*Updated September 14th, 2023*

We all have those pesky things that need to be fixed, improved or cleaned around the house, yet we hesitate to hire a professional because we believe we can tackle them ourselves. Many of these tasks are straightforward and can be accomplished within minutes, often with just basic tools and a little DIY knowledge. In this article, I've compiled a selection of home repair hacks that are helpful for any Northern VA Homeowner!

1. Sticking Key

Do you have to jiggle the key to unlock your door? --This could be just corrosion or dirt so don't change the lock yet--- First rub the cuts on the key with the lead of a graphite pencil, or spray a little powdered graphite into the opening in the lock. The graphite works as a lubricant in the tumblers to allow it to turn with ease!

2. Pet Hair on Upholstery

Get Pet hairs off upholstery faster— Use a pair of rubber gloves instead of a vacuum.... Wipe your hands over the surfaces of your couches and chairs in one direction. The fur will ball up, and you can just throw it away.

3. Garage Wall Bumper

Foam Pool Noodle as Garage Wall Bumper- Cut a noodle in half, and screw it to your garage wall at the height/location your car door makes contact with said wall!

4. Moldy Washer

Moldy Washer? --Clothes come out of the washer smelling musty? You probably have a bit of mildew. Put one cup of baking soda in the washer, and run one empty load on the hottest water setting. The baking soda will remove and clean the mildew and your clothes will now come out swelling clean!

5. Squeaky Hardwood Floors

Squeaky Wood Floors? -- When wood rubs against wood it squeaks. Silence the squeak by sprinkling cornstarch or baby powder over the area that creaks, and then use a broom to sweep it into the cracks between the boards. The cornstarch will act as a dry lubricant between the wood surfaces to quiet the creaking.... you're welcome!

6. Stripped Screw

Stripped Screw? A stripped screw head can make repairs very difficult.Just place a wide rubber band in between the screwdriver and the stripped screw head. The rubber band should help grip the screw as you slowly extract.

7. Carpet Dents

Heavy furniture can leave behind unattractive carpet dents.Just take ice cubes and place them over the carpet dent and melt.If the dent is really stubborn, you may need to fluff a bit with a fork or tooth brush!

8. Low Flow Faucet

It could be as simple as hard water deposits and little bits of debris. The Aerator screen could be blocked. Remove the aerator by twisting it to the left and clean it out then soak it in white vinegar for a few hours to remove the debris and deposits.