spray bottle with water, step away from the sink and do it that way. This has helped so much.
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.
Removing a Burn Mark?How do you remove a burn mark in light wood?
Add Small Amount of Bleach to Dish WaterAdd just a small amount of bleach to your dishwater. It's a great germ killer and it helps remove stubborn stains from your Tupperware and the like.
DIY Gnat TrapsI have had a problem with gnats in the house and have used vinegar to trap them. Yesterday, I decided to put a bowl of vinegar outside to see how many I could catch. In just a few minutes, they were gathering on the edge of the bowl and drowning in the vinegar. I caught some house flies and yellow jackets as well.
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.
Scuff Marks On Laminate Floors?I have laminated floors, which have marks from furniture being moved. I've tried baking soda paste, vinegar and water, and Awesome. Does anyone know how to remove these?
Getting Rid of Mice and RatsEvery year around September, we have an issue with mice and rats. Behind us is a stable so as you know they breed rats and mice. We normally have just a few mice but this year, we had to battle rats. When you have too many rats they move on to munch whatever they can find to eat.
Plastic Bottles to Keep a Plant WateredTo help keep our garden plants watered, this year we tried burying soda bottles, with holes in them, beside the tomato, squash and cucumber plants leaving the opening exposed. To easily fill the bottles, we used a flex funnel and the garden hose. The bottles worked very well to help keep the plants watered and we will be doing it again next year. The garden has just about given out and we have removed all the bottles that are no longer used, rinsed them and put them in the recycling bin.
Cleaning Rubber From Fabric?I was pulling in the garage and as I was pulling in, I forget about a fabric couch. My front tire rubbed up against the arm of the couch leaving a black smudge. I have looked online for some help cleaning the rubber off from the couch. No luck! Please give me some advice on how to clean the couch?
Cleaning a No Bleach PVC Bathmat?I purchased a white PVC bathmat with suction cups for inside my tub. In the past, I have cleaned these successfully either in the washing machine or by hand with bleach or a bathroom spray cleaner with bleach. However, the directions on this one say "DO NOT BLEACH" which results in the PVC getting permanently sticky. What can I use to clean this mat and remove mildew, mold, etc.?
Removing Brown Stains in Toilet?What can I use to get rid of hard brown stains in my toilet?
Dishwasher Will Not Start?I have a Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher. 2 years old rarely used. When I run a load it will always flash "Close Door" then begins to fill with water. It does neither but all the lights light. I'm about to order a water inlet valve. However it is rather pricey and I'm not sure if it's going to resolve the problem. Why does it flash, close door?
Paint Color Selection TipsI read on a Facebook group I belong to that it is not necessary to purchase sample-sized cans of paint, or to order the peel-and-stick 12 inch x 12 inch sheets. What the poster did was to get several cards with the paint chip colors she wanted and to tape the same color chips together.
Sour Milk and Septic Systems?Could sour milk be beneficial to a septic system?
Frame for Running BeansLast year we planted bush green beans and when they began to grow, they put out long shoots. That's when we realized that, by mistake, we had gotten some running beans instead of bush beans.
Purpose of the Flea?What is the purpose of the flea? How does it benefit the environment? Does anyone know? - Suzzette
Ideas for Refilling for Bean Bag Chairs?Looking for an alternative for refilling beanbag chairs. Tired of refilling with styrofoam which doesn't last and when old can't be taken to recycling.
Underarm Odor On Dry Clean Only Clothes?Uderarm Odor On Dry Clean Only Clothes. I have a very expensive, dry clean only suit that has underarm odor. I took it to the cleaners but the odor is still there.
Red Gatorade Stains on Carpet?How can I get red Gatorade stains out of beige carpet? The stain is about 2 years old and I've tried everything.
Whitening Dirty Washcloths?Many of my white washcloths have a dirt stain in the center (mostly from cleaning my kids' dirty hands/feet at bedtime on those nights they don't get baths. I only use washcloths once before laundering and use lots of bleach, tried RIT whitener (definitely whitened but dirt stains remained).
Removing Cooking Oil Stains From a Wooden Floor?Some oil leaked from a bag I put on the floor, about a month ago. The oil has leaked into the wood, leaving a dark stain. I've looked up various remedies online but have not found a clear solution, and I don't want to go messing around with the floor until I know what I'm doing.
Keeping Animals Out of the GrapevineOur scuppernong grapes are ripening fast and they are so good. With us living close to the woods, animals can be a problem when trying to grow fruit and vegetables.
