Alternatives to Expensive Spa Chemicals?Does anyone know about some low cost alternatives to expensive spa (hot tub) chemicals? Also any cleaning ideas appreciated, especially filter cleaning.
Discontinued Wallpaper: Laura Ashley's Colourwash Pumpkin?Discontinued wallpaper request: I am trying to find a few rolls of Laura Ashley's Colourwash Pumpkin. Any help will be much appreciated.
How Many Amps Can a 20 Amp Circuit Handle?I was wondering actually how many amps can a 20 amp circuit breaker hold before it pops? I have an amp meter on it and it says 19.8. Somebody told me they can actually hold up to 21 amps?
Removing Wrinkles from Area Rug?I just bought an area rug and there are some wrinkles in it where it was rolled up. How can I get them out?
Something in My Home is Making Me Itch?What could be causing me to itch? Sometimes it feels like something is biting me too, but I have no rash. It seems to only happen inside my home. We went on vacation and it went away.
Blocking the Heat from a WindowI have two west facing windows. Needless to say, they get hot. I also have things in my window that shouldn't get hot but have no other place to put them. I spent $1.00 and 15 minutes on a fix that hopefully will help block out some of the sun.
Blocking The Sun From Coming In My Windows?I have 3 large kitchen windows with closed mini blinds that don't stop the sun's heat. Any temporary fix suggestions?
Painting with a Foam Roller?Do the small foam paint rollers work well, for painting smooth surfaces, like kitchen cabinets? Years ago, I used a foam paint roller and it created many, many small bubbles on the paint surface. I will be using latex paint.
Keeping Wheelchair Ramp Ice-Free?I just recently got a wheelchair ramp put together for my son Ryan. The 3 guys who put it together put underlayment over top. They said not to put rock salt on top of it or to use a shovel. Any suggestions about what I can do about the up coming snowy weather? What can I do to keep the snow off and to keep my son from sliding?
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.
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.
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?
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.
Protecting Your Sink FaucetThere are lots of ways to help keep your kitchen sink looking new. Here's one more.
Sour Milk and Septic Systems?Could sour milk be beneficial to a septic system?
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
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?
Bedroom Feels Damp?My bedroom feels constantly damp, so does my bedding and clothes. I cannot find the source of the problem. There is no dampness on any of the walls or floor and I cannot find any cracks that might be letting in air. Does anyone have any ideas?
How Do I Keep the Shower Curtain From Blowing in and Sticking to Me?We just installed a new large shower after having a small stand up shower with shower doors. We didn't want shower doors anymore. So now we have shower curtains.
Easy Kitchen BacksplashGreat way to spruce up your backsplash.
Back Panel of Gas Dryer?I have a new Maytag gas dryer, but it is deeper than my previous dryer. I have removed the back panel to allow extra space for the vent pipe, and so I can close an adjoining door. Is it safe to leave this back panel off? It is not structural.
Preventing Slippery SidewalksWinter weather can make walkways very slippery. Lots of inexpensive materials can be used to provide traction; like sand, ash or even birdseed.
Using Battery Operated LightsBattery operated lights are very convenient for closets and other dark areas that may not have an easily accessible power outlet. With the new LED bulbs, the batteries can last a long time, making it cost effective too.
Using IncenseIncense smoke has been used worldwide to purify and add a pleasing aroma to the air. Natural plant materials are combined to be burned, usually as sticks or cones.
Unusual Vase IdeasI like the items in my household to have functional uses. The items in these pictures also have a sentimental value. The jars are old canning jars from my grandma's old cellar. I use them for vases in my kitchen. The can is an old battery can from my grandpa's old plumbing truck. I am using it as a large vase in my family room.
Finding Unidentified WallpaperIt can be very difficult to find matching wallpaper for a remodel or home repair project, especially if you have no idea who the manufacturer is. It can take hours of looking through wallpaper books or images on the internet.
Mounting a Tri-fold Bed in an Armoire?I am looking for the cheapest way to have a tri-folding bed come out of an armoire.
Buying Walmart PaintWalmart has some great prices on all sorts of items, including paint. But use caution as some customers have had trouble with poor quality and others have had the lids come off during transit.
Finding A Bottom for a Smaller Dish DrainerI wanted to give myself some more counter space. My drainer took up a lot, and didn't prevent water from going under and sitting there for days. So today I found the perfect size. It's sturdy, smaller and will encourage me to do my dishes more often. However, it didn't come with a drainer tray. So before I went to another store to find the perfect one, I looked around at what I had at home.
