Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Make a yule log for a gift
In this tutorial, Ingrid teaches us how to make a yule log for a gift. First, wrap two pieces of wood together with wire thread. Next, take some raffia and tie it onto the top and bottom of the yule log to give it a rustic look. To warm it up, add in some pine needles to the middle, as well as fur, cedar, and whatever else you find. To make it look more festive, take some red shiny ribbon and tie it onto the top of the pieces of wood like a package. This is inexpensive and useful for anyone t...
How To: Install a foot throttle on your lawn tractor
In this tutorial, we learn how to install a foot throttle on your lawn tractor. First, weld the petal onto the base and create your own holder for the rod so it stays in position. You will have to bolt it down so it stays in place and doesn't move. On the other side, put a holder on it so the rod stays in place and doesn't move. There should be a bolt on it so it doesn't move and a clamp that is welded onto the end of it. The, string a thin metal wire to connect onto the end and bolt it onto ...
How To: Install No-Frills Drip Irrigation
Solving a Dilemma This is a simple how-to for a cost effective drip irrigation system for your garden. My motivation to set up my garden for drip irrigation was pretty simple. In the summer, it gets to 90+ degrees outside, and my 50’ garden hose didn’t reach the far extents where I have the majority of my large trees. I noticed a large amount of the water I applied to the trees just ran off and did absolutely nothing. This was a huge waste of resources.
How To: Make a BBQ smoker out of a drum
In this video, we learn how to make a BBQ smoker out of a drum. First, turn the drum upside down. Next, paint the entire drum green and make vents in the side bottom of it, with covers that can be moved or set aside. Drill screw into the top of the drum then add in wood and charcoal to the bottom of it. When you are done with this, you will be able to hook your propane to this, then light it on fire. To smoke a piece of meat, you will need to put the foil underneath a grill rack and then plac...
How To: Organize and store your personal accessories
In this tutorial, we learn how to organize and store your accessories. First, you will need to have some boxes that are decorated that you can keep scarves in so you don't have to hang them up and take room in your closet. You can also keep your pashminas in the boxes as well, along with summer scarves. You can also use a box that has a divider in it to store your bracelets and necklaces that are large. Store your smaller accessories in a jewelery box, or a box that is similar to a fishing ta...
How To: Wire a three-way electrical switch
In this tutorial, we learn how to wire a three-way electrical switch. First, you will need to know the difference between the wires that you are using. Once you familiarize yourself with these different wires, you can start to wire your electrical switch. Now, go to your electrical box and tie the white wires together with an electrical nut. Next, tie the copper wires together and you will be left with three wires. Take the wire that supplies the power and attach it to the black common, then ...
How To: Install a dishwasher
In this video, we learn how to install a dishwasher. First, take out your directions from the package and throw away the rest of the packaging. Also, discard your old dishwasher if you don't need it. Next, attach the PVC hose to the water supply, making sure it's turned off, then connect the valve to the hose. Next, attach the outlet hose to the waste water pipe so the dirty water won't go back into the machine. This only takes around an hour and is a home project that you can do by yourself....
How To: Install gutter screens with Lowe's
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to install gutter screens. The materials required for this task are: tape measure, tin snips, drill with bits and sheet metal screws. Begin by measuring the gutter to determine how many screens to buy. Start at one end of the gutter and slide the back edge underneath the shingles. Then snap the edges in place and continue down the length of the gutter. Now drill holes in the edges of the screens and screw in the sheet metal screws to secure the gutter...
How To: Use Diatomaceous Earth to stop bed bugs
In this video, we learn how to use Diatomaceous Earth the stop bed bugs. First, place this in a tray and then use a brush to brush the powder around the base of the bed. This will last for 6 months and will need to be reapplied whenever you vacuum the floor. When the bug touches it, it will kill the bug within twenty four hours. This is a great way to create an oasis in your bed, just make sure you don't have any sheets touching the ground, or the bugs will be able to crawl up them and go in ...
How To: Make a hospital bed while it is occupied
In this video, we learn how to make a hospital bed while it's occupied. First, take the top blanket off then take the linens off and make sure the patient is lying on their side. After this, roll the linens towards the patient, then replace new ones where the old linens were originally at. After this, put down a moisture sheet and place it under the clean sheet. Now, put the side table up and roll the patient over and let them know there will be a bump in the middle. Now, move to the other si...
