Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Furnish an apartment with practically no money
You can't be a couch potato without a couch. So stop squatting around and listen to these hints to learn how to furnish your apartment with practically no money.
How To: Fold a flat bed sheet
Whether you're in the army or just a fanatic about knowing the right way to do things, here's a technique that will bring you joy for years to come. You will need:
How To: Remove soap scum
If soap is so good for you, why does it leave behind that icky, gooey scum? Get rid of the gunk! Learn how to remove soap scum from your shower or bathtub.
How To: Organize a closet to save you time
Got an irrational fear of your closet? You're grown-up enough to know there's no boogeyman living in there, so you must be spooked by how disorganized it is. Summon up some courage and let's get to work organizing your closet.
How To: Insulate your windows with plastic
This winter, keep heat in and cold out by sealing your windows with plastic. You will need:
How To: Cut metal with aviation snips
This is an instructional video featuring Doug Prime, founder of the Future Engineers Center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Aviation snips cut small metal like aluminum, but not big pieces like nails. Nails and large pieces of metal should be cut with bolt cutters. Use eye protection during all cutting of metal. This video shows the cutting of pipe straps.
How To: Cut metal rods with bolt cutters
This is an instructional video featuring Doug Prime, founder of the Future Engineers Center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Aviation snips are good for cutting small metal, but nail and steel rods require bolt cutters. Use safety glasses and clear the room as pieces could fly. Stand up as bolt cutters require strength and pressure.
How To: Install post and dowel fencing
My how-to on Post and Dowel Fencing. My buddy Sven and I, with the help of landowner Rex, installing a massive post & dowel Fence. You need a level, post hill driller, rock bar, and stakes. There are terminator, corner and line posts that have holes specifically for its position in the fence. It's like Lincoln logs that snap together. Lengths of the post vary, but you want 1/3 of the post underground. This is great for lining your property or farm.
How To: Decorate your cubicle at work
Go ahead and celebrate your individuality—just don't announce to the office that you're a lazy nut-job. You will need: awareness, self restraint, plants, clock, a bowl of candy and personal momentos. Keep politics and religion out of the decor. Keep collectables at home. Interesting not: Plants indicate you are dedicated to your job.
How To: Open cans as a one arm amputee with prosthetics
How to use a can opener with one hand or without a prosthesis. This is an adaptive equipment tutorial for handicapped, disabled or individuals that have lost limbs to amputation. This trick is important to ensure healthy living and daily tasks like opening food in the kitchen. Live without limits!
How To: Open a jar with a prosthetic arm
A below elbow arm amputee demonstrates how to open a jar with his prosthetic hook. This is an adaptive equipment tutorial for handicapped, disabled or individuals that have lost limbs to amputation. The prosthetic arm outfitted with a hook or hand can be body powered or myoelectric. The operation is important to ensure healthy living and daily tasks like opening jars, bottles and lids in the kitchen.
How To: Hold a knife with a prosthetic hook for amputees
A below elbow arm amputee demonstrates how to hold and use a knife with his prosthetic hook. This is an adaptive living video that helps handicapped, disabled or individuals that have lost a limb due to amputation. Using a prosthetic hand or hook can be challenging in the kitchen. Using a hook to hold and use a knife is an important skill to learn when using prosthetic limb adaptive equipment.
How To: Clean a shower curtain
Showering with a nasty, mildewed curtain is like doing your laundry in the toilet. You might be cleaner than when you started—but you really shouldn't be. Watch this video to learn how to clean your shower curtain.
How To: Load the dishwasher properly
A dishwasher makes clean up much easier, especially if you load it properly. Putting each item in correctly will help the water and suds do the dirty work for you. Make sure to scrape off all food before loading your dirty dishes. These housekeeping tips will help you properly load your dishwasher.
How To: Support seats and hanging swings with knot tying
Learn how to tie the the knots necessary for hanging a child's swing. This animated knot tying tutorial is the best you'll find. With this knot tying how to, you can learn how to securely tie a swing fast or slow, or pause it at every step along the way. Support seats and hanging swings with knot tying.
How To: Choose a compact fluorescent light bulb to save money
Compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs, use about 75% less energy, give off 90% less heat, and last up to ten times longer than old-fashioned incandescents. Changing over is as easy as… well, screwing in a light bulb. This eco-friendly tip will save you some money & save electricity.
How To: Plant leek plants from plugs to grow more tender leeks
Monty Don demonstrates how to plant out leek plants from plugs to grow smaller, more tender leeks. This gardening how to video lends expert advice on growing your own small & tender leeks. Plant leek plants from plugs to grow more tender leeks.
How To: Pinch out and pot on sweet peas
Learn how to pinch out and pot on sweet peas with Sarah Raven's step-by-step video guide. This how to video demonstrates how to pinch out sweet peas to get really big stalky, chunky plants. Pinch out the tips of the sweet pea plants. These instructions lend expert advice on the pinch out/pot on process for sweet peas. Pinch out and pot on sweet peas.
How To: Prick out seedlings
Learn how to prick out seedlings with Monty Don's comprehensive video advice. Sow your seeds in a general, all purpose peet compost. Now you want to prick out the seedlings! Follow along with these expert instructions on how to sow your young seedlings. Prick out seedlings.
How To: Fully understand and use organic fertilizers properly
Organic fertilizer is based of natural occurring compounds instead of chemical based compounds. With healthy, natural soil, learn how your plants and the environment can thrive in this free gardening video series about how to use organic fertilizers on plants. The following clips illustrate:
How To: Restore a brass lamp font with Simichrome Polish
Watch this video tutorial from the Polish Guy to see how to polish and restore a brass lamp font with Simichrome Polish. In this demonstration tutorial we use Simichrome to polish a piece of brass. The tutorial includes a detailed work instructions and best practices.
