DIY

5 Ways to Decorate a Small Apartment

Angela Manning DIY
5 Ways to Decorate a Small Apartment

If you’ve just moved into a small apartment with the help of Black Tie Moving, you know that decorating it can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you have less space to fill; on the other hand, every little detail counts. Here are some tips for making the most of your limited space and creating a stylish, comfortable home.

Use light colors on the walls to make the space seem larger

Light colors on the walls are a great way to make a small space appear larger. Choose shades of white and neutral tones for the best results. These hues help create an airy look and make a room feel less confined, even though it might be the same size. Other strategies you can use with light paint include glossy finishes reflecting light, wide stripes in two different shades, and relying on furniture pieces to inject contrast rather than saturated wall paints. Consider hiring an experienced painter for the best results, as they’ll be able to expertly advise on color choices and apply multiple layers of paint flawlessly.

Invest in some good storage solutions – baskets, shelves, and bins are your friends

When it comes to storage solutions, baskets, shelves, and bins should be your best friends! You can easily keep any space orderly and organized with a good mix of these three simple items. Baskets are perfect for small items that could otherwise get lost or misplaced, while shelves provide an effective way to store larger items or products in an efficient manner. And don’t forget the power of bins; with their lids on, you can hide clutter quickly – things like remote controls, blankets, and even kids’ toys can be neatly tucked away in no time! Investing in some good storage solutions is ultimately the key to making sure your home is tidy, neat, and visually pleasing.

Get creative with your furniture arrangement – try using a coffee table as a dining table

Why settle for the same boring furniture layout when you can achieve something unique and eye-catching? Often, furniture is quite expensive, and homeowners may be hesitant to experiment with the interior design of their homes. A great way to be creative while also using existing furniture is repurposing a coffee table as a dining room table. A curved or small round coffee table can become an ideal dinner spot with just some minor adjustments and additions. If space allows, you can even include multiple chairs allowing for easier conversation with your guests. Not only does this option offer an interesting twist on traditional seating, but it also helps stretch your budget! Think outside the box and have fun moving items around to find what works best for you and your home.

Mirrors are your best friend in a small space – hang them up to create the illusion of more space

Mirrors are the unsung heroes of making small spaces appear bigger. Hanging them carefully and strategically will reflect the light that’s already in your room, creating the illusion of a bigger space. Pick mirrors with frames or details that will enhance your décor and draw the eye beyond the surface. Choose shapes that contrast but complement each other to emphasize an increased sense of roominess further. Mirrors also uniquely make a tight area feel cozy and inviting; forgetfulness is being overwhelmed by a cramped room when you can instead bask in its charm, reflecting back on itself!

Bring in some greenery to liven up the space and purify the air

Everyone loves having plants in their home and workspace, bringing a sense of life, color, and freshness to any room. But did you know they do more than just look beautiful? Plants also act as natural air purifiers by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, reducing airborne dust particles, and eliminating toxic gases from the air. Introducing some greenery into your living or work space is an easy way to instantly lift your mood while also providing cleaner and healthier air to breathe. So why not make 2019 the year to add some life and vigor to your indoor environment?

Good design can make a space shine, no matter how small it is. Taking the time to thoughtfully arrange furniture and decorate will have an amazing effect on any small room. You’ll create a well-organized and stylish space by utilizing light colors on the walls and investing in storage solutions, like baskets, shelves, and bins. Get creative with your furniture arrangement – use all the options available to you! Mirrors are a great way to open up a tight space by creating an illusion of more room. Greenery is also key – bring some plants into the mix for added life and pure air to breathe. With these tips, you can make almost any small space feel bigger than it really is!

3 Simple Tips for Planning Your Next Home Remodel

Angela Manning DIY
3 Simple Tips for Planning Your Next Home Remodel

Planning a home remodeling or renovation project often comes with a great deal of stress. From managing your finances to planning out a timeline for a remodel that works around your family’s busy schedule, there are many factors to consider when planning an upcoming home project. Whether you’re working with the help of a general contractor to make major renovations to your home or just doing some simple remodeling, here are a few tips to consider during the planning process. 

