Hot Home & Garden How-Tos — Page 36 of 158 « Home & Garden

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: Prune floribunda roses

In order to prune your floribunda roses, in the spring, you will need the following: pruning shears/clippers.

How To: Sharpen your lathe tools using some helpful tips

If you're looking for some more tips on how to sharpen your lathe chisels, you have come to the right place. In this video tutorial, you'll find out some other helpful tips for making sure your tools are nice and sharp for when you need to carve pieces of wood for any kind of woodworking project. It's easy to follow and will make life easier on you. Enjoy!

How To: Build a homemade lathe tool sharpener

When molding or carving pieces of wood using a lathe, it's important that you have the right tools for the job. This includes having your tools nice and sharp for when you need them. You can actually pay someone to do this, but how about you save some money?

How To: Cut beads and coves using your wood lathe

It's time to get down and dirty in this next tutorial. If you own a lathe, you may already know that there is a great selection of different styles that can be carved using the right carving tools.

How To: Make a slimline pen using a lathe

If you're looking for a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a slimline pen from scratch, you've come to the right place!

How To: Make a beanbag pillow chair from old t-shirts and foam

Can't quite figure out to do with your old clothes? Upcycle your old tees into a cozy beanbag pillow chair with this crafter's guide from the folks at MAKE. For more information on turning your own t-shirts into pillow cases, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this DIY guide.

How To: Sharpen your lathe tools easily

When using a lathe, it's important to make sure that your tools are sharp enough to that you can get the best quality cut or groove for your project. A dull blade can result in a poor looking product and can hurt the way it looks.

How To: Use wood and acrylic blanks for pen making

If you're thinking about what kind of project you can tackle with a lathe, ever thought about making a pen. You can make a great looking pen using many different kinds of wood. It all depends on what you want it to look like.

How To: Use basic wood pen lathe tools

The great thing about woodworking is the ability to do whatever you want to something using various styles and tools. Whether you're making a bird house or a table, there are plenty of ways that this can be done.

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: Keep Your Tool Box Organized with Foam Floor Mats

In this episode of Mechanical Mashups, Dave will show you how to keep your tools organized by cutting tool shaped spaces out of foam floor mats. Never let a wrench or hammer slip out of place again with this genius way of organizing your garage.

How To: Fix a dishwasher if detergent is left over

If you're finding soggy detergent in your dishwasher after it's done with its cycle, it may not be the machine. In fact, it's probably your fault. It's important to know how to correctly load a machine otherwise things like this might happen.

How To: Make sure your dishwasher is drying your dishes

Using rinse aid with your dishwasher can be a big help with making sure your dishes come out streak free and dry. If you're dishwasher is not properly drying your dishes correctly, you might have a small problem that can be fixed pretty quickly.

How To: Fix a dishwasher that won't clean your dishes

The whole point of a dishwasher is to make sure your dishes come out shiny and clean. Well if it's not doing it's job, you have a little problem on your hands. It's nothing too big to worry about and can be fixed following some easy to follow tips.

How To: Fix a dishwasher that won't fill

If you're finding out that your dishwasher is not filling correctly, there may be a slight problem. Before you look up or call a professional, try out these helpful troubleshooting tips. They may help you save money and it could be an easy fix. Enjoy!

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: Fight back against hard water in your dishwasher

If you have hard water in your area, it can be rough on your dishwasher and sometimes your dishes. If you don't clean your machine on a regular basis, it loses the effectiveness of the machine.

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: Identify when to clean a dishwasher's filter

Like any appliance in your home, there are certain things that need to be changed, replace, or cleaned in order to make sure it will last for a long time. Filters are a common part of appliances, especially dishwashers.

How To: Change the setting on a dishwasher that runs long

With most of the new dishwashers today, they tend to run longer in order to give you the best quality wash. There are many special cycles that are built in that tend to extend the run time of the machine.

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: Install a dryer in your home

If you plan on buying a new or used dryer or are already in possession of one, then it's time to install it. But if you don't know how to do so, then this tutorial will be a guide to help you out.

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!

How To: Fix a dryer that takes too long to dry

If it takes much longer for your dryer to get the job done, there may be a small problem that needs to be fixed. There are several different areas that need to be checked in order to see if anything is preventing your dryer from actually doint its job.