Elevated Outdoor Storage for Miscellaneous ItemsWe have extra miscellaneous wall blocks and pavers that we have been storing on a pallet. Not a good idea because a pallet makes the perfect hiding spot/home for mouses to live in!
Raising Your BedMany beds are shorter than the optimum height. You can easily raise them with store bought risers but you can also construct something or just use items you already have at home
Protecting a Hammock Swing from the WeatherI love our hammock swing which we have on our screened in porch. I want it to last a long time. I have a cover to help protect it from rain and night humidity. I made the cover by cutting the bottom off a commercial size trash bag and cut the side to open it up. It gave me a 71 inch by 58 inch piece of plastic.
Hanging Temporary ShadesYou have probably seen those temporary paper accordion shades in your home improvement store. They are great while you are planning permanent window treatments in a newer home, but they come with a caveat about using on delicate surfaces and freshly painted walls, as they are hung with double faced tape. My tip is how to install them without damage when you are removing them.
Replace Chair Slides with Tennis BallsI had a problem keeping slides on the feet of my table chairs. Call me a redneck. I replaced them with tennis balls and they work so much better.
One Dollar Bill for Emergency MeasurementsI've done this many times and it will work in a pinch. A dollar bill measures barely much over 6 inches of length. When a measuring tape or ruler is not within reach, a 6 inch dollar bill can give you a close figure. Fold in half, and it would be 3 inches. It is kind of handy to measure lengths of nails, bolts, screws, etc. It's not as precise as a tape measure, but will work.
Attach Sink Skirt with Clear TapeIf you're like me and live in a rental, you don't want a hard job of cleaning up that sticky tape. I took regular scotch tape and taped this skirt to my sink. I could have done a better job with even lines had I had someone to help me. Scotch tape of even a lightweight duct tape would work.
Helping Artwork Do Double-dutyToday I was organizing my plastic bags, yes, I am that bored. But I stood up and bumped a metal frame off the wall. When I thought my little tiny bottle from last year's fair was broken, I decided if it was, I would move the rest.
Finding Discontinued Cole and Son WallpaperWallpaper is an attractive way to cover your walls but it can be difficult to find rolls later when you wish to repair a section. Sometimes, the manufacturer can help or there are websites that specialize in selling different patterns.
Mood Lighting for DepressionUse lights to brighten even the darkest day. Battery operated LEDs can be used as a substitute for traditional candles but any light source is helpful for elevating your mood.
Using Self Adhesive Tile Paper on Plaster WallsSelf-stick tiles are an easy way to cover any surface. Using the proper techniques, these can be a long lasting wall covering.
Decorating Advice for a Room with Blue CarpetIf you have a room that has a blue carpet, you may struggle with choosing colors to go with it. Many people suggest white or grey for a clean look while others might go for a vibrant yellow or orange as a contrast.
Adding Color To White Paint?It's easy to add a bit of color to any white paint to make it another shade. An easy way is to get a small amount of brightly colored paint in the proper tint.
Using a Shower Curtain LinerA shower curtain liner can be helpful with a cloth shower curtain that hang outside the tub. The liner may to be washed in a machine if it gets grungy, or weighed down if it billows toward you.
Removing Tile Adhesive From Concrete?Redoing your flooring can sometimes leave you with a messy chore such as removing tile adhesive from a concrete floor. It can be done by scraping with the right tool. There are also a variety of products made for this purpose. Check out the tips below.
Wallpapering Over a Limewashed Wall?The chalky finish of limewashed walls can make it difficult to apply wallpaper and have it adhere properly. This page contains some suggestions for preparing a limewashed wall prior to papering.
Marking the Perfect Spot on Bathtub FaucetOnce you have found the position for the perfect mix of hot and cold water on your bathtub faucet you can mark it. This will save the testing and water wastage that can occur as you try to locate it each time you shower or bathe.
Using Plywood For Flooring?A good quality plywood can be stained, detailed with a router, or cut into strips to look like planks, to create a less expensive alternative to hardwood. Less expensive types are also a descent choice for workrooms, craft areas, etc. Read the suggestions found below for some inspiration.
Prevent Sagging on Canvas Gazebo CoversIf your gazebo's canvas cover collects water in inclement weather, use foam insulation tubes to add extra framework. This is an easy way to keep rain from puddling, which can cause damage over the long run.
Making a Brick PatioA brick patio, large or small, is a nice DIY feature to add to your yard or garden. Learn how in the tutorial below.
