Hot Home & Garden How-Tos

How To: Wash exterior windows

In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to wash exterior windows. Get your window bucket with Dawn dish soap and water. Use your house brooms to remove cobwebs and dust from the windows. You will also need the utility belt with window applicator and squeegee. Couple of cloth pieces, plastic scrapper, steel wool and razor blades will also be needed for removing paint and other hard, sticky stuff. Dust off with the broom. Apply the solution with the applicator. Wipe off near the...

How To: Use hollow wall anchors

If you need to fix your plasterboard or drywall, you will probably need to use hollow wall anchors. In this tutorial, learn how to identify, buy and use hollow wall anchors with the Ultimate Handyman. Once you master this skill, you will be able to repair almost any wall easily. Hollow wall anchors are also very useful for hanging anything heavy on an otherwise weak wall. They attach to the back of the plasterboard with little legs so they are more secure than normal nails or screws.

How To: Tape corner to drywall and top coat

In order to mud and tape the corners with new drywall you, you will need spackle, a sturdy ladder, and a putty knife. Scoop out a dollop of spackle (i.e. mud) with your putty knife. Place your putty knife where the ceiling and the wall meat. Spread the putty evenly, as you extend your arm left to right or right to left. Make sure that you apply putty all the way up to the corner.

How To: Plant a hardy mum

Spring Hill Nurseries shows viewers how to plant Chrysanthemums, or hardy mums, in this video. The mums should be planted in early spring. First, choose a place to plant. You should choose an area that has a lot of direct sunlight. You should also plant in an area that has good soil for growing plants. If this is impossible, mix some compost with the soil in the spot you wish to plant in. If you are planting more than one mum, make sure you have enough room to space them two feet apart.

How To: Replace a shower drain cover

To replace your old rusty drain cover. First, some masking tape over drain cover, to prevent screws from falling into drain. Sweep debris away, as so not to clog up the hole. Remove old shower drain cover to measure, take it to the store, to get the exact size. It's best to take along the screw too, just in case there isn't a screw thats of the same length. Chip away debris from old drain cover, as to make new drain cover fit in easily. If you follow this video, you'll able to replace your ol...

How To: Make a calla lily hand tied bridal bouquet

This tutorial by the Floral Design Institute demonstrates how to create a hand-tied Calla bridal bouquet. The key to creating this bouquet is to make sure your flowers are properly prepared. The flowers should be fully hydrated (in water for at least two hours). Take each flower and mold each stem to to reflect the natural curve of the flower. Lay them side by side so they are lined up in a parallel fashion. Give even pressure on the stem to prevent bends or kinks. Some stems may be straight ...

How To: Prepare & lay pavers in a multi-level adjoining area

The Gardening Guru demonstrates how to prepare and lay pavers in a multi-level adjoining area. First, get a garden stake use it to measure the evenness of the terrain and to set the height. Put the leveling tool on top of the pavers to even out the dirt. Then, lift out the rails. Once the rails are removed, you can then set the pavers directly on the dirt. If you prepare your area correctly, you will save a lot of time when you execute the actual project. This technique is useful when dealing...

How To: Plaster a wall in your home with Ron the Builder

Ron the Builder demonstrates how to plaster a wall. Mix the sealant with water to achieve the right proportions and spread evenly over the wall with a paint roller. Once the sealant is dry, you may begin plastering. Combine half a bag of plaster with the appropriate amount of water in a large bucket with an industrial mixer. Mix until the plaster is smooth. Pour the plaster onto a flat board. Using a trowel, scrape some plaster onto your hawk. Then, using a flick of the wrist, quickly scoop s...

How To: Drain down central heating in your home

First of all the tutor advises that this is a good idea to do it regularly. It is advisable to drain it out otherwise it shall stop the boiler from working. Before starting your work you have to switch off your boiler. Now allow the water to cool down because it is very hot. First find out the radiator and the drain valve attached to it. Now take a hose pipe which is long enough to drain the water from the radiator to your backyard. Slide the pipe over the inlet and then secure it the link. S...

How To: Step down or end your patio wall

In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to step down or end your patio wall. This video is from www.allanblock.com. Get the installation details and the location of the nearest dealer from the website. The instructions are on How-to sheet #160. The easiest way to create step down is to create corner blocks. Simply place corner blocks at the end of each course overlapping the block as the wall steps down. Finish the wall with wall caps. Once the wall caps are in place, you can ...

How To: Install an inside corner paper ceiling patch

Video Joe Knows demonstrates how to install an inside corner ceiling patch when installing drywall. First, give the paper tape a definitive crease. Then, wipe quick set on the ceiling and the wall. Make sure you get enough material behind the paper tape. Have more quick set on than you need because you can wipe off the excess. Build it up on the edges using a three or four inch knife. Next, apply the tape by pushing it into the corners of the desired area. Finally, wipe off the excess quick s...

How To: Sterilize a Toothbrush to Remove Germs

Did you know germs can travel pretty far? If you store your toothbrush in the bathroom like almost everyone does, you may need to give it a good wash now and again. In this tutorial, learn how to remove germs from your toothbrush, and stay healthier. This video will show you how to use common, natural household items to clean your brush instead of harmful chemicals.

How To: Use a Window Insulation Kit

Winterizing your windows is a good idea. It helps you save energy and is cost effective. It can be pricey to hire a professional, but in this tutorial, you will learn how to insulate your windows yourself with a window insulation kit. Window insulation kits are easy and cheap alternatives to replacing your windows for the wintertime. So, in the colder months this year, try this method and stay a little bit warmer. You will be happy when you see your lower heating bills! Window Insulation Kit ...

How To: Grow tomatoes indoors

Contrary to what you may have heard, small tomato plants can be easily grown indoors given the right conditions. This free video home gardener's guide will see that you know everything you need to know to start growing your very own small tomatoes in your home or apartment.

