Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Make seashell-covered terra cotta pots for summer
Shell-covered pots are such beautiful decorations for the summer, bringing the beach into (or directly outside of) your home even if you live inland. They add a gorgeously breezy oceanic touch to your plants.
How To: Use a reciprocating saw when clearing out small trees
In this next tutorial, you'll be get some advice about reciprocating saws and chainsaws, and which is better to use in certain situations. Each saw has their own advantages when clearing out certain trees or debris on your land, but using the wrong can can damage the plants and yourself. There are many advantages for both, but in no way is a reciprocating saw a replacement to the chainsaw. So sit back and enjoy!
How To: Maintain the guide bar on a chainsaw
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to maintain the guide bar of a chainsaw. Begin by removing the guide bar from the chainsaw. Unscrew the two nuts on the side of the saw and then remove the chain. Now rest the guide bar at an angle and scrape off the metal bur, using a flat file. Simply run the file down the guide bar until it is clear of any bur. Then use a tool to scrape any debris that is inside the groove of the guide bar. This video will benefit those viewers who are in the const...
How To: Unclog a toilet in 11 seconds like a pro plumber
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to unclog a toilet in 11 seconds. Users will need a plunger. It is recommended to use a pleaded plunger, instead of the regular plunger. When clogging a toilet, the rubber of the plunger is filled up with water, pushed down and squeezes out the pressurized water. The force from the pressured water will remove the clogging of the toilet. Slowly place the plunger into the water and let it be filled with water. Align it with the toilet hole and then push...
How To: Sweat pipes for an air-tight connection
In this video tutorial, viewers will learn how to sweat pipes. The materials required for sauntering the sweat pipes are: M-APP gas, gauge, solder, solder paste, pipe cutter, brillow and copper pipes. Begin by cutting the copper pipe to a desired size. Then brush some plumber flux onto the copper pipe and hold it in place with a clamp. Now use the M-APP gas to move the flame around the pipe to allow it to suck in the solder. This video will benefit those viewers who are interested in plumbing...
How To: Build a swing arbor for your yard
In order to build a backyard swing arbor, you will need the following: 2x4s, 1x6s, a bench swing, 4x8' sheet, a drill, carriage bolts, galvanized nails, and screws.
How To: Recycle your cardboard & make functional furniture
In order to make furniture out of old cardboard boxes, you will need cardboard boxes, rods, nuts, and washers.
How To: Fix a faucet leaking from around the handle
This video is a do it yourself project which will show viewers how to fix a leaking kitchen faucet which is leaking water from around the base of the handle. This problem is most likely caused by a broken cartridge, a Moen 1225B cartridge is used to replaced it. The first step which should be taken is to shut off the flow of water from the sink using the shutoff valves under the sink. Then, remove the handle and its adapter depending on the style of the handle which is leaking and remove the ...
How To: Make a worm composting bin
In order to make a make worm compost, you will need the following: plastic containers, shredded newspaper, water, food scraps, and worms.
How To: Replace a bathroom faucet with Lowe's
In this tutorial, we learn how to replace a bathroom faucet. Tools you will need are: faucet, adjustable wrenches, bucket, towel, safety sponges, pliers, and plumber's putty. First, turn off the water supply and turn off the faucet to remove any excess water. Next, use a wrench to remove the nuts that are holding the faucet in place. Next, apply putty onto the pre-cut sink holes and insert your new sink. On the other side, secure the new faucet and nuts with a wrench. Now you can turn on your...
How To: Repair a small hole in the wall by patching it
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to repair a small hole in the wall. The materials needed for this process are drywall tape, water, patching compound, and a drywall knife. Begin by placing the drywall tape over the hole. Then mix some water with the patching compound and apply it over the hole. Use the drywall knife to spread the compound over the hole. Start from the middle and spread out. Finish by letting the compound dry and sand it using some sand paper. This video will benefit ...
How To: Insulate Electrical Outlets & Switches
Prepare all the materials and tools needed for the process. Prepare a circuit tester, an electrical tape, a flathead screwdriver, a pair of scissors, and an electric sealers kit. Then, make sure that you turn off the power at the main circuit box. Place a piece of electrical tape over the circuit breaker that goes to the circuit that you are going to work on. Unscrew the screws that are holding the plate cover of the outlets to the wall. Test the outlet using the circuit tester to make sure t...
How To: Pinch stem tips on plants
In this tutorial, we learn how to properly pinch the stem of plants. This will help for stems that grow beyond the head and ruin the look of the plant. All you have to do is simply pinch the stems of the leaves that are growing outward and the ones that look unruly. You just need to take your two fingers and pinch the very stem of it, being careful not to damage the plant. For a medium sized plant, this will only take a few short minutes and it will make the plant look much better. It will al...
