Hot Home & Garden How-Tos

How To: Get rid of wasps and hornets without chemicals

In this tutorial, we learn how to get rid of wasps and hornets without using chemicals. Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around a stick. Then secure that stick by hanging it over a bowl of water with dish soap on it. The bacon will entice the bees to come towards it. Then, the bees will eat so much bacon they will have a hard time flying and they will end up flying down into the bowl of water. Then, the soap will make them be able not to fly and they will drown in the water. This is very eff...

How To: Remove blood stains from fabric

Johnathan E. Stewart shows us how to remove blood stains from fabric in this tutorial. Your first step right after blood gets on your clothes is to rinse it with warm water and pat a wash cloth with soap and water on it. If the stain is more set in, grab hydrogen peroxide, soap, and water, then mix together and pat onto the stain. If all else fails, you can use ammonia with water on the stain. When you're finished cleaning the stain, throw it into the washer immediately, with stain remover mi...

How To: Sand and Repair Drywall

In order to sand and repair drywall, you will need the following: 100 grit sanding sponge. After you have applied mud to the walls evenly, you will need to sand the walls until they are smooth. Hopefully, you minimized or mitigated most of the need for sanding in the application of the mud, by using feathering and thin layering. When the mud is completely dry, you will need to choose a good sander. It is recommended that you use a 100 grit sanding sponge. Place the sponge against the wall, an...

How To: Pack glass for storage or moving

In this video, we learn how to properly pack glass for moving. Make sure you have a table or work area that has a furniture pad on it. Now, place packing paper onto the bottom of a box carton for glasses and china. Glass should be on the top of the box while plates should be placed at the bottom. Put the glasses into a rolled piece of paper until secured, then place upside down into the box. When finished, add crushed paper to the top of the first layer to avoid any glass from breaking. Make ...

How To: Refinish hardwood floors in your home

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to refurnish hardwood floors. Using a drum or belt sander, begin by cutting 36 grit abrasive. Then remove all the old finish marks and scratches from the main body of the floor. Using an edge sander, do the same thing. Now vacuum the floor and then repeat the process once again with both sanding machines, except use 50 grit abrasive this time. For the third time, use 80 grit abrasive and 100 grit abrasive for the fourth time. Remember to vacuum each t...

How To: Build a greenhouse to grow flowers or vegetables

In this tutorial, we learn how to build a greenhouse to grow flowers or vegetables. A greenhouse means the growing season doesn't have to end. You should plan the greenhouse out on paper before you begin, and allow space for walkways, location, and more. Make sure you can afford one and know that it will cost more for you to keep the climate in this preferable to grow plants. You can put a number of different glasses on the greenhouse, so pick which one you can afford and prefer the most. Pla...

How To: Replace a primer bulb easily

Many homeowners may not realize it, but primer bulbs are important for getting an engine cold started. Many people tend not to use it, but when it comes time and the machine doesn't start, then they it's important to have a primer bulb ready. Since they're plastic, they can wear out easily or even crack.

How To: Let Mother Nature take care of roses during winter

Every time fall rolls around, gardeners tend to take their time when pruning plants in their garden. Roses are the most commonly pruned plants during the fall since many are trying to help protect them before the cold winter months arrive. But it's sometimes best to listen to Mother Nature on when is the best time to prune.

How To: Choose a drill

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to choose a drill. There are 3 types of drills: cordless drills, electric drills and rotary hammer drills. cordless drills run on batteries and have a hammer setting. cordless drills are able to drill into concrete with mason drill bits. Electric drills last much more longer than cordless drills, but are limited by the extension reach. Rotary hammer drills are only used to drill into concrete. Some drills require a chuck key. Others have a key-less ch...

How To: Make a box out of used plastic bottles

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a box out of used plastic bottles. This task is very simple, fast and easy to do. The materials required for this task are 2 plastic bottles and a zipper. Begin by cutting off the bottom of both plastic bottles. Now glue the zipper on both of the bottom pieces and glue the bottom pieces together. Then zip the bottom pieces together. This video will benefit those viewers who enjoy making arts and crafts and recycling material, and would like to...

How To: Harvest herbs like basil, cilantro, dill, and chervil

In this tutorial, Susan Belsinger tells us how to harvest herbs. Don't let your basil flower because it's an annual herb and it will set seed if you do this. When you put the plant out, you have to cut the plant so it doesn't grow out to much. When you cut, more leaves will grow and it will get to a foot tall. Cut all of your basil like this, and cut it once a month. By cutting the seeds, you will get 20 cups of leaves per plant during a season. If you don't cut your plant back, you won't get...

How To: Use a multimeter

This video tutorial is in the Home & Garden category which will show you how to use a multimeter to check for continuity, measure resistance and voltage and many more values. Multimeters are like the electrical engineer's Swiss army knife. Multimeters can be of digital or analog types. Before using the multimeter, make sure there is continuity between the two probes. When you connect the two probes with each other, it will beep indicating that there is continuity and then you can go ahead. To...

How To: Keep dust to a minimum in your home

In this video, we learn how to keep dust to a minimum in your home. First, keep an eye on your furnace and make sure that when you are doing home repairs, it doesn't get onto your furnace. Also, make sure your filters throughout the home are clean or replaced very often, especially while you are doing home projects. Also, keep windows closed, especially while it's windy outside, because this can let dust enter your home easily. You should also avoid extra aggressive sweeping, because this can...