How To: Preserve home-grown herbs

Growing your own herbs is easy. So easy, in fact, that you may soon find that you have more than you know what to do with. In this home gardener's guide, Melinda Myers discusses how to store herbs that you've harvested from your home garden.

How To: Unclog a sink drain easily

Need to degunk a clogged bathroom sink? The process, while just as gross as you might expect (and perhaps even just a little bit grosser), is nevertheless very straightforward. For a complete, step-by-step overview of how to easily unclog your own sink drain, watch this free home plumbing guide.

How To: Grow four easy vegetables in your garden

Fresh veggies are the tastiest way to eat right. They are delicious, as fresh as can be, nutritious and best of all.. free! In addition to all of that, you get the satisfaction of growing your dinner all by yourself. In this tutorial, learn how to plant four vegetables that are so easy anyone can grow them. Even the most inexperienced gardener will be able to make these four veggies grow.

How To: Fix bare spots in your backyard

Want to get rid of unsightly bare spots in your front or backyard lawn? In this video tutorial, home improvement expert Danny Lipford shows you three different solutions for fixing small dead spots of grass in your yard. For more information, and to get started reviving your own lawn, watch this helpful landscaper's guide.

How To: Safely operate a portable generator

A portable generator is of no utility whatsoever if you don't know how to use it safely. This video tutorial will teach you the fundamentals of safely operating a standy generator. Be sure, however, that you also read the manual specific to your model. Learn how to safely generate back-up power with this free video guide.

How To: Snap a diagonal chalk line

If you need to snap a diagonal chalk line on a sheet of plywood, you could hope that the hook will hold when you pull on it or try to find a third hand – or you can follow this video guide, which demonstrates a method for snapping chalk lines using a utility knife. For a complete overview of the technique, watch this free DIY tutorial.

How To: Inflate a tubeless tire

If one of the tubeless tires on your hand truck or wheelbarrow has gone flat, sure, you could take it to a gas station and pay someone to fix it — or you could repair it yourself. For complete instructions on how to patch and inflate a flat tubeless tire, watch this free DIY guide.

How To: Re-paint old furniture

If your furniture has seen better days but is nevertheless structurally sound, restoring it might be as simple as applying a fresh layer of paint or wood stain. This free video tutorial demonstrates a method for refinishing furniture with a power sander. For more information, and to get started rejuvenating your own antique furniture, watch this video tutorial.

How To: Soundproof a bedroom wall

In this video, professional remodeler Matt Risinger shows you how to soundproof a wall. In this particular lesson, Matt soundproofs a wall between a noisy living room and a quiet bedroom. Follow along and get some helpful hints on installing a similar wall in your own home.

How To: Build your own custom workbench

Enhance your garage with a custom-built workbench. If you can use a wooden workbench, you can build one. And this carpenter's guide, which presents a complete breakdown of the build process, will show you precisely how to do it. For more information, and to get started building your own custom worktable for your garage woodshop, watch this free video guide.

How To: Build a garage workbench

Want a work table for your garage workshop? If you can use a wooden workbench, you can build one. And this carpenter's guide, which presents a complete breakdown of the build process, will show you precisely how to do it. For more information, and to get started building your own custom worktable for your garage woodshop, watch this free video guide.

How To: Build a workbench on a tight budget

A good first project for anyone interested in doing woodworking projects on a regular or semi-regular basis is, naturally, a wooden workbench. This carpenter's guide will help you to build a solid work table without breaking the bank in the process. For more information, including a step-by-step breakdown of the assembly process, watch this free video tutorial.

How To: Start your own seeds

While ready-to-go seedlings have their place, it's also useful (and considerably cheaper) to know how to start your own seeds, which is where this free gardening tutorial comes in: with it, you'll learn how to germinate your own seeds for planting in your garden. Specifically, this tutorial looks at how to start tomato seeds.

How To: Use a power washer to clean your deck

Interested in renting a power washer to clean gunk from your deck or even have one on hand but want be sure you don't inadvertently damage your home? If so, this DIYer's guide is for you: with it, you'll learn how to use a power washer safely and effectively when cleaning a deck.

How To: Build a fireplace mantel

Have an interest in building a protruded mantelpiece for your fireplace? It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this free woodworker's guide can present a complete overview of the process in fewer than 10 minutes. For more information, including a step-by-step look at the mantel (or mantle) building process, watch this DIY guide.

How To: Grow different types of garlic

You may know your onions but do you know your garlic? If not, you'll be well served by this gardener's guide, which presents an overview of the different varieties available for planting (including soft-neck, hard-neck and so-called elephant varieties) and provides tips on actually planting the stuff in your own garden.

How To: Plant garlic in containers instead of the ground

Whether you lack the space in your home garden or simply want to exercise greater control over your plant's interactions with the surrounding environment, container gardening is a great way to go. And it's also easy to do. With this home gardening how-to from Growing Wisdom, you'll learn how to plant and grow garlic in your own container box.

How To: Create a hydrangea wreath for your home

With springtime here, there's no better time to make a beautiful hydrangea wreath for your home. Learn from a professional florist how to put together a wreath made of this lovely flower and a foam base. Impress visitors with this living decoration. You will really feel the burst of springtime with this wreath. Enjoy it!

How To: Quickly fix a skipping DVD with toothpaste

How annoying is a skipping DVD? Picture it: you're in the middle of your favorite flick, and suddenly the characters freeze and seemingly melt away right before your eyes. Sure, you can skip ahead and start watching again at another point in the film, but that's no fun. And it always seems like the disc skips at the best part, doesn't it? Well, this tutorial will show you how to do a quick fix with a tube of toothpaste. It's not just for your pearly whites anymore!