Hot Housekeeping How-Tos
How To: Use trained dogs to get rid of bed bugs
Trained dogs may be used to help eradicate bed bugs. A sign that your home is infested with bed bugs is the presence of bites. If bites appear in a straight line, on the skin, then that's a classic sign of bed bug bites. Trained dogs are able to pinpoint the bed bug infestation. They are 98% accurate, when other methods are only effective 30% of the time.
How To: Kill bed bugs with Bed Bug Dogs
In this video, we learn how to kill bed bugs with bed bug dogs. There are now upcoming kinds of K9 dogs that are specifically trained to smell the scent of bed bugs. This is a great tool to use to detect early on if your room has bed bugs in it. If you don't have bed bugs already, you can get them at any time just by touching something or someone that has them, then transferring them onto your bed. You can find these dogs through the website Bedbugdogs and see if there are any available in yo...
How To: Make a red wine stain vanish, make a curry dish, & clean your jeans
If you're looking for a tutorial on how to clean your jeans without washing them, make a tasty curry dish, and figure out how to get a red wine stain out of your carpet, this next video covers all that! It's a quick, fast paced, detailed tutorial that is taught by Ninjas!
How To: Repair Nasty Carpet Burns for a New Carpet Look
In this tutorial, we learn how to repair carpet burns. First, take some tongues and ruff up the surface to break up the burnt pieces that are inside the carpet. Next, take some Resolve and spray it onto the spot, then brush it with a handheld brush. After this, blot the area with a towel until it's nice and dry. Next, cut out a small piece of spare carpeting and then open up the area that was burnt. Cut it out with scissors, then replace this with the new carpet.
How To: Heat your home and save energy
In this video, we learn how to heat your home and save energy. Any gaps around the door can lower the temperature dramatically, so make sure you have weather stripping along the sides, bottom and top of the door. You should also make sure this stripping is on your windows as well. Just by having all these in your home, you will save a lot of money on your bills. Also, you need to make sure your control system is set onto one temperature all the time. If it stays at one constant temperature, y...
How To: Make your bed properly
In this video, we learn how to make your bed properly. Start off by fluffing all of your pillows, then placing new pillow covers back onto them. After this, take everything off your bed and lay your sheet down onto it so it lies flat with no creases in it. After this, place your pillows at the head of your bed. Next, place the comforter on your bed and fold it at the top to slightly show your pillows where they are at. After this, press down on the bed to avoid any creases and it will look gr...
How To: Organize and store your personal accessories
In this tutorial, we learn how to organize and store your accessories. First, you will need to have some boxes that are decorated that you can keep scarves in so you don't have to hang them up and take room in your closet. You can also keep your pashminas in the boxes as well, along with summer scarves. You can also use a box that has a divider in it to store your bracelets and necklaces that are large. Store your smaller accessories in a jewelery box, or a box that is similar to a fishing ta...
How To: Use Diatomaceous Earth to stop bed bugs
In this video, we learn how to use Diatomaceous Earth the stop bed bugs. First, place this in a tray and then use a brush to brush the powder around the base of the bed. This will last for 6 months and will need to be reapplied whenever you vacuum the floor. When the bug touches it, it will kill the bug within twenty four hours. This is a great way to create an oasis in your bed, just make sure you don't have any sheets touching the ground, or the bugs will be able to crawl up them and go in ...
How To: Make a hospital bed while it is occupied
In this video, we learn how to make a hospital bed while it's occupied. First, take the top blanket off then take the linens off and make sure the patient is lying on their side. After this, roll the linens towards the patient, then replace new ones where the old linens were originally at. After this, put down a moisture sheet and place it under the clean sheet. Now, put the side table up and roll the patient over and let them know there will be a bump in the middle. Now, move to the other si...
How To: Undo grass, mustard, and/or ketchup stains on clothes
One of the most common things about summer isn't only the sun, heat, and need to get into a pool, but stains. Grass stains, ketchup stains, and mustard stains can all ruin a perfectly good day. Sometimes they are difficult to wash out, but with this tutorial they won't be anymore. Check out the video from Good Housekeeping magazine to find out what you'll need to eliminate these stains. Enjoy!
How To: Make your own eco-friendly laundry detergent
You may not realize it, but most of the laundry detergents that are being sold in supermarkets contain chemicals that can be bad for peopel, but more importantly bad for the water supply. People have begun to realize this and are starting to make their own household items from scratch using harmless items.
How To: Make your own natural window cleaner
If you use Windex or any other window cleaning product, you may be exposing yourself, or others, to harmful chemicals. Many cleaning products that are sold in supermarkets, contain harmful chemicals that are not good and certainly not good for the environment.
How To: Make your own, eco-friendly liquid dish soap
You may or may not know, but much of the cleaning products that are used today can be harmful to you, kids, or even pets. They contain a great assortment of chemicals that can cause serious illness or death. So why risk buying thse products when you can make them yourself?