How To: Contain your sheep with hurdles

This video tutorial is in the Home & Garden category which will show you how to contain your sheep with hurdles. For this project you will need thin and long wooden staffs. This can also be done with bamboo. Split the wooden staffs in half. Take a heavy piece of timber and make holes in it at regular intervals. Place the timber at the boundary of the area where you want to contain your sheep. Then drive one unsplit wooden staff through each hole in the timber so that the end of the staff gets...

How To: Fix a slack recoil starter on your chainsaw

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to fix a slack recoil starter on a chainsaw. Begin by removing the bolts off of the side casing. If you leave the cord hanging out, it will make the saw much more difficult to start and can be caught onto things. To put more tension on the spring, wind the cord around the nylon spool and retract the cord. Make sure not to put too much tension in the spring or else the spring will break. This video will benefit hose viewers who have and use a chainsaw,...

How To: Root prune container plants

In this tutorial, we learn how to root prune container plants with Lee Reich. First, remove the plant from the pot then take a knife and slice the root ball back. Don't worry about hurting the plant while you're doing this. Trim the roots around the plant until they have become small enough to fit into the pot again. You can also use pruning sheers to cut back loose roots that are too long. Now, place the plant back into the plant and fill it up with brand new soil around the edges. Keep wate...

How To: Make your own Hello Kitty princess mirror

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a Hello Kitty princess mirror. The materials required for this project are: epoxy glue, tweezers, pendants, gems and a plain mirror. If the mirror has a logo, you can remove it by rubbing over it with some nail polish remover. Begin by mixing the epoxy. Then stick the Hello Kitty pendant and a pearl heart on the top cover of the mirror. Use a stick to apply the glue and tweezers to place the heart on the mirror cover. This video will benefit t...

How To: Make a floral arrangement

In this video, we learn how to make a floral arrangement. Start off with the biggest flower you are going to use, and build around that. If you have a white flower, pick a bright colored one to go next to it. Remember to use different flowers and colors to mix and match and make beautiful bouquets. You will also want to remove the bottoms of the stems and tuck smaller flowers in between the bigger ones. Creating color contrasts can help make an eye-popping floral arrangement. You can start bu...

How To: Make a fall wreath

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a fall wreath for a door. First, find a basic wreath that has no decorations on it. Next, add leaves onto the wreath, around the entire circle, but don't fill it in the entire way. Now, add on fall leaves to the wreath with a hot glue gun or with pins if that is easier for you. If you need to cut the flowers, cut them from the base not from the stem, or you will have to purchase new flowers. After this, the final step is to add some fall flowers that mat...

How To: Make a Japanese screen

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a Japanese screen. First, cut your wood out and sand it down. Then, use a corner clamp to drill a hole in and screw the different sides together. Also use wood glue to help stick the pieces of wood together. Once your frame is assembled, sand the corners of it. Next, you will stain the wood with black Japan wood stain. You will only have to put one or two coats of this on, because the color is so dark. Now score notches onto the wood to allow your screen...

How To: Use a woodland toilet or tree bog

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use a woodland toilet or tree bog. To use a woodland toilet, it is the same as using a regular toilet except it does not involve flushing. The waste goes into the hole in the base. The woodland toilets are located in clear and open areas for easy access. Every hour, users will need to pour down sawdust to help decompose the waste and prevent the smell. Do not pour too much sawdust down the toilet at once. This video will benefit hose viewers who ar...

How To: Divide and transplant an agave

In this tutorial, Jeff Moore shows us how to divide and transplant an agave. First, lay the pot over and hit the side a couple times. Now, the roots and soil will fall out. Now, break the roots and take the pups (baby plants) up. If you don't remove these, they won't grow into larger plants. It may be difficult to pull them out, just wrestle with it a bit so you can pull it out. Now, replant these into a new pot with cactus soil onto the bottom and a drainage hole in the pot. Make sure to wat...

How To: Change the oil on a riding lawn mower

It is very important to change the oil on your lawn mower just as important as changing the oil in your car. The oil liberates, cools and cleans the engine. It is best to check your manufacturers information to know how often to change the oil. To change the oil you will need the following: a wrench, gloves, a drop cloth, a socket wrench, oil container, a brush, a new oil filter, an oil filter wrench and fresh oil.

How To: Conserve at home to help the enviroment

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to conserve at home. One way to conserve at home is to have a recycling bin. Before throwing away a recyclable item, rinse it off first to avoid unpleasant odors. Change all the incandescent light bulbs in your home to fluorescent light bulbs to conserve the electricity. Fluorescent light bulbs consume 4 times less energy and lasts 8 times longer. Use home appliances that have the "Energy Star" label on them. Wash your clothing with cold water. Eat or...

How To: Finish a newly installed paver patio

If you've recently had someone or finished installing a paver pation in your front or backyard, the job may not be over. To make sure you get the job done right, you're going to have to add something that will make sure the paver will stand for a long time and will look good as well.

How To: Build a habitat garden in the woods

If you call the woods your backyard, then this next tutorial is for you. If you want to make something that all animals and insects can benefit from, then build a habitat garden. Not only can it offer food and nourishment, but it can also be a place that can be called home for many animals.

How To: Properly prune and trim your garden

Something that every gardener needs to know is how to prune and trim your plants properly.Being able to perform both of these functions is important for keeping your garden beautiful and making sure that they will last for a long time. When pruning or trimming plants, it's important to always use the right tools for the job.