Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Use shortcuts to save time and energy when cleaning your house
Like having a clean home but wish there were a faster way to tidy it up? This clip from Good Housekeeping will teach you a number of useful, time-saving shortcuts certain to help. For all of the details, and to get started incorporating these tips into your own cleaning routines, take a look.
How To: Grow mushrooms in your home garden
Think you might like to cultivate mushrooms in your home garden? It's not so difficult as you might imagine it to be. And this gardener's guide from the folks at Growing Wisdom will walk you through the process from start to finish.
How To: Prune a cucumber plant as it grows
If you grow your cucumber plants vertically, it's important that you know how to prune it properly to promote healthy growth. This gardener's guide from the folks at Growing Wisdom will walk you through the process from start to finish.
How To: Make a simple latex mold using liquid latex rubber
In this DIY guide from the folks at the TAP Plastics, we learn how to produce a simple latex mold using liquid latex rubber. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the technique in about seven minutes. For all of the details, take a look.
How To: Grow pawpaws in your home garden
Pawpaws are a little-known American fruit. With their unusual texture and tropical flavor, pawpaws make a great addition to a lot of recipes. They're easy to grow at home, too, in almost any climate! Here is everything you need to know about growing pawpaws, plus a recipe for a delicious and healthy smoothie!
How To: Keep your fruit trees healthy by pruning them
In this clip, we learn how to prune a tree to keep it healthy and bearing fruit. Learn what to clip and what to avoid while watching a trained arborist prune a backyard fruit tree. For all of the details, take a look.
How To: Make a wood picture easel using hand tools
In this clip, we learn how to make a wood picture easel using only hand tools. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this video woodworking lesson can present a complete overview of the build in just over eight minutes. For all of the details, and to get started making your own wooden picture easels, take a a look!
How To: Replace the armature in a Porter 4630 cable drywall gun
In this DIY guide from the folks at the eReplacementParts, we learn how to disassemble a Porter 4630 cable drywall gun and replace the armature. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the technique in about two minutes. For all of the details, take a look.
How To: Adjust the beaters on a KitchenAid stand mixer
In this DIY guide from the folks at the eReplacementParts], we learn how to adjust the beaters on a KitchenAid stand mixer. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the technique in about two minutes. For all of the details, take a look.
How To: Measure the pitch, gauge and drive links of a chainsaw chain
Want to know how to measure a chainsaw chain? Pitch, gauge, and the number of drive links are the three numbers you need when it's time for a replacement chainsaw chain. Learn how to take these measurements with this instructional video.
How To: Paint metal patio furniture with the Home Depot
In this DIY guide from the folks at the Home Depot, we learn how to prepare a patio set for painting. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the technique in about a minute. For all of the details, take a look.
How To: Apply faux finish trim to cabinets with the Home Depot
In this DIY guide from the folks at the Home Depot, we learn how to apply faux finish trim to cabinets. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the technique in about two minutes. For all of the details, take a look.
How To: Keep a rotor Dremel tool clean when carving a pumpkin
In this DIY guide from the folks at the Home Depot, we learn how to keep a Dremel tool clean when carving a pumpkin. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the technique in about a half minute. For all of the details, take a look.
How To: Keep fresh herb plants from your garden alive in winter by transplanting them
Fresh herbs are some of the most manageable and useful things you can grow in your garden, but what to do when the harsh winter arrives? Many herbs can survive inside in pots, and this video will teach you how to prepare your herb garden and transfer it into pots for indoor storage during the winter, which when done properly will keep it protected, alive, and flourishing
How To: Arrange a Thanksgiving pumpkin centerpiece using chrysanthemums
Want to have a bunch of pretty pumpkins on your dinner table for Thanksgiving? Why not surprise guests with the unexpected by setting out these crysanthemum "pumpkins" instead?
How To: Create an easy pumpkin centerpiece for Thanksgiving
Halloween doesn't have to be the only fall holiday in which you employ pumpkins. Pumpkins make excellent Thanksgiving decor, especially when paired with other autumnal hues from seasonal flowers and stems.
How To: Get rid of a cockroach problem as a homeowner
Need some help figuring out how to deal with a cockroach problem? Let this video be your guide. Getting rid of cockroaches is easier than you'd think! It's so easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview in about two minutes' time. For all of the details, and to get started dealing with your own roach problem, watch this video guide.
How To: Get rid of an ant problem as a homeowner
Need some help figuring out how to deal with an ant problem? Let this video be your guide. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview in about two minutes' time. For all of the details, and to get started dealing with your own ant problem, watch this video guide.
