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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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!