Preventing Birds From Hitting Your WindowsI use those little glow in the dark star stickers, I put them on the outside of my windows. You can place as many as you like. It doesn't obscure our view and the birds can see them. Since I have done that, just the odd bird hits the window compared to the many that did before. It really is a life saver.
By Sue Anson
Chicken Wire To Protect Garden From AnimalsWe have a few watermelons in our garden this year. Three weeks ago, it was a disappointment to find that an animal, probably a deer, had bitten a huge gash out of one. To remedy this problem, we covered them with chicken wire and have not had any more problems.
Must-have Tools for Cleaning GuttersThe arrival of the fall season brings many wonderful things like the changing of the leaves, an opportunity to wear scarves and sweaters, and pumpkin spice everything. It also means those leaves are falling off the trees and right into the gutters on your house.
Water Leak DetectorsInexpensive water leak detectors can save you a lot of money and trouble by alerting you to small household leaks before they become a major problem.
Hanging a Picture FrameWant to learn a quick way to hang a picture frame or wall art? With some painters tape - line up where you want your nail to be. Then tape it down. Now you have your guide ready for you to make a dot to hang your nail!
What Is Killing These Bottlebrush Bushes?We have had these bottlebrush bushes in our backyard for about ten years. This past year they look like they are slowly dying. They have been watered the same way for the past ten years through our water sprinkling system. A week ago my husband put fertilizer on them but it hasn't done too much. I was thinking maybe we need to prune the dead away but I don't know if that would help. Any suggestions what is wrong with this bush?
Removing Rusted Washer Hose?My children bought me a new washing machine for Christmas but it can't be hooked up because the old hose is rusted to the water faucet. How do I get this unscrewed without breaking the faucet?
Smears on Windows After Cleaning?When I wash my windows and later in the day the sun shines through, the window has smear marks. I have tried various cleaners and I still get smears which are hard to remove. Any suggestions?
Putting Shower Curtain and Liner on One Rod?Do you use 2 shower curtain rods (1 for the liner and the other for the curtain) or just 1 and put both the shower curtain and liner on the same rod. I have always used two but I wonder will 1 rod suffice?
What Is This Shrub?Can anyone identify this shrub? It has oval shaped maroon/burgundy colored leaves and is about 4 feet tall. It is currently planted in a partly shady spot in very wet, clay soil. This may be why it is sparse and not full. I would like to move it to a full sun location in soil with no clay. I need some advice. Thank you in advance for all replies.
What Is Biological Washing Powder?I watch "How Clean is Your House" every day on BBC America. Their tips are fantastic and rarely require commercial cleaning products. They make baking soda, vinegar, dish washing liquid and borax do just about everything. My question is this: they frequently use "biological washing powder". I'm thinking that they might mean Biz, because they've mentioned enzymes, but I'm not sure. Can anyone translate this for me? Thanks!
Tomatoes with CharacterWe have had some funny looking tomatoes in our garden this year. Number one would have made a good Pinocchio character and number 2 has some spots that look like eyes and a dent that makes it look like it is smiling.
Texas BluebellsHere are photos of a few Texas Bluebells, a wildflower that grows every year in our front yard. Please know that I do NOT pick them, but this one had broken off, so I brought it inside. I want to let as many of them go to seed as possible.
Heating Pad Error Code?My CVS heating pad has a code EE on it. How do I fix it?
Fog Free Bathroom MirrorWhat I do to keep my bathroom mirror from being fogged up after my shower is this. When I shave, there's usually some shaving cream left in my hand or lather cup, so I smear it on the mirror. With a bit of moist tissue, clean the mirror, which I believe is a very nice clean. When I get out of the shower, the mirror is fog free. No grabbing a towel and stricking it up or waiting for it to clear. So I can finish up and start my day.
Repairing A Stain From Wood Floor Cleaner?I spilled Awesome cleaner on my hardwood floor. It stripped the polish off of an area. How can I repair it?
Fixing an Aerosol Spray Can?Hi! I just wondered if there's an easy fix for this problem. I've thrown away countless spray cans, usually because they don't spray. The product just dribbles or squirts out. Thanks in advance!
Rubbing Alcohol for Hand SanitizerInstead of buying bottle after bottle of hand sanitizer which can go fast with a lot of kids, I save old spray bottles that give a mist like hair spray pump bottles. I refill them with rubbing alcohol.
