Hot Home & Garden How-Tos

How To: Pack lamp shades for storage or moving

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to pack lampshades. Most lampshades are packed into 4 cu ft cartons. Begin by placing crushed paper into the bottom of the box. Then place clean sheets of packing paper over each side of the box, making sure that the flaps and inside wall of the box is covered. Now carefully place the lampshade top-down into the box. Then spread clean packing paper over the shade. Now gently place the smaller shade into the larger shade and pack in the remaining packi...

How To: Take an accurate soil sample and test for fertility

In order to accurately test a soil sample for fertility, the first thing that you will have to do is find soil that is representative of the entire area. Also, don't test the soil near a fence. The sample shouldn't be deeper than 6". Scoop up some soil samples. You can use a trowel. Take samples from several areas. Set it aside for a few days, in order to let it dry.

How To: Build your own backyard patio

In this tutorial, we learn how to build a backyard patio. First, determine the location keeping in mind other buildings and landscape features. There should be a retaining wall around the patio so measure out all the different dimensions. Position a cap block at the highest center location. Then, use a level to transfer the patio height over the proposed location. You will then have to figure out how many blocks you need. When you calculate your digging depth, take into account your foundatio...

How To: Make a simple combost bin

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a simple compost bin. This task is very easy, simple and fast to do. Users will need some galvanized wire that is about 5 ft high and 4 ft long. Begin by fastening the wire together in a cylinder shape. Then place a pile of leaved into the wire bin and allow them to compost. Make sure to only place in organic matter into the compost bin. This video will benefit those viewers who are interested in gardening and helping the environment, and woul...

How To: Start a STIHL trimmer or brush cutter

In this tutorial, we learn the proper way to start a STIHL trimmer. Before you begin, make sure you are wearing the proper protection gear. Next, check the fuel level, throttle trigger, stop switch, cutting tool, and harness. Everything should be tightened and in good starting condition. Make sure you are away from any obstructions before you turn on the cutter. Pull the starter grip and guide it to rewind it properly. Pull the rope several times, then move the choke to the starter position. ...

How To: Make ebony plugs when woodworking

This DIY guide focuses on pillowing ebony pegs, an adornment commonly found in Greene & Greene style furniture. Though it might seem like a daunting task, it's actually fairly straightforward. So straightforward, in fact, that this guide can presenta complete overview of the process in just over six and a half minutes' time. For complete instructions, and to get started making your own ebony plugs, take a look.

How To: Correctly fill a rinse aid dispenser

If you've never used a dishwasher before, you're about to fall in love with a machine that makes washing dishes easy. One of the main features of owning a dishwasher is it's ability to rinse the dishes to make them nice, shiny, and clean. A rinse aid dispenser is used to store a cleaning product that can prevent streaks or marks from appearing on your dishware.

How To: Load a dishwasher properly

If you've never used or loaded a dishwasher before, it can seem like a pretty confusing task. In fact, it's actually quite simple and doesn't take that long to do so. All you need is the right set of instructions and know how and it should be a breeze.

How To: Clean a furnace filter

One of the biggest and most important appliances in a home is the furnace. It's the one source of heat that can't be unkept. Changing the filters, or cleaning the filters, on a regular basis is key to making sure your furnace is pumping out the heat properly. Keep your furnace working as efficiently as possible by following these simple steps.

How To: Wash bras and panties

The most used and most washed articles of clothing are undergarments. Underwear, specifically bras and panties, are in desperate need of attention after each and every use. They're not like a pair of jeans, wearing them twice in a row is not a good idea, nor clean. Shabby’s not chic when it comes to lingerie. Use a little extra care to keep your lace and silk bras and panties looking good.

How To: Polish gold

Are your gold necklaces looking dull? Are your gold earrings looking slightly faded? Restore your beautiful gold items with a little trick, with no special cleaner to buy! If you want your gold to glitter, polish it with toothpaste, rinse it off, then use a dry rag to buff it to a shine! Ta-ta tarnish!

How To: Grow ivy plants

Every one knows what ivy is, but most think of it as the poisonous ivy that gives a horrible itchy rash, but poison ivy isn't the only kind out there. There's beautiful ivy that can make your home more elegant than ever. Growing the prolific ivy plant will convince you that you have a green thumb while adding fresh beauty around your house, indoors and outdoors.

How To: Properly use your dryer

Like most appliances in your home, if used properly, they can bring great results that will make things taste, look, or feel much better than before. A dryer is one of those appliances that if used correctly can result in bright clothes that are nice and warm.

How To: Fix a dryer that won't heat

The most obvious reason for the use of a dryer is to obviously take wet clothes or garments and dry them in a certain amount of time. But, what if your dryer isn't drying? This can be an early sign of a problem that needs to be addressed right away.

How To: Fix a noisy dryer in your home

If you're hearing noises coming from your dryer, it may be more than a couple of buttons banging around the machine. Small objects such as nails, pins, and other things can quite a bit of noise when in a dryer and can actually do damage to the machine. So in this tutorial, you'll find out what you need to do in order to fix a noisy dryer in your home. Enjoy!