Have a Clear Vision 

If you’re looking to change up the look of your home, it can be overwhelming to undergo a remodel or renovation without having a clear idea of your anticipated outcome. Before beginning the process of undergoing construction, moving around furniture, or otherwise making changes to your home, it is important to have a clear idea of exactly what you’d like your home to look like when your project is complete, as this will serve as a helpful guide throughout the process. 

Give Yourself Time to Save

Budgeting is one of the most important things you can do to alleviate stress during a major home remodel or renovation; however, in addition to creating a budget to help guide you through your project, it is important to ensure that you have enough money saved to undergo such a project in the first place. Generally, you should give yourself a bit more time to save up money than you anticipate needing, to ensure that you can grow your savings as much as possible ahead of a major project and alleviate the risk of any stress about your finances in the midst of your home remodel. 

Be Realistic 

Planning a home remodel or renovation is often easier than executing such a major project. Being realistic about your timeline for completing such a major project as well as about what aspects you are realistically able to do yourself or without the help of hired professionals can ensure that you get the results you desire, and can keep you from feeling too overwhelmed during the process. Just because you technically *can* do something as quickly as possible or on your own without professional consultation doesn’t mean you should; especially if you are easily overwhelmed or working with a delicate timeline in which your project needs to be completed. 

How can I clean my Glass Bathroom Shower screen?

Angela Manning DIY , , , ,
How can I clean my Glass Bathroom Shower screen?

Build up in the bathroom can get out of hand rather quickly, Limescale build up and soap scum if left uncleaned for a long period of time can become very hard to remove. Now everyone would usually reach for those cleaning products that all promise to remove hard limescale and so on brought from most large superstores. Before you grab them just take a moment to read the labels on the back. You will discover that these shop bought cleaning products contain some pretty harmful chemicals, it’s these chemicals that promise to remove those stubborn stains and dirt from your homes. However what they don’t warn you off is just how harmful they can be to you and the people that live with you in your home. Children, pets and especially the one completing the cleaning process are at risk of later developing respiratory issues later on in life. These harmful chemicals can cause irritation of your eyes just from simply being opened. The fumes front the product although you cannot see them they are three and start causing damage as soon as you open the product up. They can also cause chemical  burns if spilt on the skin and could cause damage or discolouration if spilt onto clothing or fabrics.

This is exactly why we “Premium Clean” want to offer you advice on how to clean your bathroom shower screen using natural cleaning products. Let’s get started, we can help you remove watermarks, limescale, soap scum and smearing. Some of the items you will need are as follows:

Baking soda

White vinegar

A sponge with a scrubber side

Spray bottle

Clean cloth (microfibre preferably)

So firstly some advice on how to keep it cleaner for longer in between cleaning, water marks only form if the water is left and aloud to dry on the glass surface, the best way to stop this from building up is to wipe the screen dry after the shower is used each time. Using a window squeegee to remove water is the best way. So as for cleaning if build up here are the steps to take:

  • Start by rinsing the shower screen down with water.
  • Fill your spray bottle with white vinegar and saturate the glass with it.
  • Leave the vinegar to soak for approximately 10 mins, if there is a large amount of build up you may need to leave for longer.
  • Now using your sponge, dip the scrubby side into some baking soda and begin to scrub the shower screen, the baking soda will act as an abrasive, whilst the vinegar will dissolve the hard water marks and soap scum.
  • Once you feel that all the soap scum and water marks have been removed (you should be able to feel that the screen is now smooth) simply rinse the screen off using fresh clean water.
  • Using your microfibre cloth completely dry the shower screen. You should be left with a sparkling shower screen.

