Sometimes life works just the way it was meant to. Enough so that certain things can be predicted.
Keep something in the fridge too long? It goes bad.
Don’t stock up on paper goods? Sooner or later you’ll be searching high and low for a facial tissue, roll of toilet paper, or new box of plastic wrap.
Going from memory on what time your plane departs? There’s a very good chance you’ll miss your flight.
Let’s see, have we forgotten anything? Oh yeah: Own a home and wait for things to go wrong…because it’s only a matter of time before they will. Hey, you knew what you were getting into, right?
Still, knowing things can go wrong and being ready when they do are often two different things. Here’s something else worth knowing: what you can fix yourself to save time, money, and additional headaches.
Here’s a handy list from the handyman pros at Pann Home Services.
Worn Refrigerator Seals
If your refrigerator has worn magnetic seals, air can leak out of and into the fridge, causing it to work harder to maintain a desired temperature and keep your food fresh. Contact the manufacturer for step-by-step details on repairing or replacing the worn seals.
Vinyl Windows That Stick
While durable and affordable, vinyl windows can become hard to open and close due to built-up of dirt and grime inside the window tracks. Apply some dry-type silicone spray to the crevice between the window and the jamb, open the window, and wipe away grime from the inside.
Squeaky Hardwood Floors
If you have hardwood floors and notice squeaking in certain areas that get a lot of traction, you can silence the noise by sprinkling a little cornstarch over the area and sweep it into the cracks with a broom or soft-bristle brush. The cornstarch acts as a dry lubricant between the wood and quiets the squeaking.
Ceiling Stains
A dripping pipe or leaky roof can cause ugly water stains on your ceiling, making even the best kept home look run down. After you repair the leak, fill a spray bottle with one-part household bleach and five parts water. Then simply spray the stain thoroughly (being careful not to get any on yourself) and watch the stain fade away or even disappear.
Slow Faucet
Over time, hard water deposits and other bits of debris can clog faucets and cause reduced water flow. Fortunately, this is often a quick and easy fix. Simply remove the aerator screen at the end of the faucet, soak it in white vinegar, and reattach it.
Moldy Washing Machine
If your clothes are smelling less-than-clean fresh out of the washing machine, you may have a bit of mildew inside. Just add a cup of baking soda into the washer and run an empty load on the hottest setting.
Of course, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you want to or have the time. So, the next time your home throws you a curve, just remember Pann Home Services. With the combination of our handyman, plumbing, heating, and cooling services, we can do more than just about anybody to even out the bumps of home ownership.