How To: Make a pine cone bird feeder
There are so many beautiful birds that fly around. This video shows you how to draw those birds to your yard by making a pinecone birdfeeder.
How To: Get rid of pests in your home and yard
In this tutorial, Lisa Quinn tells us how to get rid of pests in the home. First, walk around your home and look around the foundation to see if there are any big crack or crevices on the foundation. To solve this, go to the hardware store and grab some caulk to fill in any cracks. Next, check your windows to make sure they don't have any cracks in them, if they do, fill it in with weather stripping. Now, go into your kitchen and cabinets and make sure your pantry is free of crumbs and your c...
How To: Sterilize a Sponge
In this tutorial, we learn how to sterilize a sponge with Debbie Anderson. Over time, your sponge can collect a lot of different bacteria, so sterilizing it is very important. You will need: baking soda, vinegar, measuring cups, rubber gloves, and a microwave. First, place a stopper inside of your sink and fill it up half way with hot water and add in 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar. Mix this together with your hands (with gloves on them) and then place the sponges inside. Rinse the spo...
How To: Prune conifers
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to prune conifers. When pruning, use the cutters and reach for the healthy part of the plant at the back. Take off the dead material by cutting as close to the base as possible. Pruning will improves the conifers overall appearance and health. If users do not cut off the dead material, the conifer will not grow any more branches. To control the conifer's size, do heading back cuts to decrease the size and increase the fullness. This video will benefit...
How To: Paint your hope easily with tips from Martha Stewart
Painting your home can be a nightmare, involving lots of pre-planning, the perfect paint selection, sectioning unpainted areas with painter's tape, etc.
How To: Unclog Your Toilet the Right Way
Stephanie and Julie teach us how to unclog a toilet the correct way in this video. First, remember to turn the valve off on your water that goes to your toilet. This will help prevent unwanted floods in your bathroom. You will also need a plunger, making sure to take the lip out for better suction. After you stick the plunger into the toilet, plunge rapidly around twelve times. If this doesn't work, try adding more water and plunging again for around twelve times. If it still doesn't work, yo...
How To: Collect seeds in the fall for summer gardening
In this tutorial, we learn how to collect seeds with Barb Pearson. Where your flowers have formed is where your seed will form. It's best to collect seeds when the seed is dry, after the dew has dried off them in the afternoon. The seeds will be ripe when the pods have begun to open. Seed pods that are still green aren't ready to be collected yet. Pods are ready when they come off the vine easily. The best way to store the seeds is in a paper bag with a label on the outside. You can always cl...
How To: Give your boring old couch a sofa makeover
In this clip, learn how to stitch super simple items like bedsheets and use them as covers for your worn out sofa cushions. If your couch is looking dingy and old, follow along and give it a facelift. This quick fix will take less than five minutes per cushion and you will give you entire room a whole new look!
How To: Paint a porch with precision with Martha Stewart
Painting a room is pretty easy stuff: just add a layer or two of primer if your wall color is extremely dark or has crack and bumps, and then load on a few layers of paint.
How To: Repair the agitator on a washing machine
If you're having a problem with the agitator on your washing machine, this video should be able to help. Many people may not realize it, but the agitator on a washing machine, is supposed to go back and forth and not just one way. This can easily be fixed by removing the agitator and replacing a couple of pieces. Check out the tutorial above to see what you need to do in order to repair the agitator on a washing machine. Enjoy!
How To: Easily fix a sticking Karcher pressure washer
Using a pressure washer to clean the outside of your home or driveway, is great and easy to use. But what happens when it becomes stuck and there's hardly any pressure? Well you're about to find out. In this next tutorial, you'll see how to fix a sticking Karcher pressure washer easily. It can take you a couple of hours to complete or a matter of minutes. Good luck and enjoy!
How To: Install a toilet for the Average Joe (or Jane)
When renovating the bathroom, it's always great to get rid of the old and welcome the new. Whether it's tiles, paint, or even the toilet. If you're looking to replace your old toilet with a new one, it can be hard when it comes to installing the new one. So in this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to install a toilet for you Average Joe's, or Jane's. So good luck, pay attention, and be careful. Enjoy!
How To: Install a hidden hitch on a 2005 Toyota Sienna
If you're looking to go out on the road and bring along your boat or trailer, having a hitch is needed. But what if your vehicle doesn't have one or you wish you could have it, but not show? Well this tutorial may be what you need. In this two part video tutorial, you'll be finding out how to install a hidden hitch on a 2005 Toyota Sienna. It may seem easy to do, but it can take a good number of hours to complete. So good luck and enjoy!