This is the most natural way to clean your glass shower screen, there are other ingredients that you can add for personal preference. You can add some lemon juice to add a zingy fresh scent giving you that fresh clean aroma. This method can also be used on your bathroom taps, the added lemon will help to give you taps an amazing shine. Once you have completed the cleaning of the shower screen you could use a product called Rain X, Rain X is a synthetic hydrophobic product that is applied to surfaces causing water to bead up and run off the surface instead of sitting on the surface and drying. This will help to keep the glass free from water marks for longer. However as mentioned previously keeping a window squeegee in the bathroom can also help to remove leftover water droplets from the screen after every use.

Conservatories Versus Brick extensions

Angela Manning DIY , ,
Conservatories Versus Brick extensions

If you’re pondering which is the best one to pick, the time is undoubtedly right to broaden your home. Maybe you need a committed region for engaging visitors or require more space for your developing family. You could be quick to relocate, or you could read this article and know the right choice for you.

It doesn’t make any difference what the reason is; the principal inspiration that drives this massive interest is your home. Interestingly, this article equips you with all the correct information before settling on a choice. As an organization with considerable authority in planning and establishing centres and augmentations, clients regularly ask our specialists: “Should I pick a conservatory or a brick extension?

The point of this guide is to assist you with weighing up what the ideal choices are for your necessities and spending plan. There is no particular right way to extend your home. The significant factors that should guide your choice include:

  • What do I want to use the space for: The interesting primary point before whatever else is why you need the additional room and what you will principally utilize it for. Contemplating the reason for the space will assist with centring the psyche and permit you to weigh up whether you want a solitary story expansion or something more sizeable with two stories.
  • Where will the new room be located: After determining what you will use the new space for, you need to decide where it will be. Situating the room to the East means facing the sun every morning. The West means catching a glimpse of the sunset every evening; the North means getting a bit of both (slightly colder during winter). South implies a bit of warmth but can get hot during summer.
  • What are the costs: A conservatory extension is usually cheaper than a brick extension. However, the extension’s price depends on how large the structure is, how complex it is to build, and the quality of materials used. You will save a great deal more by making a conservatory instead of creating a brick extension. Though an extension is typically evaluated based upon the size and style you require, expansion costs are regularly estimated per square meter.
  • Which one looks the best: A brick extension offers a certain degree of solidity with its plasterboard walls and tiled roof. Nevertheless, quality solid roof conservatories typically look more impressive because they are made from a more significant proportion of glass. While picking either a conservatory or brick extension, it is vital to consider how full increments will affect any future property deal.
Conservatory Brick
Light living space that opens onto the garden Warmer in the winter than a conservatory
Not much disruption during the construction process Much more disruption during the construction process than when building a conservatory
Some styles can be more complex and more expensive to heat Warmer in the winter than a conservatory
Perfect for entertaining guests Can have a one or two-storey extension

In general, the choice between conservatories and brick extensions is mainly dependent on individual preference. If you want a quick-to-make and fancy space, the conservatory will be the way to go. However, if you want a tighter, more compact, slightly more expensive room, a brick extension is the right choice.

Decorating a Master Bedroom

Angela Manning DIY , ,
Decorating a Master Bedroom

There are quite a few considerations when deciding how to decorate and style your master bedroom suite. Do you have the right kind of lighting? Do you have different zones for resting and activity? Have you chosen appropriate colours? Is it enough to buy a cheap bed online? Get the answers to these questions and many more.

The Layout

Determining where the furniture goes in a master bedroom helps set the tone for decorating and lighting. Normally you want a space for sleeping, for relaxing, and for dressing. If you have a dressing area or walk-in wardrobe with dressers, you may exclude this area in the master bedroom.

When you walk into the room, which wall do you see first? This is often the best option for where to put the headboard of your bed. The wall you see first is the focal point, so you should situate your bed there and design wall accessories and curtains to make note of this fact. You don’t want to walk into a bedroom and see the footboard poking out from the side of the room.

