Simple Home Maintenance Hacks

Ever try countless solutions in order to fix that one annoying problem, but to no avail? Whether it is water marks on your nice wood furniture, or a wobbly ceiling fan that won't stop making squeaking noises, All My Sons Moving & Storage has come up with 7 simple home maintenance hacks that will get rid of even the most exasperating home issue.

1. Squeaking Floors. Have old wood floors but can't get rid of the annoying squeaks they make? Well, talcum powder just became your new best friend. Try brushing talcum powder onto the floorboards that are rubbing against each other. If that doesn't do the trick, try securing the floorboards to the subfloor.

2. Running Toilet. An old rubber flapper is most likely the culprit for a toilet that won't stop running. In order to get rid of this problem, put a couple drops of food coloring in the tank and then wait approximately 5 minutes. If the water in the bowl does in fact change color, then it's your flapper. In most cases, the flapper chain is too short, meaning that the flapper can't close, or it is too long, meaning that the chain gets caught.

3. Streaky Windows. We have all tried to wash our windows, only to be left with annoying streaks on your “clean” window. Trade in the paper towels for newspapers, they do a much better job of getting your windows clean and streak free. Also, don't wash your windows on a cloudy day, the sun will dry the cleaner before you can even wipe it away.

4. Caulk Job. Ever wonder how some people make caulking look so easy? Well, the secret is to use dishwashing soap. Try removing every trace of old caulk using putty or a utility knife, then thoroughly clean it with denatured alcohol. Once it is clean and absolutely dry, use painter's tape to tape off the gap, making sure that you leave ¼ inches on either side. Squeeze an even amount of caulk along the gap and then use your finger to smooth it out. Get rid of the tape and then wait for it to caulk over. Then, use one part dishwashing soap and one part water in order to make some finishing touches and make sure it is smooth.

5. Water Marks. There is nothing more discouraging than trying to get rid of water marks from your nice wood furniture. In order to prevent this from happening, cover the water mark with a dry cotton cloth and go over it with a medium-hot iron for several seconds. If that does not work, lightly wipe the mark with a cloth dampened with denatured alcohol. Voila!

6. Wobbly Ceiling Fan. Have a wobbly ceiling fan that that continually sounds like it is preparing to take flight? First, dust and clean it. Then, tighten any loose screws and see if each blade is secure and aligned with the other blades. If it is still wobbly, try buying a balancing kit in order to properly balance your blades.