Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Wash windows the easy way
Ron Hazelton shows you an easy an effective way to wash windows. In a warm bucket of water you add one tablespoon of dishwashing solution, a scrubber with sleeve is used to apply the solution to the window, and dried with a professional quality squeegee. Each step is shown and explained in full detail to ensure the best possible completed outcome. After watching this video and walking yourself through the steps a few times you can wash a good sized window in about a minute.
How To: Install under cabinet fluorescent lighting
It can be very difficult to see underneath wall cabinets. The cabinets and your body can cause a lot of shadows and make it very hard to see. Getting light under the cabinets is very easy. The answer is to install thin profile fluorescent lights that are made to go under the cabinets. Remove the diffuser and bulb from the lamp and you will expose the screw holes. Put the lamp up under the cabinet in the location that you want them to hang. You want to install them as far forward as possible. ...
How To: Sharpen a jack knife or wood carving knife
This video shows you how to sharpen a jack knife or wood-carving knife using coarse, medium, and fine stones and cooking oil. Use the coarse stone, applying oil to the stone first then pushing the knife down on the stone in each direction, matching the bevel to the stone. Next is the medium stone. Add oil before continuing the sharpening process. Apply cooking oil to the fine stone and finish the sharpening process. Using a leather strop will remove any burrs and polish the knife.
How To: Make a glue bottle holder
Use whole saws or drill bits larger than the necks of the glue bottle and about a ten inch 2x4 piece of wood. Drill holes for the amount of bottles you want to have. You can add feet to your rack if the necks on the bottles are too long for the rack by gluing a couple of small wood blocks underneath on both ends.
How To: Create a plate wall
To build your plate display you will need a plate collection, some plate hangers, and a hammer. A good part of hanging plates on the wall is you can use cracked and chipped plates in your display. To get the plates ready to hang all you have to do is make sure they are clean and measured correctly so that you can get the right hangers for the plates. When purchasing plate hangers go with the smaller size. If the plate is 10 inches buy the 7-10 inch hanger rather than the 10-14 inch hanger. Yo...
How To: Plant a 30 minute vegetable garden
You can have a garden in less than 30 minutes. The key is a product called garden socks. They are two cubic feet long and they have one cubic foot of compost inside of them. One thing that makes this product useful is that they are very light and easy to carry around and they provide a weed free garden. All you have to do is build your raised box and then fill it with these lightweight two-foot socks of compost. Next take the plants that you are going to plant and arrange them in the box in t...
How To: Paint screw heads without making a mess
If you need to paint the screw heads you can do it without making a mess. If you try to hold them in your fingers and paint them you will get paint all over your fingers. Now you don't have to do that. Take a plastic shopping bag and cut the bottom off of it. Take that bottom piece of bag and stretch it over a can like a drum. Tape the bag tightly to the can so that the bag is stretched tight. Take the screws and screw them into the plastic on top of the can so that they are standing up. Now ...
How To: Inspect a fireplace and chimney
To continue getting the enjoyment out of your fireplace you should inspect it regularly. Check the condition of the mortar in the firebox. If it is loose, missing, or crumbling it needs to be professionally repaired. Look for black deposits inside of the chimney or flue using a flashlight; presence of black deposits inside of the chimney or flue indicates the need for a licensed Chimney Sweep to clean the chimney in order to prevent a chimney fire. The chimney should be free of obstructions t...
How To: Install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
Ron Hazelton shows how to install a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). First turn off the power to the electrical outlet at the circuit breaker or fuse box (check to make sure there's no power in the outlet!). Then remove the electric cover plate. Then gently remove the old outlet receptacle. Detach the wires from the old receptacle. Trim and re-strip the wires if necessary. Attach the wires to the GFCI receptacle per the instructions. Gently reassemble the receptacle and plate. Restore...
How To: Cut cement backer board
This video shows you how easy it is to cut and make holes in cement backer board. The first thing you want to have is safety glasses to protect your eyes. To make a punch out hole you have to draw an outline of the hole with a pencil or pen. Use a drill to make several holes inside your outline. A jigsaw will cut out your punch hole. Push the punch hole out. Make a straight cut by marking the front of the board with a pen and a straight edge and use the scoring knife along the straight edge t...