Place dressers and other bureaus that hold furniture in a place close to the closet. This will give you one general region where dressing can be done and allow you to have the appropriate lighting in just one location.

Many people like to have a small desk or comfortable reading chair in their bedroom. These upcycled sideboards are perfect for this use. Ideally, this would be placed in a cosy corner by a fireplace or next to a window.

Lighting in a Bedroom Retreat

The lighting you choose must match the purpose you have chosen for each area of the bedroom. Multiple types of lighting are generally needed to create the best mood. Romantic lighting can be achieved by a string of lights tucked up under the woodwork in a tray ceiling or with candles near a fireplace or on a nightstand.

A chandelier is a great look for the main light in the room. It is romantic and sophisticated.

For relaxing areas, dedicated lamps that can be aimed at a writing table or on a book are best to keep from disturbing a spouse who may already have retired for the night.

Near the dressing area, brighter lights are important to make sure you have correctly matched your black pants with like socks, and not navy. Having a window nearby for natural lighting is also a big plus.
Don’t forget about limiting light with curtains. While daylight is great for picking out your clothes, it is not great for sleeping. Try room-darkening blinds with curtains to soften the look.

Choosing Colours for Your Sanctuary

The right choice of colour is partly a sense of personal style and partly one that speaks of the mood you wish to achieve. Picking one that is supported by neutrals is always an excellent choice for a restful feel. Too many colours and too busy of a print can create the opposite feeling you were going for. Don’t fall into the trap of florals for the bedroom. Florals are very feminine and it can be hard to create any balance in a room with a large flowery bedspread.

Some good colour choices to consider are maroon with taupe, dusty blue and chocolate brown, yellow and cream, sage with tan or cream with lilac.

How to Display an Oriental Rug as a Wall Hanging

Angela Manning DIY , , , ,
How to Display an Oriental Rug as a Wall Hanging

Traditional handmade wool and silk rugs are incredibly versatile decorative and practical home furnishings. Not only are they an art form, offering depth of colour, texture, and intricate, exciting designs, but they are also excellent sound and warmth insulation. Generally, they are also far less expensive than a very large-good quality painting.

Almost any size and type of modern rug, whether round or square, can be displayed on a wall, ranging from small rug fragments and tribal bags and animal decorations to decorative prayer rugs of 5ft x3ft (1.5×0.9) and up to floor rugs of 12ft x9ft (3.74×2.69). The methods vary depending on the weight.

A fragment of an antique rug, or a small decorated tribal item of daily use such as a saddle or salt bag, can be displayed by having a stretcher made. A stretcher is a wooden frame with a suitable fabric stretched over it and stapled on the reverse. The decoration is then sewn directly onto the material to give you a beautiful flat and contrasting wall decoration.

The smallest wool rugs can be fixed flat on the wall using broad-headed carpet tacks, available from any DIY outlet or ironmongers. Using one every six inches, they can be placed between the knots and driven in until not quite flush. This will help avoid flattening or damaging the pile and make the heads easier to find if you need to remove them. This is a cheap and easy method and has the advantage of leaving the rug utterly flat against the wall. If you find that your surface is not entirely vertical and the rug hangs slightly away from it, then fix the tack down the sides and along the bottom if necessary. Sometimes, with an out-of-shape older rug, you will not be able to do this without leaving a crease somewhere, so you must accept the outward hang.

Always display a rug with the pile facing down the wall. To ascertain this, run your hand over the pile, and the rug will feel smoother in the correct direction. “think of an animal’s fur. The rug has been started from this end, and therefore the pile lies this way. The light will be reflected from the yarn surfaces rather than be swallowed by the gaps between them, and you will get the better colours and clarity of pattern. If you have a graphic design, it should have been woven, so the design is showing in the correct pile direction.

