In-depth Guides

Trying to clean your washing machine? Want to get rid of fruit flies? Looking to build a firepit? These in-depth guides will take you through the process from start to finish and give you all the know-how you need for any home improvement project, home repair, or cleaning solution.

Top In-depth Guides

Check out the top in-depth guides Hometalk has to offer.

7 Ways to Unclog a Bathroom Sink

Learning how to unclog a bathroom sink is almost like learning how to unclog a toilet. You need the right tools and techniques, but it should be a quick fix, and you don’t need to be an expert plumber. The culprit is usually a built-up greasy ball of soap scum and hair in the drain or tangled around the sink stopper’s rod. Sometimes, no tips or tricks will work, which means you’ll need to call in an expert because there’s probably a clog too far down the drain system or too dense for you to remove yourself. But before you call a plumber, try these classic, proven ideas in our guide to unclogging a bathroom sink.

Marilyn Syarto

Easy Ways to Remove Rust From Common Surfaces

By Marilyn SyartoReddish-brown or orange flecks of rust rarely look good except as an intentional rustic or industrial decorating element. But usually, you want to know how to remove rust when you spot it on metal or other surfaces. There are many DIY recipes that help remove rust, and when they fail, there are always powerful chemical rust removers as a last resort. Our guide helps you determine when to use which method and for which surface.

Marilyn Syarto

How to Clean Glass Shower Doors to Make Them Sparkle

Whether it’s the shower in your own bathroom, a kid's tub and shower combo, or even a vacation rental that needs a little extra TLC, it’s a skill to know how to clean glass shower doors.Hard water stains, soap scum, those corners where mildew starts to creep in — it all detracts from the fresh and clean feeling of the shower. If hotels can maintain sparkling-clean glass shower doors in bathrooms in hundreds of rooms, surely the average household can manage one, two, or a few, right?This brings us to the purpose of this guide: To explain the how's and why’s of shower build-up and share our best store-bought cleaning products and DIY solutions to clean glass shower doors.Sparkling clean shower doors, here we come!

Erin Lindholm

Save Your Sofa: Here's How to Repair a Tear in a Leather Couch

By Judy SchumerA leather couch is not only beautiful, but it’s also durable. Leather is one of the best materials for couches because it can hold up to constant use while retaining its beauty. With the proper care, a leather couch can last years longer than a fabric counterpart. A downside to leather: Without the right care or precaution, it can tear.If you have a tear in your leather couch, don’t despair! You can repair and restore your leather couch with a few easy steps. In this guide, you’ll learn how to repair a tear in a leather couch to restore it to its natural beauty, whether you’re dealing with a small rip or a larger hole in your couch.

Judy Schumer

How to Fix Scratches on Wood Floors 11 Different Ways

By Judy Schumer Wood floors add warmth and beauty to a home. They are relatively easy to care for and repair and can even add to your home’s resale value. Try as you might to prevent scratches on wood floors, your home is meant to be lived in, and with that living will almost inevitably come a little wear and tear on your floors.If you have scratches on your wood flooring that you need to fix, the steps below will help you minimize the look of the scratches or make them disappear completely. You’ll also find out how to identify the finish that’s on your wood floors (which is key to taking care of them), when to call a professional, and what steps to take to prevent further scratches, dents, and gouges on your wood floors while still using them every day.

Judy Schumer

How to Fix Squeaky Floors 3 Different Ways

By Brooke RessellHave you ever tried to tiptoe past a baby’s room after you finally got them to sleep? Or maybe you tried to sneak into the kitchen for a late-night snack without anyone else finding out. Whatever the case may be, it becomes nearly impossible to walk quietly around the house when floor squeaks and creaks are just waiting to happen at any given moment.Whether your house is older than you or it’s basically brand new, squeaky floors often come with the territory of being a homeowner. And they can make a quick trip across the room a very loud announcement for whatever it is that you’re doing—and disturbing your family members in the process.Fortunately though, deciding to fix creaky floors once and for all doesn’t have to mean calling a professional and paying off a large bill. We’ll show you how to fix squeaky floors on your own in the quickest and easiest ways possible, so you’ll never have to shuffle around the creaky spots on your floor again.

Brooke Ressell

How to Keep a Flocked Tree From Shedding and Making a Mess

Flocked Christmas trees are stunningly beautiful. If you want a Christmas tree with that snow-kissed winter wonderland look, you’ll want a flocked one.Flocking, an old art from the 1800s, became all the rage. And with the invention of flocking spray in the 1950s, the look hasn’t let up since.You can buy artificial Christmas trees that are already flocked or do some DIY flocking yourself. No matter how you flock, the bottom line is you'll want to know how to keep a flocked tree from shedding.It’s not the easiest task, but you can reduce the shedding using our guide, which will teach you a few tips and tricks to keeping your flocked tree from shedding.Disclaimer: Hometalk may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via Amazon links in this article but at no cost to you.