Using a Table Runner on Washer and DryerDecorative table runners find a new purpose as protectors for the tops of your washer and dryer. They are not only attractive, but also, can minimize scratches to the finish on your machines.
Septic Safe Shampoos and Conditioners?Safe septic shampoo and conditioner products are marked on the back of the product label. To keep your septic system working properly, use these products.
Storing a Garden Hose?Having your hoses easy to use makes watering much easier. A repurposed pot or even a tire rim can help you keep your hose organized and convenient to use.
Regrouting TilesIt is difficult to keep the grout between tiles looking clean and new. It can be painted over or new grout could be added to cracks.
Painting Bathroom Fixtures?You will need a paint that adheres to metal to paint metal fixtures. You may want to ask a auto body shop for some assistance.
Custom Bathroom Door DesignWith an outdoor bathing space you can add a bathroom door with a custom design. Acrylic paint and wooden slats turned this framed plastic panel into a work of art.
Marking Light Bulb Wattage on SocketYou can add a bulb wattage notes on the sockets of enclosed light fixtures to make sure they are replaced with the proper bulb. The factory tags can shrivel overtime and be difficult to read.
Covering Terrazzo Flooring with Carpet?Installing carpet over terrazzo flooring has its challenges. This page contains some ideas for permanent solutions and area rug options.
Identifying Wallpaper?Whether you no longer have the information on your wallpaper or have moved into a home with existing papered walls, you may need to identify the wallcovering to make repairs or to use it in other areas of your home. Here are some tips for identifying wallpaper.
Decorating with Colored WaterColored water added to glasses, vases, and bottles makes for a beautiful bit of decor. Use it to accent your home or as a centerpiece for a wedding or party.
Furniture to Coordinate with Green Walls?Choosing a furniture color to coordinate with your bedroom walls really depends on the look you are going for. Many people would go with light or natural colors, but it is OK to use a stronger color if you want to make the room pop.
Homemade Roof Rain GuttersHomemade gutters can be constructed with plastic roofing material. If you use clear plastic, it has the added benefit of being able to see when they need to be cleaned.
Whole House Water Filter Tips?When you have a water filtration system for your whole house, it can protect your health as well as your plumbing fixtures. Understanding how it works and where problems may develop will help it run smoother, and keep your water clean.
Furniture Color to Coordinate with Curtains?To determine what the best color of furniture to go with the curtains or drapes you already have, is to take some of the fabric with you. You can put it against your furniture choices to see what looks best.
Decorative Wall ArrangementsYou can fill the blank walls in your home or apartment inexpensively. This page offers some ideas for decorative wall arrangements.
Bubbles When Sealing Countertops?Updating your vintage laminate countertops can be done by painting and sealing. One issue that homeowners may experience when working on this project is bubbles developing in the sealant. This page offers advice for what to do if you have bubbles form when sealing countertops.
Discontinued Seabrook Wallpaper?While wallpaper offers a special wall covering option to paint, it can present its own issues when trying years later to purchase more to make repairs. This page offers some suggestions for locating discontinued Seabrook wallpaper.
Retro Kitchen Paint Color Advice?Older homes often have what we might consider retro kitchens. The layout and cabinets offer a quite different feel than more current configurations. When choosing a paint color you will need to decide if you are trying to keep it retro or modernizing as much as possible with new paint colors.
Saving Space in Living RoomIt is really easy for your living room to become too crowded with excess furniture. Finding dual purpose pieces or simply eliminating the clutter may help create a lovely more spacious living room.
Using Scotch Guard on Upholstery?Many people have had great results with using Scotch Guard on upholstery. It makes clean up and stain prevention so much easier. If you want to give it a try, test it on an inconspicuous spot first.
Keeping Curtains ClosedIf curtains that won't stayed closed or breezes that cause them to flutter open bothers you, try using a clothespin or a clip of any sort to keep them closed.
Carport Tips and TricksWhether you are looking for carport design ideas or for ways to decorate and use your carport for things other than parking your car, read on. We have tips to fit these needs.
Sewer Gas Odor Coming from DrainsWhen you have a sewer smell coming from a drain, it is possible that the the venting is obstructed or you may have other clogged pipes. Sometimes odors come up from seldom used drains.
Paint Is Not Adhering to Old Paint?When your new paint is not adhering to old paint, you may have used latex paint on oil base paint. You may need to strip the oil based paint. The surface you are painting needs to be clean and sometimes sanded.
Microwave Trips Breaker?There can be numerous causes for a microwave to trip a breaker. If the circuit is being overloaded it could be due to other appliances on the same circuit drawing too much power.