How To: How to plant with the "Three Sisters" method
To prepare for planting take a fork and poke it into the ground and loosen up the ground. Do this throughout the beds so that the ground is completely loosened up. After you finish loosening the soil take a shovel and dig to the bottom of the bed and turn the soil over. If there are leaves in the bed go ahead and turn the leaves over into the soil. It will provide extra compost for the soil. Add some rabbit manure to the soil to provide extra nutrients. Turn the manure into the soil so that i...
How To: Water Phalaenopsis orchids
This video shows the viewer how to correctly water Phalaenopsis orchids. According to the video these are the type of orchids that most people have in their homes. The instructions are to water your orchid with Luke-warm water once every 7-10 days, or as often as is needed. The creator, Dave Epstein, also suggests adding 1/4 strength plant food to the water. He also recommends checking the medium that the orchid is planted in to judge whether watering is necessary. For more information on how...
How To: Organize your messy closet
A disorganized closet can slow down your mornings. Clean out your dirty storage space with the help of this instructional video. Follow along with such tips as tossing out unused clothing, and establishing a systematic wardrobe catalog.
How To: Install wainscotting (wod paneling)
Ron Hazelton brings you this video on wainscoting. Wainscoting is paneling that runs about a third of the way up a wall. Ron shows you how to use a chair to figure exactly where to place the chair rail. When installing around electrical outlets be sure to turn off the electricity. Next cut all the panel sections to length. When you attach them to the wall be sure to attach at top and bottom. Next attach the paneling, you can use a scarf joint to hide the seams. When installing the chair rail,...
How To: Paint interior trim and molding
Before you paint the walls it is important to paint the trim first. A painting pad is a very useful tool for painting along the edge where the ceiling meets the wall. It has guide wheels on it and will roll right along as you paint the trim. Next you will want to paint your woodwork including your baseboards and trim. When you go to roll the wall first take some painters tape and run it along the top of the baseboard to keep the specks that fly off the roller from getting on the baseboards. U...
How To: Install an eco-friendly lawn
Patti Moreno the Garden Girl shows how to grow an environmentally friendly, low maintenance, drought and insect resistant Eco-Lawn, a blend of 7 Fescue grasses for shady, rocky, and sandy soils. Prepare the bare ground by raking debris. Spread the seed, and then water the seed once a day for the first month. The grass sprouts in 7-14 days. Fill in patches with more seed. Remove leaves, but don't disturb soil and seeds. To convert to an Eco-Lawn, mow the old grass very low, and then spread new...
How To: Paint quicker and more evenly with a roller
To save time and get a more uniform result when painting with a roller pour your paint in a five gallon bucket rather than a roller pan. Put a painters screen down into the bucket and hook it over the edges of the bucket. Dip the roller into the bucket and roll the excess off of the roller by rolling it on the screen in the bucket. This allows you to have far less stops refilling the pan and if you keep the bucket near the wall you save time loading the roller with paint. When you are ready t...
How To: Clean and restore a weathered deck
Ron Hazelton shows how to restore a weathered and worn deck. Twisted boards can be straightened using a notched 2x4 as a lever, then secured with 5 inch screws. Remove popped nails, and replace with longer thicker nails. Use a punch to countersink slightly high nails. Clean the deck with wood soap and a long handle brush, using a pressure washer to rinse. Apply sealer to the dried wood and let it cure, then enjoy your reinvigorated deck.
How To: Solder copper pipes
This informational video from YouTube user curlmarx takes us through the step by step process of how to take on the intimidating process of soldering, or "sweating" copper pipes for the do it yourselfer at home. He illustrates the materials and tools you will need to successfully complete this type of plumbing project. Those of you who have never taken on a task like this will much appreciate the effort of this author to illustrate the complete process in a detailed and easy to follow informa...
How To: Make your own tortilla press
This step by step instructional video will show you how you are able to make your own tortilla press at home using simple everyday materials. Shows the best sizes of wood to make the tortilla press and what tools you will need to complete this project. Including tips and tricks to make sure that the tortilla press makes the tortillas well. After watching this quick and easy to follow how to video you can easily make your own tortillas at home.