Marilyn Syarto

Our Best Tips and Tricks on How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

By Marilyn SyartoIt can feel overwhelming when you think about rejuvenating your faded, outdated, or dark and dreary kitchen cabinets. It’s tempting to gut your kitchen, but if the cabinets and the rest of the kitchen are in decent shape, a complete gut isn’t necessary. Your cabinets might just need an affordable paint job. Learning how to paint kitchen cabinets may sound difficult: Yes, it takes some time, labor, and elbow grease, but as far as skills go, if you can handle a paintbrush, you’ve got this. The other important skill you need? Patience.Compared to the thousands of dollars you would need to replace your cabinets, a few hundred dollars to paint your cabinets on your own sounds just about right. Or, you can hire painters and that will likely run you a little over at least a thousand dollars or so. Our guide tells you how to accomplish this project on your own so it looks like a million bucks.

Marilyn Syarto

How to Clean Cloudy Glass Windows When Nothing Else Works

Keep reading to find out how to get cloudy windows clean so they sparkle again, whether that means cleaning the exterior of the window or removing the moisture between your window panes.Windows serve the grand purpose of bringing in natural light while offering a view of the outside world.Over time, the buildup of dirt and grime hinders the clarity of the glass, resulting in a less-than-attractive appearance and obstructing your view of the great outdoors. Despite your best efforts to wipe the windows clean, you may notice they continuously appear hazy.There are a few possible reasons why your window clarity is hindered, which we’ll cover in this guide. We'll also address when it might be best to call in a professional to help.

Alexa

A Complete Guide on How to Repair Patchy Grass

Fixing a spotty lawn is typically a DIY job, though a lawn care service can level up the lushness factor of your lawn, too. Sometimes it’s just a matter of throwing down seeds, watering, and letting nature take its course. Other times, a little more elbow grease is needed.No matter the case, our guide will help you decide how to repair patchy grass so the whole lawn doesn’t turn to weed.

How-To Guides

7 Ways to Unclog a Bathroom Sink

Marilyn Syarto

Easy Ways to Remove Rust From Common Surfaces

Marilyn Syarto

How to Clean Glass Shower Doors to Make Them Sparkle

Erin Lindholm

Save Your Sofa: Here's How to Repair a Tear in a Leather Couch

Judy Schumer

How to Fix Scratches on Wood Floors 11 Different Ways

Judy Schumer

How to Fix Squeaky Floors 3 Different Ways

Brooke Ressell

How to Keep a Flocked Tree From Shedding and Making a Mess

Marilyn Syarto

Our Best Tips and Tricks on How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Marilyn Syarto

How to Clean Cloudy Glass Windows When Nothing Else Works

Alexa

A Complete Guide on How to Repair Patchy Grass

How-To Guides

Hometalkers' Favorite In-depth Guides

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How to Keep a House Warm Without Central Heat

When winter rears its chilly temps, it’s time to huddle up indoors and stay warm. However, not everyone has the option to turn a dial and ignite the central heat. Many homes in warmer climates aren’t equipped with a central heating system because it would only be used a few times a year.However, we know that no matter what climate you live in, weather is unpredictable. If you live in a warmer climate without central heating and are faced with a cold front, you might be looking for ways to warm your house up.This roundup of options for how to keep a house warm without central heat is just what you need to stay cozy all winter long or when temperatures unexpectedly drop throughout the year.

Alexa

How to Get Rid of Mice and Keep Them Away for Good

By Marilyn SyartoAs cute as mice can sometimes be (hence why some people keep them as pets), they can carry diseases into your home that are best left outdoors. They may transmit dangerous bacteria and disease through their feces or fleas and mites that hitch rides on their skin. Not only are humans at risk, but so are your pets, because mice can leave traces of bacteria in water and food bowls. Our guide gives you the best tips on catching a mouse, disposing of a mouse, and making your home as mouse-proof as possible.

Marilyn Syarto

How to Clean a Mattress and Remove Every Type of Stain

If you're looking for an in-depth guide on how to clean a mattress, you've come to the right place.Mattresses are one of the most used items in our homes. It’s estimated that the average person spends almost a third of their lives in bed—with all that wear and tear, it’s no wonder mattresses can sometimes look like they’ve seen better days.Unfortunately, some with stained mattresses are stuck with having to buy a new mattress or foot the bill for pricey professional cleaners. Luckily, not all stains need to result in buying a new mattress or require expensive cleaning services.Read on to learn how you can rescue a stained mattress with these DIY tips.

