OSH provides the following How To information as a service to our visitors. Due to differing tools, individual skills, products, materials, building codes, local regulations and conditions, OSH assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries, or losses incurred resulting from the use of this information. Before beginning any project, study your instructions carefully and if any doubts or questions remain, always consult with a local professional or expert. Always check to see that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Read and follow all safety precautions provided by tool or equipment manufacturer.

OSH Tips

Here are some simple solutions to everyday fix-ups for home and garden. These are not necessarily the most effective solutions, but rather simple tips using household items. Customer results may vary.

Curtains

Use curtains to cut heating and cooling costs. Closing drapes and shades in the summer will keep your home cool and cut your electric bill. In the winter, open the curtains on sunny days to allow natural solar power to warm the room. Keep curtains closed at night or on overcast days to help insulate.

Seltzer Tablets

Seltzer tablets can help prevent a sink from clogging. Drop three tablets down the drain followed by a cup of White Vinegar. After a few minutes, run the hot water. Half a box of baking soda and a cup of white vinegar works too. These are preventive measures - if you have a clog, use clog removers or try plunging the drain. For serious clogs, consult a plumber.

Skateboard

Use a skateboard to help relieve the inconvenience and backache of painting baseboards. Sitting on the skateboard allows you to stay close to the floor and easily move from side-to-side without having to stand up. Sitting on the skateboard instead of kneeling also prevents sore knees.

Dental Floss

Tie dental floss to the spout of a dripping faucet to get rid of the annoying dripping noise until you are able to fix the leak. Use a strand long enough to reach the bottom of the sink and the water will quietly slide down the floss. For best results use un-waxed dental floss as the water drops will stick on better.

Onions

An onion can intensify the fragrance of your roses. Peel the skin off of the onion and bury the inner layers with your roses. Onions are high in sulfur compounds, which are aromatic. As the onions breakdown in the soil, the roots of the rose bush will absorb the sulfur and intensify the fragrance, Banana skins work too.

Hose

Use a piece of old hose to help prevent accidents with your saws. Cut the hose in half lengthwise and slide it down over the teeth to keep the sharp edges covered when you're not using the saw.

Gloves

Halogen bulbs usually require special care. When you need to handle them, always use clean gloves or a piece of cloth. The oil from your skin can reduce the life of the bulb.

Vanilla

Eliminate paint odors by adding two teaspoons of vanilla extract to each gallon of paint. The vanilla will not discolor or damage the paint. For white or ivory paint, another option is one drop of lemon extract per gallon.

It is important to realize that adding vanilla or lemon extract simply covers up the odor given off by the paint fumes. The fumes are still there. Whenever you are painting with a latex paint or any paint that potentially gives off fumes, you should open available windows and incorporate the use of fans to increase the flow of fresh air.

Comb

Use an ordinary hair comb instead of your fingers to hold nails in place while hammering. The comb keeps the nail straight while saving your fingers from accidental misses. This works great for small nails. Try a clothespin for larger nails. Very handy for folks with arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to grip.

Baby Powder

Take the squeak out of floors (temporarily) by sprinkling a small amount of baby powder into the crevices along the edges. Squeaky floors are caused by two boards rubbing against each other or by a board rubbing on a subfloor nail. Baby powder decreases friction between the boards.

Carrot

Use a carrot to remove a broken light bulb from a socket. Make sure the power is off or the cord unplugged before attempting. Firmly insert a carrot into the broken bulb base and twist counterclockwise to remove bulb and glass bits. Styrofoam or a large cork also works nicely.

Tea

Invigorate ferns, azaleas, hydrangea and other houseplants that desire and thrive in an acidic environment by watering them with a lukewarm, weak-brewed tea once a week. Tea contains tannic acid, which helps neutralize salts in the soil. Salts build up in soil over time when tap water is used to water plants.

Coffee

Like tea, coffee grounds can also be used to revive houseplants. Mix coffee grounds with your potting soil to recover the vitality of yellowing plants. Coffee treats iron deficiency by making the soil more acidic, which allows plants to absorb iron properly. Use sparingly.

Yogurt Cup

Take the mess out of drilling a hole or screw into your ceiling. Cut in half a small yogurt cup. Carefully drill a hole in the center of the cup. Place the cup on the ceiling and drill in the screw. The cup catches debris, not your eyes. Always remember: be safe. Wear protective gloves and eyewear when using a drill.