How To: Program a thermostat
In this tutorial, we learn how to program a thermostat. First, you will need to look up what your home temperature should be at all times, depending on how large it is and what time of the day it is. Once you do this, you will go to your thermostat and figure out how to change the temperature settings for each day of the week. Adjust the temperature to change when you are home and for when you are not going to be home. If you don't have the heat on when you aren't home, this will help you to ...
How To: Use an engraving tool
In this tutorial, we learn how to use an engraving tool. It doesn't matter how old your engraving tool is, just make sure it has different speeds on it to help control it while in use. Now, place a piece of aluminum down and adjust your power level to the lowest level. Push down on the aluminum and write the word you want to so you can see how the pressure effects the aluminum. Now, set the tool at the highest setting and push down on a sledge hammer to see the pressure you need to push to ge...
How To: Make a poplar wine rack
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a poplar wine rack. First, cut the top, bottom, and sides of the rack. Then, use a router to cut out the center of it. Now, assemble the rack together by using wood glue. After this, measure the length of the diagonals, then add in pieces of wood that are criss crossed throughout the box. Next, keep these in place with some wood glue and then place wine bottle on the inside of them. This will make a great wine rack for any home and you can paint it as we...
How To: Undo grass, mustard, and/or ketchup stains on clothes
One of the most common things about summer isn't only the sun, heat, and need to get into a pool, but stains. Grass stains, ketchup stains, and mustard stains can all ruin a perfectly good day. Sometimes they are difficult to wash out, but with this tutorial they won't be anymore. Check out the video from Good Housekeeping magazine to find out what you'll need to eliminate these stains. Enjoy!
How To: Repot a Phalaenopsis orchid in a bark mix
In this tutorial, we learn how to repot a phalaenopsis orchid in a bark mix. First, take out all the moss from the plant and wash off the roots. After this, get the plant ready for trimming and trim it at the very bottom of the roots. Measure the depth of the pot to make sure the roots aren't too long. Now, gather the roots and place them down into the pot with packing peanuts and soil inside of it. After you do this, pack in soil around the sides of it and keep it watered so it doesn't die out.
How To: Fix a cracked wood cutting board
If you have a cutting board that you made or purchased from the store, excessive exposure to water can be bad. Water can be sucked into the wood and damage the wood board, eventually leading to a crack. Instead of throwing it out, you may want to let it sit for a couple of weeks so that the water is able to dry out.
How To: Grow cucumbers up on an A frame using concrete wire
If you plan on growing cucumbers in your garden, a smart move is to grow them up. By that, grow them on something that will lead them up. This is a smart idea, because cucumber plants can take over a garden at any time and can actually come out much better when grown on something that leads up. In this video, you'll find out how you can do that and why following this method is a good idea. Good luck and enjoy!
How To: Fix a GE oven that won't go over 290 degrees using arrow controls
If you're having a hard time with setting your oven above 290 degrees, then it may be an easy fix. Your GE oven may be set at celsius making it difficult to raise the tempature above 290. In this tutorial, if you own a GE oven with arrow controls, this video will help you figure out how to switch your oven from celsius to farenheit. So good luck and enjoy!
How To: Set a GE range to Sabbath Mode when using numbers
Nowadays, most appliances have many new features that make cooking much easier for homeowners. One of those features is called Sabbath mode. It's a feature that can be found on ovens and refrigerators and is intended to allow the appliances to be used by Shabbat observed Jews during Shabbat and other Jewish holidays.
How To: Set a GE oven range to Sabbath Mode when using arrows
You may not realize it, but many appiances that are sold today are equipped with a Sabbath Mode. This is a feature that many of the modern home appliances feature. It is intended to allow the appliances to be used by Shabbat observant Jews during Jewish holidays.
How To: Set your GE range for self clean
Nowadays, most ranges come equipped with a self clean option. This is great for those who don't have the necessary time need to clean their appliance or have any kind of health problems.
How To: Avoid getting your GE oven knobs damaged
If for some reason, the knobs on your gas range have become damaged or worn out, it may be for several reasons. Buying new knobs can be a pain and cost a pretty penny. This tutorial will show you how to avoid getting your GE oven knobs damaged. It's easy to follow and will ensure that they will last for a long time. So good luck, be safe, and enjoy!
How To: Fix a pilot light that isn't working on a GE oven
If you're having a hard time using any of the ranges or the oven on your stove, it may be because of the pilot light. This is an important part of the appliance that allows it to work correctly. No pilot light, then you'll have a hard time cooking anything.
How To: Use your broiler drawer on a GE oven
Have you ever tried cooking a meal and came across a recipe that asked to broil something and had no idea what it was? Well then, this video should make things clearer.