How To: Polish silverware using Cape Cod polishing cloths
Watch this video tutorial from the Polish Guy to see how to polish silverware using Cape Cod polishing cloths. In this polishing tip we polish silverware using Cap Cod Metal Polishing Cloths. The cloths are individually packaged in an attractive tin that includes a pair of reusable gloves and a buffing cloth.
How To: Polish a stainless steel roller using Autosol
Watch this video tutorial from the Polish Guy to see how to polish a stainless steel roller using Autosol. In this polishing tip we polish a stainless steel roller using Autosol Metal Polish. The tutorial includes detailed work instructions and best practices.
How To: Polish an Andersen door handle using Simichrome
Watch this video tutorial from the Polish Guy to see how to polish an Andersen Door Handle using Simichrome. In this demonstration we use Simichrome to polish an Andersen Perma-Shield Frenchwood hinged patio door’s brass entrance handle. The tutorial includes a detailed work instructions and best practices.
How To: Propagate delphiniums, campanulas and lupins
Watch Carol Klein as she guides you through the process of propagating delphiniums, campanulas and lupins; from taking basal cuttings and potting them on, to how to stake them. To propagate: get as close as you can right at the base of the plant. You want nice, gritty compost. Plunge your propagation cutting in there as deep as you can get it. Propagate delphiniums, campanulas and lupins.
How To: Polish a chrome faucet fixture
Watch this video tutorial from the Polish Guy to see how to polish a chrome faucet fixture. In this demonstration we use a Faucet & Fixture Care Kit that includes Simichrome and Flitz Faucet & Fixture Wax to polish a chrome bath tub faucet spout.
How To: Take dahlia cuttings and create a propagation tent
Here is a fun how to project on dahlia cuttings and propagation. Sarah Raven shows how to take cuttings from dahlia plants in her step-by-step video guide. She also gives a demonstration on how to make a simple propagation tent from a plastic bag, stakes and an elastic band. You want to take cuttings from dahlia plants in the spring. Take dahlia cuttings and create a propagation tent.
How To: Train a nectarine tree against a fence
Watch Monty Don, as he plants and trains a nectarine tree up against a fence, using wires and tensioners. With tips on mixing compost and protecting trees from frost damage. Nectarines aren't too difficult to grow. All you need is sunshine, good drainage & plenty of moisture. You want to train a nectarine tree against a fence in the spring time. The how to video lends expert tips when dealing with nectarine trees. Train a nectarine tree against a fence.
How To: Weed your garden by hand
Monty Don explains the benefits of hand weeding, demonstrating how to keep unwanted weeds at bay. A weed is simply a plant in the wrong place. Weed your garden all year round, particularly in the spring. Learn some handy tips for hand weeding. Weed your garden by hand.
How To: Install a mailbox
A new mailbox can change the look of your whole home. This how-to video offers tips for making sure your new mailbox is placed in a safe and secure location, and is installed so it will stay sturdy. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to install a mailbox.
How To: Pick a paving pattern for bricks
If you're putting out a new brick driveway or patio, watch this how-to video. There are a few pattern options available: stretcher, herringbone, basketweave, and stretcher with a header. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to pick a pavement pattern for a walkway, driveway, or patio.
How To: Save water at home
Water saving isn't just eco-friendly, it's economical. Gardens, pretty as they are, can be a big drain on your water supply. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to save water at home.
How To: Replace the float valve in a toilet tank
If your system keeps filling up and won't shut off, you will probably need to switch out your toilet's float valve. Make sure to turn off the water before making any plumbing repairs! Watch this video home improvememnt tutorial and learn how to replace the float valve in a toilet tank.
How To: Change a water tap
Whether you're changing your tap for a new look or because the old one just doesn't work anymore, this how-to video can help you with this repair project. Follow along with the steps provided and get out your toolbox. Make sure to turn off the water first, or you're looking to flood your bathroom or kitchen. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to change a water tap.
How To: Choose a water tank
Depending on your space and circumstances, you will need a water tank to suit your needs. There are different tools that will work better with your home. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to choose a water tank for the space at hand.
How To: Put together a tool kit for your home
The most important items in a tool kit, are the protection and safety equipment, like a breathing mask, ear muffs, and eye goggles. Other than that, tools vary on your needs. Some basics are a handsaw, a hacksaw, a level, a hammer, screwdrivers, a measuring tape, a shifting wrench, a chisel, pliers, a combination square, a utility knife, and a clamp. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to select tools for a basic tool kit.
How To: Use a grey water system
Grey water is the used water from your dish washer, washing machine, shower, but not your toilet. This grey water can be recycled to irrigate your home, without wasting clean water. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to choose a grey water system for you home.
How To: Install a water tank
First decide if you want a simple tap or a pump out system. Then you'll need to decide where the tank is going. Watch this video home plumbing tutorial and learn how to install a water tank.
How To: Loosen stuck nuts and bolts
Wear and tear can cause nuts and bolts to get stuck over time. A little bit of grease or lubricant will help de-freeze them from their place. Make sure to check for rust, or the problem will just keep re-occurring. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to loosen stuck nuts and bolts.
How To: Clean Paint Brushes & Rollers to Save Money
After finishing up your paint job, you're going to want to clean the paint of your brushes and rollers to save money on replacement. Depending on the paint you used, either oil-based or water-based, you're going to need either water or turpentine to clean off the paint. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to clean paint off of paint brushes and rollers.