From the Playbook

Whitening Grout Lines

Assess dirty or damaged grout, clean it safely, and use compatible grout colorant when a surface color refresh is appropriate.

Identifying "Vampire" Electronics

Which devices use power when off and when to use a smart plug.

Vacuum Refrigerator Coils

Check whether your refrigerator’s coils are user-accessible, clean them as instructed, and verify normal operation afterward.

How to Unclog a Sink Without Chemicals

Clear a slow sink by cleaning the stopper, plunging, and checking a serviceable trap, with clear limits for calling a plumber.

Test Smoke Detectors Properly

Test smoke alarms using the manufacturer’s button procedure, troubleshoot a failed test, and record when each alarm needs replacement.

Take "Before" Photos

Take photos of every room and valuable item for insurance purposes.

Stop Rugs from Slipping with Alien Rug Grips

See how Alien Rug Grips help hold a sliding rug in place, how to apply them, and when a full rug pad may be a better fit.

Silencing a Running Toilet

How to check the chain and flapper before calling a plumber.

Sharpen Ego Lawnmower Blades

Inspect a mower blade, isolate power, and follow the exact model’s sharpening, balance, replacement and reinstallation instructions.

Season Cast Iron

Regain the non-stick surface by baking it with a thin layer of oil.

Seal Driveway Cracks

Assess an asphalt driveway crack, choose the correct repair material, prepare it and respect weather and curing limits.

Revive Velcro

Use a fine-tooth comb to pull lint out of velcro strips so they stick again.

Reviving a Dull Stainless Steel Sink

Restore a dull stainless-steel sink with approved cleaning, grain-wise wiping, and drying without abrasive kitchen hacks.

Does Peppermint Repel Spiders? Use These Steps Instead

Peppermint spray is not a dependable spider barrier. Use web removal, clutter control, screens, and gap sealing instead.

Removing Sticker Residue

Remove adhesive residue using a method compatible with glass, paint, or the specific surface finish.

Removing Scratches from Wood

Distinguish superficial finish marks from deeper wood damage and choose a compatible repair rather than relying on the walnut trick.

Remove Rust from Tools

Remove surface rust with a compatible treatment, protect handles and coatings, and retire tools whose damage affects safe use.

Remove Crayons from Walls

Remove crayon from painted walls with gentle cleaning, and learn when heat may help without damaging the finish.

Refresh Your Mattress

Refresh bedding and a mattress using its care instructions, avoid excess moisture, and investigate persistent odors.

Protect Drains

Choose a compatible hair catcher, clean it regularly, and check whether a recurring slow drain needs further attention.

Programming Your Thermostat

Choose a heating and cooling schedule suited to your equipment, check actual operation, and adjust setbacks for household needs.

The Pillow Test

Assess pillow condition and comfort using its material and care instructions; the fold test alone cannot decide replacement.

Patching Small Nail Holes

A renter-friendly guide to using spackle for a seamless look.

Lubricate Sliding Glass Doors

Clean a sliding-door track, use only manufacturer-approved lubrication, and check rollers or alignment if sticking continues.

Understanding Light Bulb Color Temperature

A quick guide to 2700K vs. 5000K and where to use each.

Label Your Breaker Box

Map accessible branch circuits through normal breaker controls and record a clear directory without removing the panel cover.

Insulating Drafty Outlets

Check outlet drafts and use compatible cover-plate gaskets only after safe isolation; leave wiring faults to an electrician.

Carpet Dents and the Ice-Cube Trick: What to Check First

Assess carpet dents, try gentle pile recovery, and check care instructions before using the popular ice-cube trick.

Hide Cords Behind Furniture

Use adhesive cable clips to keep charging cables from falling on the floor.

Hard Water Faucet Rescue

Soaking aerators to remove calcium buildup and straighten out water flow.

The Food Coloring Toilet Test

Use a ten-minute dye test to find a toilet tank leak, interpret the result, and retest after the correct repair.

Fix a Squeaky Door Hinge

Locate a door squeak, apply an approved hinge lubricant, and check for loose hardware or frame rubbing if it returns.

Check Fire Extinguisher Date

Check extinguisher condition, the model’s inspection and service requirements, and when replacement or professional service is needed.

Find a Stud Without a Finder

Use a magnet to locate drywall fasteners, understand what it cannot prove, and verify framing before mounting.

Digitize Manuals

Find manuals for your exact appliance models, verify saved copies, and retain important purchase and warranty records.

Descaling Your Showerhead

Clear approved showerhead mineral deposits, protect the finish, and distinguish blocked jets from a wider pressure problem.

Create a "Paint Key"

Keep a spreadsheet of the brand, sheen, and color code for every room in your house.

Clean Your Washing Machine Seal

Remove residue from a front-loader’s gasket with approved cleaning methods, avoid incompatible cleaners, and check for persistent odor or leaks.

Clean Your Range Hood Filter

Clean reusable hood filters with approved detergent methods, replace charcoal filters as directed, and check airflow afterward.

Clean Gutters with a Leaf Blower

Assess whether ground-based gutter attachments suit your home, clear accessible debris safely, and check downspout flow.

Clean Glass Light Fixtures

Safely remove, hand-wash, dry, and reinstall glass light shades while protecting coatings and electrical parts.

Clean Your Dryer Vent Hose

Clean accessible dryer ducting, check the full exhaust route and outdoor damper, and know when a vent-cleaning professional is needed.

Cleaning Baseboards with Dryer Sheets

Clean baseboards with a vacuum and soft cloth, protect the finish, and understand the limits of the dryer-sheet trick.

Check Your Water Shut-Off

Locate your main water valve, check which systems depend on it, and verify a safe shutoff test without forcing a stuck valve.

Check Outdoor Spigots (and Hoses)

Locate an outdoor-faucet leak, identify the model-specific repair, and winterize hoses without forcing a stuck valve.

Ceiling Fan Direction

Set ceiling-fan direction for summer and winter, change it safely, and verify the airflow from below.