However, if you have a silk rug, or would prefer to hang it without inflicting any physical signs, you should hang using a sleeve sewn onto the reverse of the rug. Before doing this, decide what size of wooden or metal rod the rug needs to avoid it bowing under the weight. Hooks or rings will support this rod at either end and if a large hanging from the middle too, so your wall must be suitable to have the necessary size inserted.

The sleeve can be of heavy linen or cotton and should be affixed, invisible from the front. Therefore, start it at least an inch in from the sides and an inch from the top. The advantage of this method is that the weight of the rug is entirely evenly spread, which avoids tension problems should you want to use it on the floor at a later stage. It also makes it easier to take down for cleaning, painting, or moving home. The only disadvantage is that the rug will hand inwards from the top and not be flat as using tacks or a stretcher. If in doubt about the process, ask your local rug retailer, or curtain maker, to do it for you.

Amazing Wood Projects You Can Create For Your Pet

Angela Manning DIY , ,
Amazing Wood Projects You Can Create For Your Pet

Nothing says “I love you more” than a handmade present. And no family member could be less fussy about a handmade present’s size, shape, color (and accepting of mistakes!) than a dog. This is why getting creative with woodworking projects for dogs is a fun, easy, and immensely therapeutic activity you can partake in over a long weekend or the holidays. 

If you want to create something for your pet, maybe for their birthday or as a surprise gesture, we have a list of some wood project ideas that are easy to execute. 

Collapsible Dog Ramp

Whether you have a miniature or toy breed at home or a senior dog, there will be concerns about their inability to access high areas like beds, couches, cars, even stairs. Eliminate the risk of injury by crafting a gorgeous dog ramp. 

A collapsible dog ramp can be one of the most functional DIY things to make for your dog. It works as a pathway for your dog to climb on to reach high or difficult to access areas without falling or injuring themselves. 

Ramps are also terrifically handy if your pet is a giant breed with limited mobility.

You can start using the ramp right from the puppy stage of your dog so that they are well adept with the ramp when they are into their old age. 

Pet Bowl Stand

Most people feel that pet bowl stands are overrated. After all, dogs have been eating from bowls placed on floors for centuries. However, the truth is that pet bowl stands are essential as they can positively affect your pet’s quality of life. 

When the food or water bowls are placed on an elevated surface such as a stand, eating and drinking put less strain on your pet’s back and neck. If you have a senior dog, they’re less likely to suffer from gastro disorders if you elevate their food and water bowls. The best part? The bowl stays in one position without risk of being knocked over, and nearby places remain clean, meaning fewer clean-up chores for you. 

Since you’re reconsidering how to feed your pet, don’t forget to set a feeding schedule for your dog.

Classic Doghouse

If you want to treat your dog, create a space that they can call their own! That’s right. We’re recommending a personal doghouse. You can get your creativity flowing and personalize the doghouse according to your preference—house size, shape, color, with or without windows, and so much more! 

Before you get started, though, ensure that the size of the doghouse is appropriate for your pet. They should be able to comfortably nest inside the doghouse and have enough space to turn and toss around without injuring themselves.

Pro tip: Build a house with a slight elevation. This will provide temperature comfort—during winters, the house remains warm, and in summers, there is enough ventilation to keep it cool.

ALSO READ: Easy DIY lawn mower maintenance

Chain Link Outdoor Dog Kennels

If you don’t want to fence in your yard or front porch but are worried about your pet’s safety, then the ideal solution is a chain-link outdoor kennel. 

As the name suggests, the chain-link fencing is attached to the wooden kennel, adding security to your dog’s home. This kind of kennel is also much larger than a typical doghouse, giving your pet a comfortable play area as well. 

A chain link outdoor kennel protects dogs from accidents and savory characters. 

A lockable door can be attached to the kennel for added security. One significant benefit of an outdoor kennel is that if you have an urgent meeting to attend to and have to leave your dog alone for a couple of hours, a kennel can make your job easier.

