Hammering a Small Nail
When hammering a small nail into a wall, it can be difficult to hold it steady. In such cases, use the cover of an old notebook to hold the nail in place while hammering. This makes the process easier and safer.
Hammering a Nail into a Cement Wall
Hammering nails into a solid cement wall can be dangerous, as nails may bounce off. To prevent this, pre-hammer the cement nail into a wooden plank, then press the plank against the wall and continue hammering. This method is safer than holding the nail with pliers.
Painting with a Sponge
When painting a wall, using a nylon sponge soaked in paint is about four times faster than using a brush.
Removing Stains from Sliding Door Frames
Sliding doors that are stiff and hard to open or close are often treated with wax or oil, but this can lead to stubborn grime. To clean, crush eggshells into small pieces, sprinkle them in water, place them in a gauze bag, and scrub the frames. This effectively removes grime.
Fixing Loose Screws
Repeatedly screwing and unscrewing in wood or plastic can enlarge the hole, causing the screw to loosen. To fix this, apply adhesive into the hole, let it partially harden, then screw it in. Once fully hardened, the screw will hold firmly.
Polishing Wooden Floors
To polish wooden floors without using varnish or wax, wipe them with a clean rag soaked in rice water. Repeated cleaning will make the floors shine.
Removing Paint from Glass
Smooth glass surfaces can be easily cleaned of paint, but rough, opaque glass surfaces require more effort. Wear rubber gloves, apply thinner to an old toothbrush or scrubbing pad, and scrub the paint. If necessary, use a stronger solvent-based thinner.
Making Glass Cleaner
Mix 0.5 liters of warm water with 60 grams of white wine and vinegar. Use this solution to clean glass, leaving it shiny and streak-free.
Cleaning Window Blinds
Dirty blinds can be time-consuming to clean with a rag. Instead, wear rubber gloves under cotton gloves. First, dust the blinds with a duster, then dip your gloved hands into a diluted cleaning solution and wipe each slat. When the gloves get dirty, simply rub your hands together as if washing them to clean the gloves.
Cleaning Grout Between Tiles
Use a toothbrush to scrub the grime between tiles, then use the bristled end to sweep the gaps. After cleaning, rinse with hot water to remove any residue.
Removing Dust from Light Fixtures
Dust on light fixtures can harden due to heat, making it hard to clean. Cover the fixture with tissue paper, spray household cleaner over it, and wait 10–20 minutes. The dust will lift off and stick to the tissue, which can then be removed. Wipe the area with a damp cloth for a thorough clean.
Cleaning Windows on Cloudy Days
It’s best to clean windows on cloudy days. On sunny days, the light reflects off the glass, making it harder to see streaks or smudges.
Cleaning Corners of Toilets
Use an old stocking wrapped around the end of a stick, apply a neutral detergent, and clean the corners of the toilet that are hard to reach. Cleaning this way once a month will keep it white. Avoid using hydrochloric acid as it can damage the toilet.
Cleaning Hard-to-Reach Areas
Tight spaces, like the gap between furniture and walls, can be cleaned effectively with old stockings. Wrap a stocking around a stick and sweep it under furniture like refrigerators or wardrobes. The static electricity from the stocking will attract and hold onto dust.
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