How To: Change the oil on a John Deere X320 lawn mower
It's important to know that, like cars, lawn mowers need constant maintenance in order for them to work properly through the years. One of the most shared aspects between cars and lawn mowers is the oil. Knowing how to change the oild is very important and not doing so can lead to a machine that has to work twice as hard and can break easily. So in this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to change the oild on a John Deere X320. It's easy to follow and easy to do. Enjoy!
How To: Repair a broken washing machine agitator
If you have a broken washer machine and the agitator isn't working properly, this tutorial is what you'll need. In the video, you'll see how an agitator works and the parts inside can easily be replaced. It's a project that can take about an hour or two to complete and will save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs. So good luck and enjoy!
How To: Replace your washing machine lid
Over time, the lids to a washing machine can become damaged and almost hard to use. This can be a problem especially when most lids are needed to start and stop the machine. In this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to replace the lid to a washing machine. It's pretty easy to do, will only take you a good hour to complete, and will result in a better looking and working machine. Enjoy!
How To: Repair your washing machine pump, motor, and couplers
Calling someone to come out and repair your washing machine, can cost you quite a bit of money. So avoid having to call someone and do it yourself! With this helpful tutorial, you'll find out how to repair your washing machine's pump, motor, and couplers all in one video. You'll also find out how to remove the body of the machine as well as other parts. So good luck and enjoy!
How To: Make and use compost
Interested in making and using your own compost? Fortunately, as this home gardening guide from the British National Trust demonstrates, it's quite easy to do. So easy, in fact, that this gardener's guide can present a complete overview of the process in just under four minutes' time. For details, and to get started making your own rich, fertile soil from your own garden and food scraps, take a look.
How To: Set up a hydroponic herb garden on your rooftop
Setting up a hydroponic herb garden might sound like a dauntingly big project but, as this clip demonstrates, it's much more manageable than you might expect. It's so straightforward, in fact, that this gardener's guide can present a complete and thorough overview of the process in just over three minutes' time. For more information, and to get started setting up your own rooftop hydroponic flower or vegetable garden, take a look!
How To: Build a tin can Stirling engine
The Stirling engine is a relatively old type of external combustion engine that has never really found a niche despite its unique advantages over conventional internal combustion engines. This video for the DIY-inclined will show you how to make your very own small Stirling engine out out of a tin can and some other basic materials. It may not power your house, but you will be able to amaze and educate your friends with this awesome little device.
How To: Make an outdoor wood stove enclosure with roofing tin
There is really no limit to the recycling that a somewhat handy person can do given only some tools and a good supply of scrap. This video walks you through one recycling project, making a wood-burning stove enclosure for your yard using only old roofing tin. If you have access to a wood-burning stove and some old roofing tin scraps, then this video should be very helpful to you.
How To: Make doing laundry easy
When doing the laundry, it's always important to know exactly what you should and shouldn't do. Knowing how to do things right can not only improve the overall look and feel of your clothes, but extend the life of them as well. So in this tutorial, you'll learn a few tips for making laundry more easier for you and others. Good luck and enjoy!
How To: Paint a wicker chair easily
Paint can do wonders to not only walls in a room, but certain furniture items as well. In this case, wicker chairs. These may be a bit more difficult to prep and paint since there are so many little cracks and openings that you have to get. So check out the tutorial above from Danny Lipford on how to paint a wicker chair easily. Good luck and enjoy!
How To: Apply epoxy sealer to your garage floor
Some people may not realize it, but epoxy can do wonders to a garage floor. Not only does it make it more sturdier, but it makes it much safer for people to work in by offering a slip free finish. This tutorial will show you how to apply an epoxy sealer to your garage floor today. It can be an easy project to complete, but requires time and dedication. So good luck and enjoy!
How To: Easily save water by changing the faucet aerator
If you're looking for a quick and simple way to conserve water in your home, this next tutorial is one of the easiest and simplest ways. Changing the faucet aerator can take just only a few minutes and can save you money on your water bill. This tutorial will show you a quick look into how this works and what it can do for you and your home. So good luck and enjoy!
How To: Make the best compost tea from scratch
The title may be a bit deceiving. This tutorial is going to be showing you how to make compost tea from scratch. No, you can't drink it yourself, but your plants will be sure to love it. This mixture of ingredients is perfect for growing big and beautiful plants and veggies. All you need to do is follow the instructions above and apply it to your garden today. So good luck and enjoy!
How To: Spackle properly when renovating a room
When renovating a room, it's important to know how to spackle. This is important because it takes care of unwanted holes and lines that may bring down the look of a room. It's especially important to know how to spackle when installing new drywall. So in this helpful tutorial, you'll be finding out how to spackle properly when renovating a room. Good luck and enjoy!