Why hire an expensive professional? We’re living in the DIY era! Women no longer need to rely on men to handle the tougher household duties: there are many things you can take care of yourself—and give your home a beautiful facelift in the process!

Squeaky Door Hinges, Creaky Floor

Are the constant squeaks and creaks beginning to make you feel like you live in a haunted house? For doors, spray some WD-40 on the hinges, then move the door back and forth slowly to work in the lubricant. If you don’t have WD-40, try petroleum jelly.  For floors, use talcum powder as a quick fix. Be sure to sweep it deep into the cracks to maximize results.

Leaky faucets

Drip, drip, drip. Ready to lose it? Take matters into your own hands. Grab an adjustable wrench, a flathead screwdriver, WD-40, replacement washers, and some O-rings. Underneath each knob is a screw. Unscrew that, then gently remove the handle with your flathead. Use the wrench to loosen the packing nut and stem. Remove the stems. Now, inspect the washers. If needed, replace these. Reassemble. (Note: If it’s not the washers causing the problem, you may need to contact a plumber.)

Peeling Wallpaper

Is peeling wallpaper making your house look older than its age? Take a knife and smear wallpaper paste across a piece of writing paper. Rub the paper over and over again against the underside of the peeling section. Press the wallpaper firmly against the wall. Slide the writing paper out and smooth down the wallpaper.

Flattened down cushions

Does your sofa leave something to be desired? Try placing your flattened cushions out in the sun for a few hours. The dryness will evaporate the moisture that seeps into the filling over time. Exposure to the warm sunlight should plump them up nicely.

Scuffed Linoleum

Have your kids or all those dinner parties left your floors looking worse for the wear? Rub those scuff marks out with white toothpaste and a dry cloth. Or you can make use of your WD-40 lubricant again, gently spreading it across the surface and then washing it off with liquid dishwashing soap and water.

Ta-da! A brand new, spanking clean home is now ready for a party, a visit, or just for your own viewing enjoyment.