How To: Get rid of a wasp problem as a homeowner
Having a wasp problem? Take action and get rid of them. This video guide from Mahalo will help you to determine how serious the problem is, whether you should take action at all, and what sort of action you should take if you do elect to do something.
HowTo: Make Impossible Gears
Gears: a set of toothed wheels that work together to alter the relation between the speed of a driving mechanism (such as the engine) and the speed of the driven parts (the wheels).
How To: Replace a faucet washer
In this tutorial, we learn how to replace a faucet washer. To start, you will first need to prepare this by turning off the water to your faucet completely. Then, you will turn on the faucet to make sure no more water is coming out. After this, remove the headgear from the faucet. You can do this with a screwdriver and a wrench. After everything is removed, replace the faucet washer with a new one. From here, you will place the parts back on in the same way you removed them. When finished, tu...
How To: Insulate your attic
In this tutorial, we learn how to insulate your attic with Eric Johnston. To figure out if you have enough insulation, you need to measure the depth of the insulation that you have. Generally, you should have around 22" of insulation in attics. The highest percentage of energy loss is through the attic, even if it's a new home. You can use a blown in insulation system that is easy to install and will not cause a huge mess. With this, you will be able to have your home be much warmed and you w...
How To: Use color, texture & style in your home
In this tutorial, we learn how to use color, texture, and style in your home. When choosing a paint color for your walls, first make sure the color is something you don't mind seeing everyday. After this, choose furniture that has different textures on it. Use a combination of different flooring materials to create contrast in each of the rooms. Use plants and paintings for decoration, but have them in popping colors to make the room come together. Use area rugs on floors, this can bring the ...
How To: Design a winter themed flower centerpiece for home
In this tutorial, we learn how to design a winter themed flower centerpiece for home. First, you will use florist foam to place some winter branches from pine trees on the bottom. After this, stick some bare branches standing up on the inside. Then, you will grab some large pinecones and lay these around the side of the arrangement. From here, grab some short stem red roses and then apply these around the branches until everything is covered. This will finish up your arrangement and you can p...
How To: Recycle cans and make decorative candle votives
In this video, we learn how to recycle cans and make decorative candle votives. First, you will use a straight edge to remove any paper from the top of the can. Then, use the straight edge to cut parallel holes in the bottom of the can. Grab sharp scissors and continue to cut the holes from the bottom all the way up to the top of the can. After this, use scissors to help pry the folds up and into the air for a cute design. Make sure not to use your hands to pry these up, as the edges will be ...
How To: Make a vacation shadow box
In this video, Meg shows us how to make a vacation shadow box. First, clean your seashells with a solution of half water and half beach. Then use any other finds that you want for your vacation shadow box! Take the items, then carefully lay them out where you want them. Use push pins to place them in where you want them. Ad din a box to make it have even more depth. After this, you will be able to place these into the top of the box. From here, you can place this on your wall and enjoy your v...
How To: Organize your closet by establishing a wardrobe system
In this tutorial, we learn how to organize your closet by establishing a wardrobe system. If you have tops that you wear during the day, put these on a different colored hanger than your nighttime tops. Color code these in your closet and then hang up your nighttime tops with a light wood or your choice hanger. If you have other random tops, you can hang them according to how you would wear them the most. Dresses can be hung on another color hanger and then pants can be worn on another color ...
How To: Begin using a woodcarving knife
In this tutorial, we learn how to begin using a woodcarving knife. Before you go into the detail, you will want to make sure you have it carved right. The carving all starts in the block of the wood. There will be a couple initial cuts that you will do with a knife after marking the wood with a pencil. Do repetitive cuts to get the right shapes. Also do an 's' curve and hit the lines right. If you want to make this look like a v-tool then you just need to make it with your knife. Have fun and...
How To: Make coasters or decorative tiles with photographs
In this tutorial, we learn how to make coasters or decorative tiles with photographs. To make this fun art project, you will need: glue, glue stick, paint brush, tile, picture, and scissors. After you have gathered these, cut your picture out if you printed it out. Then, apply the glue from the glue stick to the back of it and place it on the coaster. From here, apply the glue to the area around the coaster and brush it around with a paint brush. Once you have covered the entire area of the c...
How To: Install a toilet bowl for your bathroom
In this tutorial we learn how to install a toilet bowl for your bathroom. First you will apply the ring around the bottom of the toilet and on the floor where the toilet base will go. Apply plumbers wax to make sure this is sealed. Then, flip the toilet over and line up the holes. After this, slowly let it down and push it when you know the holes are in place. Next, you can push down and screw the bolts onto the base of the toilet. When finished, you will be able to connect the water and get ...