How To: Make a natural, homemade shower cleaner
Many of today's cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets, children, and even adults. Sure it can get the job done, but what's more important the health of others or your stuff?
How To: Use dryer sheets in 5 different ways
Don't toss those dryer sheets! They have many more uses around the house. Did you know that they can deodorize your shoes? Or that they can help you remove gunk stuck on your dishes? Watch this video, and you'll learn five great tips about repurposing your dryer sheets!
How To: Use clear nail polish in 5 different ways
In this video, you'll learn about some great and alternative uses for clear nail polish. Did you know that you can use clear nail polish to stop tarnish or seal an envelope? It's true. You can also use clear nail polish to secure a screen or smooth a wooden hanger. Try these out yourself!
How To: Use toothpicks in unconventional ways
In this video, Woman's Day will show you how to use toothpicks in 5 different useful and unique ways you may not have thought of. You can use a toothpick as a screw, or you could use it to decorate a cake. Once you learn these tips, the possibilities are endless!
How To: Get rid of spiders without resorting to chemicals
In this how-to video, you'll learn how to get rid of spiders without resorting to harmful chemicals or pesticides. It's easy enough. Just vacuum them up, remove the cobwebs when you see them, and use eucalyptus and hedge apples. This will force them out.
How To: Kill bed bugs with a dry ice trap
In order to kill bed bugs with a dry ice trap, you will need the following: a dog bowl, a towel, a cooler, a cotton ball, painter's tape, and talc powder.
How To: Fold a t-shirt using cardboard
In this tutorial, we learn how to fold a t-shirt using cardboard. First, cut out a piece of cardboard so the it's 72 cm x 25 cm, and make sure it's completely flat. Next, place two flaps on the side of the cardboard and one underneath. Now, place your shirt inside of it and fold the top down, then the sides. After this, fold up the bottom and you will have a nicely pressed and folded shirt! This will save you time over folding the shirt by yourself and it will also come out more nicely than f...
How To: Start a cozy fire with lava rocks soaked in oil
In this tutorial, we learn how to start a cozy fire with lava rocks soaked in oil. First, grab your lava rocks and place them in a tin can, then fill it up with oil. Now, throw some wood into your fireplace while these are soaking. Use an old pair of metal tongs to take the rocks out of the can, then place them in the fireplace as well. After this, throw a match in with the rocks and wood and then close the fireplace. Let the rocks burn for about 5 minutes the you can take them out and you wi...
How To: Take sticky labels off easily
In this tutorial, we learn how to take sticky labels off easily. All you need to do this is a blow dryer. First, set your dryer to the highest heat setting possible, then blow the air onto your label for 2-3 minutes. Keep the heat in constant contact with the label, then after a few minutes, you will be able to pull the label off right away. You can use this on anything from lotion bottles and aspirin bottles to water bottles and plastic containers! This is a great way to remove the labels wi...
How To: Fix a sticky cast iron pan
If your cast iron pan is sticky, you will need to place the pan on top of the stove. Turn the heat on high for 30 seconds to less than one minute. Then, turn it down to medium heat. This will loosen up the oil. Then, you'll need to buff out the creases and the spots. Place a little oil in the pan, approximately 1 tablespoon. Spread the oil around with a paper towel. Continue smoothing the pan. You may need to get a new paper towel, if it gets to hot.
How To: Make your own laundry soap
In this tutorial, we learn how to make laundry soap. First, grate soap up into a large bowl. After this, pour the soap into a large pot. Add in 6 c water, then heat this up on medium heat for 40 minutes, not letting the soap boil. Next, add in washing soda and borax into the pot and mix together until well combined and dissolved. By now, the heat should be off so the mixture doesn't come to a boil. Now, dump your mixture into a large bucket and then add in 1.5 gallons of water. Over time, thi...
HowTo: Clean Your Designer Jeans (Hint: No Detergent or Dry Cleaning Necessary)
Nowadays designer jeans cost anywhere between 100 and 200 bucks (or even more). Consumers have been converted to the concept that the fit and quality is just plain better. This is old news- everybody and their mother has joined the madness. However, what surprises me, is apparently you are not supposed to wash them.
How To: Use natural products to clean your home without toxins
We all want to spic and span our kitchen countertops, our tile floors, and our bathrooms. But for the most part we can bet you've been unwittingly using storebought detergent cleaners or bleach. While these cleaners are in fact excellent at removing grime and buffing your dirty floors to a Midas touch perfection, they also come filled to the brim with known cancer-causing agents, synthetic chemicals, and other gnarly, hard to pronounce crap.
How To: Fold a towel the correct way
Folding a towel might not seem that hard, but there are those out there hay have never done. Those are the type of people that throw their clean clothes directly on the ground, right next to their dirty clothes. They've never heard of "folding". But eventually, they'll need to acquire the skill. And the perfect start… towels. This video shows you the precise steps to folding a towel the correct way. Watch and learn. And put your clothes away!