Pet Food Dispenser

A pet food dispenser is a wonderful woodworking project for you and your dog. The benefits include having a dedicated storage space for dog food and no messes. It will also be a rustic and creative focal point of any room and a conversation starter. The best part? It reduces the hassle of pouring food out of a heavy bag.

A food dispenser can be made with a combination of lumber pieces, a few woodworking tools, patience, and commitment. You need to create the body, the handle, the top, and the bottoms and include suitable mechanisms, all using high-quality wood. 

If you’re really good with crafts, you could experiment with the food dispenser by automating it.

Build A Giant Bed For Your Puppies To Share

If you have multiple pets who like to snuggle and cuddle or are a breeder, you’ll love this project idea! A giant wooden bed is an ideal option when several pets or repeat litters are involved. Wondering why? Firstly, using wood increases the shelf-life of the bed. They are also elegant, easy to maintain, and add a factor of elegance to your space. Not to mention they’re incredibly easy to make! 

And you can be as creative (or not!) as you like with a giant dog bed. Need plain black or grey cushions that can survive multiple frequent washes? Check. Want a plush pillow with lace and delicate bedding for miniature or toy breeds like dachshunds or poodles? Check! See what we mean? You just can’t go wrong with beds.

Make A Gate 

Whether you have just welcomed a puppy into your home or have a mischievous adult dog, you’ll need a barrier of sorts to keep them away from non-pet designated areas. 

Generally, a wooden gate is used to confine a pet to a particular part of the house. And like with childproofing, you can use the wooden gate to dog-proof your home. They’re also incredibly useful if you frequently leave your dog home alone.

If you have a staircase inside your house, you can make it pet-friendly by installing a gate near the staircase’s opening. This will prevent puppies and senior dogs from falling and getting injured. 

Ensure to create a sturdy gate that remains secure even if your pet tries to push its way through.

Play Area For Cats 

Everyone knows that cats love little hideouts and corners. They also love to climb. So if you’re looking for inspiration for a cat play area, consider floating shelves and drawers as potential woodworking projects. 

Drawers: you can fix them directly to the wall (you don’t need a complete cabinet!) and use them to store cat toys, food, and grooming equipment. They can also double as climbing areas for your cats. 

Shelves: You can add fun features to shelves like scratch posts and hanging toys. Even turn a few into beds (depending on how many cats you have!) Don’t forget to experiment with shapes, colors, designs. Your cats will love them!

Build A Crate For Your Pet

Need to crate train your dog but hate metal crates? We couldn’t agree more! That’s why we’re recommending wooden crates. What’s the difference, you ask? For starters, wooden crates are elegant. They also don’t resemble animal shelter enclosures. And you can take any old cupboard, shoe stand, or rectangular furniture piece and refurbish it into a dog crate. 

For added comfort, you can add a blanket inside the crate. You can also help your dog feel at home and at ease by tossing in a few of their favorite toys. If your house has multiple pets and you need a separate area for feeding, you can attach a pet food and water bowl stand inside the crate as well.

ALSO READ: 5 Ways to Furnish Your Outdoor Event

Playground Equipment

Do you have an over-energetic pet? Perhaps you love the idea of training and getting hands-on with your dog. If so, then consider making playground equipment for your pet. A climbing ramp with or without a slide, tunnels, and a see-saw are some of the simplest equipment you can make. If you’ve got plenty of crafting experience, consider more complicated designs like a playhouse that combines them all.

Use lightweight, but good quality wood, so that the equipment is sturdy, and yet, it can be moved should the need arise.

Final Thoughts 

Woodworking projects are a great way to explore a new hobby interest or hone your existing woodworking skills. You get to work with your hands, play around with designs, seamlessly blend your dog furniture with your home decor, and of course, you can drive sustainability by reusing or refurbishing furniture. 

We hope our DIY projects for dog lovers inspired you to get creative! Don’t forget to drop by and share photos of your DIY projects.

