8 Quick and Useful Household Tips

That picture is always crooked...

 Remove it from the wall. With a glue gun firmly in hand, shoot small dots of glue on the back of the frame at the lower corners only. When the glue has dried completely, re-hang the picture. The rubbery dots will hold it in place and your frame will be "picture perfect".

The writing's on the wall...

And, if it's in Crayola, no problem! Try WD-40, the "great eraser". Spray it lightly on the unwanted art, and then gently wipe it away with a paper towel. Any remaining traces of color can be removed using a soft, white cloth moistened with baking soda or diluted bleach.

The cabinet knob keeps falling off...

It's clear fingernail polish to the rescue! Just brush a drop or two on the threaded end of the knob and screw it back into place. Once the polish dries, the knob will be set for life.

Got a zipper with an attitude problem...

Run a bar of soap over its teeth a couple of times and it should open and close like a charm.

Ring(s) around the coffee table...

Wet glasses leave white rings, which are easily removed with a mixture of equal measures of baking soda and regular white toothpaste (not gel). Using a soft, clean, white cloth, gently buff the stain with this mixture and then wipe it off with a wet sponge. Oh, don't forget to add "coasters" to your next shopping list!

A light bulb breaks away from its socket...

First, unplug the lamp or turn it off at the wall switch. Carefully guide a pair of needle-nose pliers down inside the breakage, open them up so they press firmly against the sides of the bulb's metal base and then twist counter-clockwise until the entire assembly comes out. Gloves are recommended and so is a container to hold the broken glass and metal.

Garbage disposal has a "special" aroma...

Here's the sweet and sour solution. While it's running, pour in two cups of white vinegar and then rinse thoroughly with water. Gently grind in some lemon, sweet lime or orange slices and leave overnight. In the morning, it will smell like a garden of heavenly citrus.

Chewing gum in the carpet...

Gum removal is a two-step process. First, put a few drops of dry cleaning solvent on the gum (easy does it!) and gently dab it away with a sponge. Then add one tablespoon of mild detergent to one cup of warm water. Mix well and apply gently to clean up any sticky stragglers.

This publication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. All information was obtained from sources deemed

reliable, and while I do not doubt its accuracy, I cannot guarantee it. If your property is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.

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