How To: Build a craft table
In this video Ron Hazelton tells you how to build a craft table. By following each step carefully you will have a sturdy and proper table. Some of the things you will need are laminate, trim, nails, screws and stringers. Using these steps and creativity putting together a craft table is made easy.
How To: Build a raised garden bed & hoop house
In this video you are taught how to build a raised garden bed and hoop house. You first begin with a layer of gravel and then place the layers on top of it. You can use leaves you can find to fertilize the soil. The video also teaches you how to build a hoop house using PVC pipes. This video is for urban gardeners or anyone who wants total control during the planting process of beautiful plants and flowers.
How To: Get rid of the smell of garlic on your hands
When you are using garlic or cooking with it, getting the smell of garlic off your hands can be really tricky. Washing your hands will not to the job by itself. The next time you are using garlic and want to get rid of that smell, wash your hands thoroughly with both soap and water, and then rub them against the stainless steel faucet because the metal with neutralize the odor from your hands and get rid of the smell.
How To: Test electrical receptacles
This how to video shows you how to test electrical receptacles. The video covers 5 simple test rules. The first test is to simply attach an electrical device to the socket. The video also suggests the use of market product testers and even voltage testers. This video is perfect for people who are having electrical problems or are just beginning to learn how to take care and maintain their own home. The video is about a minuet and a half long.
How To: Make indoor garden basket & container arrangements
Take a common indoor hanging basket plant and use it to make a great water plant. You take a stem of tradescantia with the roots attached. Wash off all the soil. Put the stem into a vase with rocks and water in it. Anchor the plant stem down in the rocks. Add some charcoal pebbles to inhibit bacteria growth in the vase. The tradescantia will grow roots in the water. To keep it healthy also add some hydroculture fertilizer to the plant about once a month. Also you may want to change the water ...
How To: Install invisible shelving brackets
Hardware and home improvement expert Ron Hazelton describes his strategies for using invisible shelving brackets. To begin with, he advises that a shelving installation, invisible or not, be installed beginning at the center point, because upon attaching the main support, it will automatically be leveled. Ron suggests that mounting brackets have the same color as the background, so that the brackets depend not only on being hidden for the most part, but that the portions that are present do n...
How To: Make a DIY whiteboard for under $5
This video will teach you how to make a white board at half the cost and a better quality than you can buy and it will last a lot longer. You start with an 8x10 piece of Plexiglass with only surface scratches and spray paint. Try not to touch the side that you're going to paint. Remove only one side of the Plexiglass protecting plastic. Sand any sharp areas and paint in a well-vented area or outside. Paint lightly with the color of your choice and let it dry before adding a second coat. You c...
How To: Make a humidity tray
This video tells you about humidity trays and how they are good for tropical plants like orchids. The tray consists of gravel or small stones and water in the tray. You have to have enough gravel to keep the plant out of the water. This video also discusses ways on how to make sure the humidity tray doesn't scratch your furniture. After watching this video you will have gained some insight into keeping and maintaining tropical plants as well as ferns.
How To: Make a flower arrangement using old CDs
In this video, Steven Marin shows us an interesting method to recycle old CDs to make beautiful flower arrangements along with other recycled materials. In order to make the flowers, you need to take your old CDs and heat them up in a toaster oven. As demonstrated in the video, the CDs are very hot when they are taken out and should be handled with care. They are easily molded into the interesting flower shape by pressing them down over the neck of a bottle or by holding them in a cloth and s...
How To: Set up drip irrigation for a container garden
Patti Moreno, the Garden Girl, shows how to install a drip irrigation system in a container garden for growing herbs and vegetables. Container plants also need more fertilizer. First, at the spigot, connect a manifold/timer with a fertilizer dispenser and a filter to remove particles. Then run a half-inch main tube line to the patio, using clamps to secure the tubing to fencing and elbow joints at any corners. For each container, punch a hole in the main tube and attach a quarter-inch tube wi...
How To: Multiply succulent Kalanchoe cuttings
Succulent Kalanchoe plants are very easy to multiply. The first thing that you need is a healthy mother plant. Take a small leaf section from the base of the plant. Clean the dirt up on the leaf. Set the leaf out to dry in a nice warm area where you don't get direct sunlight because you don't want the leaf to dry out. The area around the stem of the leaf will get calloused over. Once it is calloused over you are ready to plant the leaf. You need some well draining soil such as seed starting m...