Kitchen Appliance Color AdviceWhen purchasing new appliances for your kitchen you may have difficulty deciding on the best color to coordinate with the existing cabinets, countertops, sink, flooring, and wall color. This page explores advice for choosing kitchen appliance colors.
Creative Nightstand IdeasThis page contains creative nightstand ideas. Having a convenient place for your bedside necessities is helpful.
Preventing Mud Under Outdoor FaucetTo prevent mud from forming underneath an outdoor faucet you can add a gravel pad that will allow the water to drain through.
Building a Lightweight Wheelchair Ramp?A wheelchair ramp should be sturdy for numerous reasons. Making one that is lightweight as well can helpful if the ramp must be moved often.
Easy Barn Wood ShelvesAdding storage to your home with shelving is a great way to customize and improve your house. Using barn wood will add a nice rustic look to any shelving project you take one.
Secure Your Sliding Door and WindowsYou can use pieces of wood or PVC pipe cut to fit, to secure the bottom of your sliding door and window frames.
Storing Hot Hair ToolsWhen you are done curling or straightening your hair you need a safe place to store your hot irons so they can cool off.
Soap Dish From Recycled FoamTo avoid slimy bar soap in a conventional soap dish, line it with a scrap of foam or cut out a dish from recycled foam. This allows the soap to dry out between uses, which is more pleasant and helps the soap to last longer.
Refurbishing a Plastic Drawer UnitPlastic drawers are very useful but the bright colors may not coordinate with your decor. It's easy to refurbish them to match any style or personality.
Decorating Ideas for an Unused Fireplace?Unused fireplaces are sometimes covered with a plain insert, that may be less than interesting. Try one of the creative decorating ideas offered in this page, such as stick and peal wallpaper or a mural.
Coordinating Paint Color with Flooring/CarpetIt is much easier to paint your walls than replacing flooring when redecorating. This is a page about coordinating paint color with flooring/carpet.
Removing Wrinkles from Faux Flowers?Steam may remove the wrinkles from the fabric of artificial flowers. This is a page about removing wrinkles from faux flowers.
Marking a Sprayer on a Kitchen FaucetSometimes, it can be difficult to tell what setting your sprayer may be on, but marking it can make it simple. This page is about marking a sprayer on a kitchen faucet.
How to Make Stacked Block StairsYou can make these sturdy curved stairs out of concrete blocks and gravel for secure footing. This is a page about how to make stacked block stairs.
Protecting Electrical Cords from RainIf you have cords that are plugged outside and exposed to the elements, use a recycled container to keep water out. This is a page about protecting electrical cords from rain.
Choosing a Coordinating Paint ColorWhether you are choosing a bold contrasting paint or a subtle variation, it is important to select just the right shade. This is a page about choosing a coordinating paint color.
Decorating With SunflowersThe bright, cheerful colors of sunflowers work well for a kitchen theme. This is a page about decorating with sunflowers.
Choosing Bathroom Fixture Finishes?Whether you are simply replacing worn fixtures or redesigning your bath, the fixture finish is as much of a design element as the fixture itself. This is a page about choosing bathroom fixture finishes.
Installing a Pallet Wood CeilingUse pallet wood to install a unique, rustic, and inexpensive ceiling in a garage, shop, or even a studio. This is a page about installing a pallet wood ceiling.
Guest Room Tips and TricksHaving a guest room is very helpful if you want to encourage out of town guests but it can also be a lot of wasted space in your home. Get the most of your guest room with the tips and tricks in this page.
DIY Solar Heating Panel PlansCollect heat directly from the sun and use it to keep your home warm. This page has information about solar window heating panel plans.
Cracks Above Door JambsOlder homes settle over time and cracks may appear, but it is important to make sure this isn't a symptom of a more serious structural issue. This page has information about cracks above door jambs.
Homemade LED Vanity MirrorIf you want a lighted vanity mirror but cannot afford the price tag, make one yourself with inexpensive materials. This page has instructions for a homemade LED vanity mirror.
How to Create a Honeycomb Hexagon Personalized ShelfMake several of these hexagon shelves and hang them in a honeycomb pattern in an office or hallway. This is a page about how to create a honeycomb hexagon personalized shelf.
Unplug Kitchen Appliances After UseAppliances draw electricity even when they are not in use. For safety and savings turn off machines when not needed. This page is about unplug kitchen appliances after use.
Camouflaging a ThermostatA small plastic basket can create a little shelf and cover a thermostat on your wall. This is a page about camouflaging a thermostat.