How to Build Model Ships

Angela Manning DIY
How to Build Model Ships

Do you want to get into the wonderful world of building model ships?

People have been creating model ships since back in the Ancient Mediterranean, but the art of model ship building has evolved a great deal since then.

We’ve got everything you need to get started.

Have the Right Materials

First, you’ll need to ensure that you have the right materials for building a model ship. You’ll also want to double-check that you have the right tools to build your ship properly. To build a model ship, you’ll need the following materials and tools:

  • Different types of sandpaper
  • Hand drills
  • Rulers
  • Various sizes of nails
  • Wood glue, rigging glue, and other types of glue
  • Knives, razors, and blades
  • Tweezers
  • Paintbrushes and airbrushes

This may not be all you need. If you’re working from a model or instructions, make sure that you acquire everything that you’re asked to use. And store your equipment properly.

Decide What You’re Building

Different model ships have different difficulty levels, sizes, and more or less complicated instructions. You can work from various kits or from patterns with instructions, or you can build your model ships from scratch. But it’s important to take your skill level into consideration.

If you’re just starting out, you may want to pick something smaller and less complicated to get used to the different mechanisms of shipbuilding. Look for models with just one deck, with fewer masts, less decorative elements, and no or few cannons.

If you’re looking for more specifics, like model ship lighting, you’ll want to decide that in advance.

Be Careful 

The most important thing to do when you’re building model ships is to be careful. There are lots of little parts that need to be perfectly placed. So follow directions to the letter.

Before you start building, go through all your pieces and all your equipment and make sure that you have everything you need on hand, so that you won’t have to stop and run around desperately searching for a missing piece halfway through building your model ship.

And when using adhesives like glue, you need to use them with as much care as possible to prevent different parts from being glued to different parts of the model ship that they shouldn’t be. When using sandpaper, check what you’re doing carefully.

You don’t want to under-sand your pieces, but you don’t want to over-sand and have to cut or purchase new pieces, which will waste time. That’s why you always need to keep a close eye on everything that you’re doing and stop and take a breather if you think you might be overdoing it.

Model Ships: Start Building Today

Now that you know how to build model ships, it’s time to buckle down and start trying to build.

Do you want more blog posts about related topics? Read more posts on our site for everything you need to know about do-it-yourself topics, technology, travel, and so much more.

Easy DIY lawn mower maintenance

Angela Manning DIY , ,
Easy DIY lawn mower maintenance

Spring is right around the corner, and that means it’s almost time to get your lawnmower out! We all love the feeling of looking at a fresh-cut lawn. It gives us a sense of pride and joy. With a zero turn mower will need a small tune up before you get out there. Luckily, maintenance at home is very easy and we can tell you just how to get it done.

  1. Disconnect the spark plug

Always start by disconnecting the spark plug. It’s super easy to disconnect and reconnect, and it will prevent the lawnmower from accidentally starting on you. All you have to do is find it and detach the rubber to block it from starting.

  1. Drain the oil

You’ll want to start by draining the used oil out of the lawnmower. You should check the manual on how to do this for your specific lawnmower, but if you don’t have it Google is a great resource. You can drain the oil into a container and take it into your local auto shop for disposal.

  1. Replace air filter

Air filters need to be changed annually. To make sure your lawnmower is running the best it can, you can change it at home for very cheap. All you have to do is unscrew the cover, replace the air filter with a new one, and then screw the cover back in. Super quick and easy, and it should cost less than ten bucks!

  1. Sharpen and balance the blade

If you choose to, you can sharper the blade pretty easily. You just need to use a wrench to take the blade off and then use a metal filer to sharpen the blade. If the blade appears to be damaged, then you should replace it for optimal performance. If you don’t trust yourself handling a sharp blade, you can take it into a shop that will sharpen it. Either way, be super careful handling the blade!