How To: Clean a faucet aerator
Ron Hazelton describes how to clean a faucet aerator to get a sputtering faucet flowing freely again. First unscrew the aerator housing, then remove the black rubber gasket and the aerator underneath. Next remove the screen from the housing. Rinse out the screen from both sides to remove debris. Use a needle to clean particles from the aerator holes, then rinse the aerator. Reassemble the housing (screen, then aerator, then gasket). Lastly, screw the housing back onto the faucet for a smooth ...
How To: Plant lingonberry in a container garden
Lingonberries are really popular in Sweden. One fact about Lingonberries that people don't know is that they are high in vitamin C. Lingonberry plants produce berries once in the summer and once in the fall, so you get two harvests from this crop which is a really nice. The Lingonberry bushes grow to be one and a half feet wide and one and a half feet tall. So they don't get too large. Take the plants out of the containers very gently. Place the plant in a pot and add some potting soil to fil...
How To: Create a sunprint cork board & jewelry tray
Grace Bonney from Design-Sponge shows how to create a corkboard and tray from sun print fabric (similar to the craft sun print paper, and available at bluesunprints.com). First iron the sun print fabric, far away from a light source. If printing leaves, first flatten them in a book. Arrange the leaves, then put the fabric in the sun for 10-30 minutes. The longer the time, the darker the print will be. Rinse the fabric in water until the water runs clear, then dry the fabric and re-iron. To ma...
How To: Remove backer board from a shower stall
Mark Donovan is remodeling a ceramic tile shower, and shows how to remove the old backer board. First remove the old screws, starting at the bottom of each board and working your way up (leave a few screws so the board doesn't fall). Sometimes screws may be hiding under old mortar. Score the joint between the top board and the ceiling with a utility knife to prevent ceiling damage. Use a pry bar to gently remove the old backer board, being watchful for pipes. Remove the last screws, then the ...
How To: Hang heavy objects using toggle bolts
Ron Hazelton shows the most secure way to hang heavy mirrors or art on plaster walls using toggle bolts. Attach a sturdy hanging wire to the piece if necessary. Draw a level line on the wall where the top of the piece will go. Stretch the hanging wire taut and measure the distance between the wire and the top of the frame. A two-bolt system will keep the piece level. Drill two holes this distance below the wall line. Using masking tape prevents the plaster from chipping. Fold the toggle wings...
How To: Remove a popcorn ceiling
Many acoustical or popcorn ceilings that were put in, in the 1970's, contained asbestos. If you are unsure about the contents of the ceiling take a piece and put it in a plastic bag and send it to a lab for testing. Once you know that the ceiling is asbestos free and you are ready to take it down, start by turning off the power to the room. Next put down a plastic drop cloth to cover the floor and furniture in the room and protect it from the water that you will be using in this process. Tape...
How To: Remove and replace decking
If your decking boards need to be replaced it is really not that difficult. Start by removing the facia or edge boards that hold the decking boards in place using a crowbar. Remove the decking boards from the joists. Check the joists for dry rot while you have the decking boards off by poking them with a screwdriver. If the wood is soft and the screwdriver sinks right into the joist then you may need to replace that joint because it is dry rotted. When replacing the decking boards it is best ...
How To: Waterproof the inside of a planter box
Back with another great how to tutorial for your home, Ron Hazelton, from Ron Hazelton's House Calls, and ronhazelton.com is here to bring us another great tip to save us time and money on our household projects. In this video Ron shows us a great way to waterproof the inside of your outdoor planters, which will protect them from water, provide a longer life-span, and help your plants to be healthier, in a quick and easy to understand manner.
How To: Sprout a home terrarium
You can use either an open or a closed container for your terrarium. Because there is no drainage hole in the container it's really important to have a false drainage system. So you can add river gravel or rocks to the bottom of the terrarium as a drainage level. Put about one inch of rocks in the bottom of the terrarium. Add a layer of charcoal on top of the rocks and it will help to keep the whole terrarium fresh. The charcoal will help keep mold and bacteria from growing in the terrarium. ...