Hot Home & Garden How-Tos

How To: Replace the cable rewind on a Dyson DC05 vacuum

If you're having a hard time with your cable rewind on a Dyson DC05 vacuum cleaner, this tutorial should help you out. In this tutorial, you'll find out how to replace the cable rewind using a few tools. It doesn't take that long to replace and will make things much easier when cleaning up around the house. So check out the tutorial above and enjoy!

How To: Replace the actuators and springs on a Dyson DC05

If you're having a hard time with turning your machine on and off, you may have a problem with the actuator and spring. In this tutorial for the Dyson DC05, you'll find out how to replace the actuators and springs to your vacuum cleaner. It doesn't take much to replace, just a few parts and pieces. So good luck, pay attention, and enjoy!

How To: Replace both filters on a Dyson DC25 easily

If you own a Dyson DC25 and haven't replaced or cleaned the filters, then check out this video. It's important to clean the filter on your vacuum cleaner because not only does it help to keep dust and other particles out of your motor, it also makes sure that none of that stuff is spwed back out onto your floor.

How To: Grow wheatgrass in your home garden

Interested in growing your own wheatgrass? This gardener's guide will show you how it's done. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the process in just over a minute and a half minutes' time. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, watch this video.

How To: Grow tomatoes upside down in a bucket

Interested in less-conventional container gardening methods? Say, growing tomatoes upside-down in a bucket? This video will show you how it's done! It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the process in about 7 minutes' time. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Use natural products to clean your home without toxins

We all want to spic and span our kitchen countertops, our tile floors, and our bathrooms. But for the most part we can bet you've been unwittingly using storebought detergent cleaners or bleach. While these cleaners are in fact excellent at removing grime and buffing your dirty floors to a Midas touch perfection, they also come filled to the brim with known cancer-causing agents, synthetic chemicals, and other gnarly, hard to pronounce crap.

How To: Choose colors that you won't get tired of in your home

Choosing paint colors for the living room or wallpaper for the bedroom can be tough. How do you know you won't get sick of it? Well, this video will help you choose the colors that will fit you best. Learn how to choose colors that you won't get tired of in your home. If you're looking for a magical color palette, forget about it. Everyone gets tired of the colors of their clothes, and some people weary of their hair color. That's only natural. So the bottom line is: decorating with color isn...

How To: Fold a towel the correct way

Folding a towel might not seem that hard, but there are those out there hay have never done. Those are the type of people that throw their clean clothes directly on the ground, right next to their dirty clothes. They've never heard of "folding". But eventually, they'll need to acquire the skill. And the perfect start… towels. This video shows you the precise steps to folding a towel the correct way. Watch and learn. And put your clothes away!

How To: Preserve and dry herbs

In this tutorial, we learn how to preserve and dry herbs. First, you will want to cut your herbs fresh from the garden. Next, use scissors to cut the herbs into small pieces. After this, place the herbs on a piece of wax paper on a plate. Now, place the plate into the microwave on half power for three minutes. Look at the herbs to see what they look like when they come out of the microwave. If there is still moisture in them, place them in a microwave again. Adjust the power and time you cook...

How To: Clean and repair gutters with Lowe's

In this tutorial, we learn how to clean and repair gutters with Mike Kraft. Damaged gutters can mean leaking roofs with water dripping everywhere. To fix this, you will need: buckets, a shovel, gutter sealant, a trowel, wire hooks, garden hose, nozzle, and gloves. First, place your ladder up to your house so you can easily reach the gutters, being careful not to touch any electrical wires. Next, clean the debris out of the gutter with the trowel and place into a plastic bucket. When finished,...

How To: Install dual exhaust on your tractor

In this tutorial, we learn how to install dual exhaust on your tractor! First, find the exhaust strip on the tractor, then detach the muffler and slip the regular pipe into the muffler. After this, get a 3/4" pipe and slip it up into the other pipe and well around it. It should come to the bottom of the tractor. Next, take a bushing and connect it to the elbow pipe. Connect a short pipe and connector to this, then connect a long straight pipe that goes into the dead center of the bottom of th...

How To: Reset your home garbage disposal

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to reset a garbage disposal. Begin by making sure that the garbage disposal is turned off. Then look for a red button underneath the garbage disposal. This red button is the reset button. If the button is pushed out, push it back in to reset the unit. If it still will not start, look down the sink hole for any obvious obstructions. Another solution is to insert the included wrench into the center of the unit. Then turn it 1/4 - 1/2 turn. This video wi...

How To: Pick any lock easily

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to pick a lock. The material required for picking a lock is a tension wrench and pick. Begin by inserting the tension wrench into the bottom left slot of the lock. Put some pressure on the tension wrench as you pick the lock. Now place the pick into the lock hole and experiment with it. Continue fidgeting and raking the pick in the lock hole until the lock opens. This video will benefit those viewers who have lost the key to their lock, and would like...

