Keeping your home in good shape does not have to be expensive. With a bit of creativity and a few simple tools, you can solve many common household problems without calling a professional. Here are 10 budget-friendly DIY hacks that help you fix almost anything at home while saving time and money.
1. Fix Loose Screws with Toothpicks
When a screw no longer grips the wood, insert a couple of wooden toothpicks into the hole, add a drop of glue, and tighten the screw again. The toothpicks fill the gap and make the screw hold firmly.
2. Stop a Squeaky Door with Cooking Oil
If your door hinge squeaks and you’re out of lubricant, use a tiny amount of cooking oil. Apply a drop, move the door back and forth, and the noise disappears.
3. Repair Small Wall Holes with Flour Paste
For tiny nail holes, mix a small amount of flour and water into a paste. Press it into the hole, smooth it out, let it dry, and paint over it. It works surprisingly well as a temporary patch.
4. Unclog a Slow Drain with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by half a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain for a few minutes, then flush with hot water. This natural reaction clears most minor clogs cheaply and easily.
5. Use Rubber Bands to Grip Stripped Screws
Place a rubber band over the stripped screw head and press your screwdriver in. The rubber adds friction and helps remove screws that would otherwise be stuck.
6. Fix Wobbly Furniture with Cardboard Shims
Cut a small piece of firm cardboard and place it under the short leg of a wobbly chair or table. It’s a quick, free, and effective stabilizer.
7. Restore Dull Metal with Lemon and Salt
Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle salt on it, and scrub rusty or dull metal surfaces. Rinse and dry to reveal a cleaner, brighter look without buying special cleaners.
8. Silence Rattling Windows with Cotton
If your window rattles in the wind, insert small cotton pieces between the window and the frame. This stops the noise instantly and costs almost nothing.
9. Fix Frayed Charging Cables with Heat-Shrink Tubes
Heat-shrink tubing is inexpensive and perfect for reinforcing damaged cables. Slide the tube over the weak area, heat it with a lighter or hairdryer, and it tightens to protect the cable from further damage.
10. Remove Stubborn Stickers with Warm Vinegar
Soak a cloth in warm vinegar and place it on the sticker for a few minutes. The adhesive softens, making it easy to peel off without scratching the surface.