How To: Fix a range burner on your GE cooktop
If you're range burner isn't working properly, there may be a number of reasons for this. One of the most obvious and easiest problems to take care of, is that it might be clogged. Overflowing liquids and other food materials can get into the burners and cause them to become clogged. This leads to an insufficient working burner that needs to be fixed soon.
How To: Install lower rack wheels for a GE dishwashers
If you've recently damaged the wheels on a lower rack of a GE dishwasher, there's no need to fear. Replacing the lower wheels on the lower rack is an easy fix that anybody can complete. The wheels are important for the rack since it helps ease the strain on people's back and makes putting dishes to wash easy. If you need help figuring out which wheels you need or how to install them, check out the video above. Enjoy!
How To: Recycle a plastic grocery bag into a checkbook holder using an iron
Plastic shopping bags are on the verge of extinction with states threatening plastic bag bans. California has already approved a ban, taking effect in 2012, and other states are proposing the same ban, including Oregon.
How To: Make your own eco-friendly toilet cleaner
If you are in desperate need to clean your toilet, don't rush to the store just yet. What you might need to clean it, is probably already in your home. Most of the toilet cleaners out on the market contain harmful, toxic chemicals that are inhaled during the cleaning process.
How To: Make your own homemade, eco-friendly all purpose cleaner
If you've just ran out of all purpose cleaner, hold on to your waller for just a couple of minutes. Most of the all purpose cleaners, or any cleaner for that matter, contains chemicals that can be harmful for you and others. Not only that, but it produces more trash that can easily be avoided. How so? By making your own stuff from scratch.
How To: Make your own eco-friendly laundry detergent
You may not realize it, but most of the laundry detergents that are being sold in supermarkets contain chemicals that can be bad for peopel, but more importantly bad for the water supply. People have begun to realize this and are starting to make their own household items from scratch using harmless items.
How To: Make your own natural window cleaner
If you use Windex or any other window cleaning product, you may be exposing yourself, or others, to harmful chemicals. Many cleaning products that are sold in supermarkets, contain harmful chemicals that are not good and certainly not good for the environment.
How To: Make your own, eco-friendly liquid dish soap
You may or may not know, but much of the cleaning products that are used today can be harmful to you, kids, or even pets. They contain a great assortment of chemicals that can cause serious illness or death. So why risk buying thse products when you can make them yourself?
How To: Make a natural, homemade shower cleaner
Many of today's cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets, children, and even adults. Sure it can get the job done, but what's more important the health of others or your stuff?
How To: Use tomato cages in your garden
When it comes to gardening, there are various methods that can be used to help produce an area that you and others will appreciate. What might work for one person, may not work for another. Each has their own benefits, it just depends on the gardener and which works for them.
How To: Use dryer sheets in 5 different ways
Don't toss those dryer sheets! They have many more uses around the house. Did you know that they can deodorize your shoes? Or that they can help you remove gunk stuck on your dishes? Watch this video, and you'll learn five great tips about repurposing your dryer sheets!
How To: Use clear nail polish in 5 different ways
In this video, you'll learn about some great and alternative uses for clear nail polish. Did you know that you can use clear nail polish to stop tarnish or seal an envelope? It's true. You can also use clear nail polish to secure a screen or smooth a wooden hanger. Try these out yourself!
How To: Use toothpicks in unconventional ways
In this video, Woman's Day will show you how to use toothpicks in 5 different useful and unique ways you may not have thought of. You can use a toothpick as a screw, or you could use it to decorate a cake. Once you learn these tips, the possibilities are endless!
How To: Keep cut flowers fresh with alcohol and sugar
Hey, here's a quick and easy tip for you! Did you ever wonder how other people can keep their flowers looking fresh and perky for days? All it takes is a quick little trick. Just add a little bit of gin and vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to your water, and your flowers will be fresh and perky for a few extra days!
How To: Make hedge trimming easier on yourself
In this video, you'll learn some neat methods for making hedge trimming an easier chore. Save yourself the back ache and follow the steps in this video. Easier maintenance always begins with the proper tools. Lay down a drop cloth to avoid debris, and make sure you remove wayward branches. Doing the hedge trimming will be a snap from now on!
How To: Get rid of spiders without resorting to chemicals
In this how-to video, you'll learn how to get rid of spiders without resorting to harmful chemicals or pesticides. It's easy enough. Just vacuum them up, remove the cobwebs when you see them, and use eucalyptus and hedge apples. This will force them out.