How To: Prevent mice from living in your house
In this tutorial, we learn how to prevent mice from living in your house. To start, you will need to inspect around your home and see if there are any holes that mice can get in and out of. Also, look for signs of their waste laying around. Get on the roof and make sure it's secure, with no holes in it where mice can get into your attic. If there are small holes, cover them up using small pieces of wire that they cannot push their way through. After you do this, your home will be safe from mi...
How To: Plant a container herb garden
In this video, we learn how to plant a container herb garden. First, lay down a layer of fertilizer to your pot and then rip off the container from around the plant. Then, place the plant inside of the pot and throw some of the fertilizer around the top of the base of the plant. From here, you will place in the rest of the herbs to the pot until it all fits in well. Then, make sure you water this according to which of the herbs that you are growing. Enjoy watching your herbs grow and enjoy fr...
How To: Install a dual flush toilet kit
In this tutorial, we learn how to install a dual flush toilet kit. First, grab the directions from the box that the toilet came in and read them! After this, you will take the lid off the tank of the toilet. Then, install the flusher into the tank of the toilet after removing the flapper and the chain. Continue to install the kit according to the directions and secure it inside the tank. When finished, place the top of the toilet back on the tank and then turn the water back on. Test this out...
How To: Make a homemade compost tumbler
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a homemade compost tumbler. Find a large barrel and mount it on a wood frame. You can use recycled materials, like an old pickle barrel if you can find one. There should be an axle in the middle of the wooden posts that runs through the tumbler as well. There should be a pipe in the middle bottom of the barrel to run air through, that will exit through the top where the handles are at. The aeration system will help your compost work properly, so you can ...
How To: Recycle an empty can into an ashtray
In this tutorial, we learn how to recycle an empty can into an ashtray. First, take your can and cut the top off. Then, cut 16 flaps into the can, not cutting the bottom off. Now, flatten them and fold them each into each other. Continue to do this until you have gone all around the can and you have a sort of star shape that has been make. Flatten all of the bends on the tray and then push the bottom of the can in. Now you can use this as a decorative ashtray without having to pay for it, enjoy!
How To: Lay ceramic tile
In this tutorial, we learn how to lay down ceramic tile. Start off by laying down the mortar for the base. After this, scrape it around with the ridged laying tool. Then, lay the tile down flat and place a spacer in between the one that it is next to. Once you are finished with this one, continue the same process for the rest of them. Make sure you are laying the tile down totally flat and it is lined up with the other ones. There should be spacers in between all of the different tiles that a...
How To: Do laundry at home
In this tutorial, we learn how to do laundry at home. To start, you will need to set your washer to the right settings. Go with the one that works the best for you and the size/color of laundry you're going to do. Turn off the extra rinse you're doing and turn on the cold rinse because it will save you hot water. From here, pour in your soap and place your clothes in. Then, turn it on by pulling the button. Once your clothes are finished washing, put them in the dryer. Then, clean the lint tr...
How To: Design a fall table centerpiece with mini pumpkins
In this tutorial, we learn how to design a fall table centerpiece with mini pumpkins. First, place three mini pumpkins on the side of a basket. Then, place peppers around them and throughout the basket. Take a bare branch and stick that in the middle of the centerpiece. From here, take some fall type of flowers and place them on the other side of the basket to decorate with. Use different colors with oranges, purples, and greens to make it look more like fall. From here, add in some fall leav...
How To: Prep your walls for wallpaper
In this tutorial, we are shown how to prep your walls for wallpaper, which is very easy! Preparing your walls only takes a few minutes and makes applying the wallpaper easier and look a lot better. You will need: rags, soapy water, wallpaper stripping knife, and sandpaper to do this. First, you need to apply the soapy water to the current wallpaper and then take it off with the stripping knife. Once it's all removed, you need to repair any holes in the wall. Next, sand down the surface of the...
How To: Repair a ceramic disc tap
In this tutorial we learn how to repair a ceramic disc tap. You will need: adjustable spanner, flathead screwdriver, Allen key, and ceramic disc to do this. To start, you will prepare the sink by turning the water off. Then, remove the tap head using the tools that you grabbed. Once off, grab the cartridge from the inside using the wrench. Once you reinstall the disc tap you will replace all the parts back on top of the handle. When you're finished, turn the water back on and then see if the ...