  1. Clean under the mower deck

Before you put the blade back on, give the underneath of the mower deck a good cleaning. A great tip is to spray nonstick cooking spray on here annually. Ideally, you should probably rinse off the mower deck after use to prevent buildup, but that doesn’t always happen on hot summer days.

  1. Replace oil and gas

Once you’re done with all the above maintenance, you just have to replace the oil and fill it up with some gas. Make sure you get the right oil and have the drain plug reattached.

  1. Reconnect the spark plug

You’re done! You can reconnect your spark plug, start up your lawnmower, and get that lawn looking great!

If you haven’t been doing this, here are some great tips for next winter:

  • Old gas can stop your lawn mower from starting, so when winter comes around and you are no longer consistently using your lawnmower, you should drain the gasoline out.
  • During winter, the engine’s lubricants can drain away. Water can then cause issues and damage to your lawnmower. To prevent this, you should fog the engine. This is something you should check your manual (or Google) about.

If you follow these steps, your lawn is going to be looking extraordinarily fantastic from now on. The best part is you will save so much money! Taking your lawnmower in for maintenance and repairs would cost you so much more than these simple DIY tasks. Good maintenance makes things last so much longer, and new lawnmowers can be expensive so why wouldn’t you keep it running like it’s brand new? These steps really aren’t too hard and can be done within a few hours. Your neighbors are going to be so jealous of your lawn this year!

How to Fix a Leaky Laundry Tap or Mixer

Angela Manning DIY , , ,
How to Fix a Leaky Laundry Tap or Mixer

Leaky laundry taps are a common issue that can lead to a large amount of water over time, while also driving your utilities bills up. Fixing this can be easier than you think, avoiding the costs of hiring a plumber. See below a couple of tips of what you can do to fix it by yourself.

Step One:

You should turn off the valves to your sink. Usually the handles can be under the sink, but if you are unable to find it or properly shut it off, then you’ll have to turn off the entire water supply to your home. After this, you should reopen your laundry mixer valves to relieve pressure and any excess water still in it.

Step Two: Identification and disassembly

Before you start disassembling your tap, plug your drain to avoid having any parts falling down it. Then, you should be able to identify what kind of laundry tap mechanism you have. There are three main types of tap mechanisms:

1- Pillar taps have separate valves for hot and cold. These can also have a cartridge or washer mechanism inside

2- Mixer taps, that have two valves joined in a single tap, mixing the water in between (hence the name)

3- Monobloc taps have a single valve that turns left and right to mix from cold to hot water. These can also have a ball or ceramic disk mechanism inside.

After identifying your laundry tap mechanism, you should then proceed to picking the correct tools to disassemble it. There are many detailed instructions on how each mechanism works and it can make it easier to specifically research it online.

For most laundry taps you will need a wrench, Phillips-Head and Flat head screw drivers, penetrating oil (for stuck parts) and thread seal tape (a.k.a. plumber’s tape). Start by removing the decorative caps if there are any, then remove the handle and the retaining nuts. Remember to take pictures with your cellphone as you take it apart to make the reassembly easier later on.

Check for any clearly cracked or broken parts, like washers, gaskets or o-rings. If you are in doubt or unable to disassemble a stuck piece, you can simply remove it entirely and take it to the nearest hardware store, along with any broken part you have found to get a replacement.

If you are dealing with an old laundry mixer, there can be dirt, rust and grime inside that reduces the water flow and makes the reassembly harder. This can be easily removed with steel wool or a wire brush.

Step Three: Reassembly

Putting a laundry tap back together shouldn’t be too hard if you have taken pictures of the parts, as you have disassembled them. Install the new parts, add the plumber’s tape to any threads and make sure you don’t have any pieces left before turning it back on. But sure not to overtighten any screws or washers, it should be just enough for it to stay firm.

Reassemble the handles and decorative caps, then turn the water back on very slowly to gradually increase the pressure in the fixed system, then let the water flow for a couple of minutes to see if there are still any leaks or flow issues in your laundry mixer.