Home Repair and Maintenance Tips

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

07 Dec 2007 01:31 PM

You can't go wrong when you review these tips that solve common household repair and maintenance problems. From hiding furniture scratches to applying caulk as a pro would, we have got you covered.

Hide Those Furniture Scratches

If you have a few furniture scratches that you want to hide, here is an easy solution that doesn't involve refurbishing the entire piece. First, soak the area of the wood that has a scratch. You can do this using a wet cloth. The soaking allows the wood to open. Select a Crayola crayon in a color that is a close match to the furniture. Apply the crayon to the scratch, and then rub it in well using a soft cloth. Buff the area, and make sure it is dry.

Paint Storage

To keep leftover paint stay supply and useable, store the cans upside down. This creates an airtight seal that keeps your paint fresh.

Split Molding

To prevent molding from splitting when you are installing it, first blunt the points of your nails. Turn the nails on a solid surface, so they are lined up, resting on the nail heads. Then tap each point of the nail with a hammer. Blunting the point this way actually helps the nail cut in to the wood instead of splitting it.

Easy Caulking

If you have trouble making neat caulk lines around your tub, sink, windows or wherever it needs to go, try this quick trick. Tape either side of the surface you plan to caulk, such as a tub, leaving about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the seam, on either side. Then place your caulk in the seam and smooth it out. remove the tape, and your line is nice and neat. Just make sure to remove the tape before the caulk dries.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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