Handy DIY Hacks for Homeowners

When it comes to making your home more efficient and comfortable, it's smart to look for simple, straight-forward solutions. These DIY hacks allow you to cleverly tackle chores with ease, and no one has to know your secrets.

Say Goodbye to Dust and Dander
Remove pet hair from furniture by wrapping duct tape around a paint roller with the sticky side out, then roll over upholstery to pick up hair.

Reach new heights and pesky cobwebs by putting an empty gift wrap tube on the end of a vacuum nozzle.

Keep exhaust fans clear by cleaning them with canned air.

Make glass candle globes, mason jars and ceramics sparkle again by running them through a dishwasher cycle.

Harness the Power of Lemon
Drop lemon peels into your garbage disposal with water running at half-strength. Run the disposal for five seconds, then turn it off. After about 15 minutes, turn on the water and disposal, and add a few ice cubes to blast away loosened waste. Flush with more water.

Remove hard-water buildup by securing half a fresh lemon to a faucet or shower head with a plastic bag and rubber band. Leave it for a few hours, then wipe clean.

More Quick Tips

• Put a drop of glow-in-the-dark paint on the tip of a light switch so it's more visible at night.
• Color-code your keys with nail polish so they're easier to identify.
• Wrap pipe cleaners around plastic or metal hangers to keep garments from slipping off.