How To: Clean and repair gutters with Lowe's
In this tutorial, we learn how to clean and repair gutters with Mike Kraft. Damaged gutters can mean leaking roofs with water dripping everywhere. To fix this, you will need: buckets, a shovel, gutter sealant, a trowel, wire hooks, garden hose, nozzle, and gloves. First, place your ladder up to your house so you can easily reach the gutters, being careful not to touch any electrical wires. Next, clean the debris out of the gutter with the trowel and place into a plastic bucket. When finished,...
How To: Deal with bed bugs in college
In this tutorial, we learn how to deal with bed bugs in college. There is no treatment for bed bugs, you just have to get rid of where they are living. If you suspect they are in sheets, blankets or clothes, you must wash these in extremely hot water or freeze them for 24 hours. Don't share grooming products or headphones, because these can transfer head lice from person to person. You can also get body lice that spread from clothing and feed on your skin. Pubic lice comes from sexual contact...
How To: Use old tennis balls
Tennis balls aren't just for playing tennis, so when you are getting ready to trash those tennis balls… DON'T. There are many different uses you can find for them, from donating them to fluffing up laundry. Recycle them using these 7 helpful tips.
How To: Polish aluminum
Aluminum isn't one of the prettiest of metals, but it's actually one of the easiest to keep clean, if you know what to do. If your aluminum is looking tarnished, try this quick solution to revitalizing the glare. Mix equal parts water and cream of tartar and apply with a rag. Shiny!
How To: Extend the life of a steel wool pad
Steel wool can be used from a ton of things, like creating fire, but the main use of steel wool pads is cleaning. They're great for getting things spotless that can handle the rough abrasiveness of the material. But what if your steel wool has gone rusty? Instead of instantly buying new ones, next time, wrap it in foil and stick it in the freezer after using it, and it won't corrode. Nice!
How To: Pack pots and pans for storage or movement
Moving is such a hassle! Packing is a big job but this video shows and easy way to pack out pots and pans. You will need 4-5 cubit foot cartons. You can get these from your mover or you can purchase them from a moving company. You will also want to get clean newsprint, packing tape, a moving blanket, and a permanent ink marker. Prepare your 4-5 foot carton by putting crushed paper on the bottom. This will act as a cushion for the pots and pans. Put the moving blanket or a protected pad on the...
How To: Remove blood stains from fabric
Johnathan E. Stewart shows us how to remove blood stains from fabric in this tutorial. Your first step right after blood gets on your clothes is to rinse it with warm water and pat a wash cloth with soap and water on it. If the stain is more set in, grab hydrogen peroxide, soap, and water, then mix together and pat onto the stain. If all else fails, you can use ammonia with water on the stain. When you're finished cleaning the stain, throw it into the washer immediately, with stain remover mi...
How To: Pack glass for storage or moving
In this video, we learn how to properly pack glass for moving. Make sure you have a table or work area that has a furniture pad on it. Now, place packing paper onto the bottom of a box carton for glasses and china. Glass should be on the top of the box while plates should be placed at the bottom. Put the glasses into a rolled piece of paper until secured, then place upside down into the box. When finished, add crushed paper to the top of the first layer to avoid any glass from breaking. Make ...
How To: Keep dust to a minimum in your home
In this video, we learn how to keep dust to a minimum in your home. First, keep an eye on your furnace and make sure that when you are doing home repairs, it doesn't get onto your furnace. Also, make sure your filters throughout the home are clean or replaced very often, especially while you are doing home projects. Also, keep windows closed, especially while it's windy outside, because this can let dust enter your home easily. You should also avoid extra aggressive sweeping, because this can...
How To: Remove unsightly moss from your roof
If you live in an area where moss or algae is a common theme on most people's roofs, it's important that you get this removed soon. Over time, the moss can grow larger and potentially damage certain parts of your home.
How To: Pack lamp shades for storage or moving
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to pack lampshades. Most lampshades are packed into 4 cu ft cartons. Begin by placing crushed paper into the bottom of the box. Then place clean sheets of packing paper over each side of the box, making sure that the flaps and inside wall of the box is covered. Now carefully place the lampshade top-down into the box. Then spread clean packing paper over the shade. Now gently place the smaller shade into the larger shade and pack in the remaining packi...
How To: Wash bras and panties
The most used and most washed articles of clothing are undergarments. Underwear, specifically bras and panties, are in desperate need of attention after each and every use. They're not like a pair of jeans, wearing them twice in a row is not a good idea, nor clean. Shabby’s not chic when it comes to lingerie. Use a little extra care to keep your lace and silk bras and panties looking good.
How To: Polish gold
Are your gold necklaces looking dull? Are your gold earrings looking slightly faded? Restore your beautiful gold items with a little trick, with no special cleaner to buy! If you want your gold to glitter, polish it with toothpaste, rinse it off, then use a dry rag to buff it to a shine! Ta-ta tarnish!