• Here is a top-secret weapon against upholstery stains and spots: Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner. Spray a small amount onto the spot, then lightly brush it into the material with an old toothbrush. Let the cleaner sit for a few moments until the foam disappears. Blot the cleaner up with a clean, damp cloth.

• Keep multiple toolboxes handy, their contents depending on the repair jobs that have to be done most frequently around the house. Include in every toolbox a clear plastic bag full of miscellaneous, commonly used hardware (a variety of screws, nails, picture hangers and such.)

• A top mistake that homeowners typically make concerning electricity is not choosing the proper light bulb. When you supply a lamp with a bulb that's at a higher wattage than the lamp specifies, you could start a dangerous house fire.

• Don't dump inappropriate food scraps into the garbabe disposal. Roto-Rooter uses this rule of thumb: any food that does not float should NOT go into the disposal. Dense items such as rice, carrots, grease, bones, eggshells, cornhusks and potato skins are problem materials that can make a gummy mess in your pipes.

• Applying caulk without making a mess takes a little practice. Wrap a plastic grocery bag around your hand and press the caulk into place with your plastic covered finger. When you're done, throw the bag away - no handwashing necessary - and drive a galvanized screw or nail into the tube's open tip to prevent it from drying out.

• Carpet Fixes: Attack spills immediately. Vacuum like clockwork before it sinks down into the pile. Never rub at spill (blot only). Attack nonoily stains with white vinegar and water solution (1 oz. vinegar : 3 oz. water). Blot oily spots with rubbing alcohol and a clean rag. The solution for mud is to wait it out then brush and vacuum.

• Don't have time to free up that annoying door that sticks in the doorframe? Give the top and side edges of the door a rubdown with bar soap to lubricate it.


Submit your own tips to Jeff.