How To: Make your lawn tractor faster in three easy steps

In this tutorial, we learn how to make your lawn tractor faster. First, add an exhaust to your lawn tractor with a one inch pipe out the back. Make sure it's secured so it doesn't fall down onto the ground while you're driving the tractor. Also, add on a 51" belt instead of a 52" belt to make the tractor run faster. The last thing you can do to make your tractor faster is to place a spring and wire around the throttle to start the machine faster. This could make your tractor go up to at least...

How To: Build a cheap worm composting box

In this tutorial, we learn how to build a cheap worm composting box. Start out by using a large plastic box that has a lid, a storage box works great. Also, grab two vents that you will place on the sides. Lay your vents down on the sides of the box and outline how large they are. Now, cut the box and place the vents on the sides with screw to keep it in place. This box is made to keep worms inside, so it doesn't need to look fancy or be decorated on the outside. Once you're finished drilling...

How To: Decode a combination lock

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to decode a combination lock. Users will need a feeler gauge strip with a modified tip. Begin by sliding the feeler gauge strip in between the wheel and body of the lock. Then start rotating the wheel. When the wheel has resistance, notch the wheel in the right place. Then rotate the wheel counter clockwise three clicks. Do the same for the rest of the numbers on the lock. This video will benefit those viewers who have a combination lock, and would li...

How To: Use and take care of a portable band saw

Using a band saw can be really helpful when you have to cut certain metals nice and neatly. Unlike regular band saws, this tutorial covers how to use and take care of one that is portable. This is especially helpful for this hard to reach areas or projects where it's difficult to remove the metal. So check out this helpful tutorial to find out how to use, take care of, and understand a portable band saw. Enjoy!

How To: Deal with bed bugs in college

In this tutorial, we learn how to deal with bed bugs in college. There is no treatment for bed bugs, you just have to get rid of where they are living. If you suspect they are in sheets, blankets or clothes, you must wash these in extremely hot water or freeze them for 24 hours. Don't share grooming products or headphones, because these can transfer head lice from person to person. You can also get body lice that spread from clothing and feed on your skin. Pubic lice comes from sexual contact...

How To: Drywall tape butt joints

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to drywall a tape butt joint. This task is very easy, simple and fast to do. Once the tape is on the butt joint, apply a thin layer of drywall compound and then apply a second coat of compound. Scrape off any excess compound. The main goal is to apply the compound over the tape. Make sure to use the drywall knife to smooth out and spread the compound. This video will benefit those viewers who are interested in pursuing a career as in drywall or are re...

How To: Build a PVC greenhouse

In this tutorial, we learn how to build a PVC greenhouse. The dimensions of this will be 12' x 18'. First, you will use 1/2" PVC pipe that is 12' long that crosses in the middle to make a "t" shape. The frame can be made of treated 2'x 4's. Once you have the frame up, you can use thick plastic to securely cover the pipe and wood and clamp it into place. Once you have this done, you can place your tables inside of the greenhouse and start growing your plants! If you notice the plastic not hold...

How To: Tape and finish textured drywall

Tim Gibson teaches us how to tape and finish textured drywall in this tutorial. To begin, use a scraper to scrape off any texture around the join. This will leave 4-5 inches to replace the joint. If it doesn't come off easy, use a sponge to wet the area on both sides before you scrape it. After this, use either fiberglass tape or paper tape with drywall joint compound. If you use the compound and paper tape, you have to put a thin layer of compound down before you place the tape over it. Let ...

How To: Hang drywall in your own home

In this tutorial, we learn how to hang drywall in your own home. Hanging your own drywall will save you a lot of money, but it takes a lot of time. You will first need to start on the ceiling and then secure the drywall with screws. You will have to use a saw to make boxes for electrical boxes. When finished hanging the walls, you will need to apply compound to the walls and then paint over it when you are finished. Hanging your own drywall can save you tens of thousands of dollars over profe...

How To: Find the best drill bits and use them in metal

In order to find the best drill bits to drill in metal, you should look at the angle of the bit. It will need to have a center point. Bits only cut on the ends. The grooves on the sides are made to remove the excess. The point on the end determines how it will cut. Titanium bits last a long time, but cobalt bits last even longer. They will all eventually become blunt. They will require sharpening.

How To: Make a lampshade out of plastic cups with Threadbanger

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a lampshade out of plastic cups. First, you will need to purchase clear plastic cups and use a stapler and tape. To start, lay your cups on the ground with the bottoms facing up. Now, take your tape and tape the cups together two at a time, then connect all the cups in a circle. Next, use your stapler to staple the cups together, going two at a time. Start adding more cups around the circle of original cups using the stapler. After you get to two cups wi...

How To: Set cabinets for an entertainment center: tips

Bob Schmidt tells us how to set up cabinets for an entertainment center in this tutorial. First, make sure you set base cabinets next to your wires and put a hole in the back of them so you can cover the wires up, but still have easy access to them. You can easily make these holes by using a small saw to cut them out after measuring the correct sizes. Next, Set your counters so they fit perfectly inside of your wall space. If you need to, cut out your panels and replace with mesh ones that le...