How-To Guides

How to Paint Trim Perfectly Every Time

Look high, look low, glance down a hallway, or peer out a window—it's nearly impossible to be in a home without catching a glimpse of some form of trim in the frame.Baseboards, molding, window frames, and door frames—all these various types of finishing woodwork, collectively known as trim, add a touch of elegance to any space.While it may not be as exhilarating as painting an ombré accent wall or creating a stunning mosaic, the art of painting trim yields its own gratifying results.Whether you opt for semi-gloss whites to instantly brighten a room or choose a contrasting hue for a stylish impact, painting trim has the power to transform a space in just a matter of hours.This guide covers all the bases of how to paint trim, starting from repairing cracks to the priming and painting process. We’ll even cover how to paint trim in a room with carpet. Before you know it, that oft-overlooked trim will be the darling of your eye.

Erin Lindholm

How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet So It'll Last Forever

By Alexa EricksonAcquiring a cast iron skillet is a rite of passage for all home chefs. The benefits are plentiful. Seasoned pans are naturally nonstick, allowing you to cook with less oil. Cooking with a cast iron pan also eliminates the worry of chemicals from materials like Teflon, a synthetic coating often found on nonstick pans. Cast iron pans have a long lifespan (some have been passed down for generations), can be used in the oven as well as on the stove, and they even add iron to your food!Cast iron cookware requires a different approach than other pots and pans in your kitchen. This how-to guide has you covered from cleaning to seasoning and general upkeep.

Alexa

How to Clean Window Screens Like a Pro

By Marilyn SyartoCleaning window screens is probably a must-do on your to-do list. But you may wonder—isn’t cleaning the windows enough? The screens actually protect your windows by grabbing all the dirt, dust, and pollen that gets blown around in the air during rainstorms, dust storms, and any other times during the seasons when allergens are floating in the air. But thanks to all of that protection, in the end, screens are a lot like bed pillows—they harbor all kinds of gunk and grime that you really don’t want to inhale.This guide will take you step by step through the best methods to clean your window screens like a professional.

Marilyn Syarto

How to Keep a House Warm Without Central Heat

Alexa

How to Get Rid of Mice and Keep Them Away for Good

Marilyn Syarto

How to Clean a Mattress and Remove Every Type of Stain

How-To Guides

How to Paint Trim Perfectly Every Time

Erin Lindholm

How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet So It'll Last Forever

Alexa

How to Clean Window Screens Like a Pro

Marilyn Syarto

New In-depth Guides

Take a look at the new in-depth guides we have to offer.

How to Get Rid of Musty Smells in a Basement for Good

By Judy SchumerGetting rid of the musty smell in your basement involves more than odor cover-up. If you spray a nice smelling air freshener, you may eliminate the problem short-term—if you don’t treat the source of the odor, it’ll come back in no time. If you’ve invested time and money turning your basement into a place you love, like a home bar or theater room, a musty smell can instantly ruin the vibe.Figuring out the cause of the musty smell is the key to getting rid of it for good. Eliminating excess moisture, mold, or mildew in your basement will not only eliminate your odor issues but will create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.Read on to find out what things can cause your basement to smell musty, how to banish the cause of the odors and the odors themselves, and how to prevent the musty smell to begin with.

How-To Guides

How to Get Rid Of Wild Violets When They Take Over Your Lawn

By Sharon BrandweinAs the old saying goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure, and nowhere is this more true than in the case of wild violets. While some see wild violets as a quick-growing groundcover that leaves their yards awash in purple flowers, others see them as an invasive weed that detracts from the beauty of a lush green lawn. And while some folks see wild violets as a bright addition to their summer salad or a cure for what ails them, others see them as a nuisance that must be dealt with. If you fall into the latter category, rest assured that you're not alone. There are plenty of folks who prefer not to let their beautiful lawns fall prey to a bully wearing purple.If you’re looking for ways to get rid of wild violets in your yard, you’ve come to the right place. Ahead, this guide walks you through how to get rid of wild violets, plus we offer some tips to help you keep them from coming back.

How-To Guides

How to Clean Battery Corrosion, Which Isn't as Scary as You Think

By Sharon BrandweinAt some point in your life, you’ve probably opened a remote control to change the batteries only to find that they have corroded inside the battery compartment. Yes, bad things happen to good people, but this isn’t one of them.The truth is, battery corrosion is a fact of life for alkaline batteries, and while it may look a bit gnarly in there, corrosion isn’t the death knell of your device. With a few pantry and household staples, you can clean a corroded battery and get your devices back up and running in no time. This guide will show you how!

How-To Guides

How to Remove Double-Sided Tape Stuck on Household Surfaces

By Marilyn SyartoIt’s inevitable that you’ll likely break or chip a few of your fingernails trying to fully remove double-sided tape from surfaces such as wood, wallboard, metal, glass, or plastic. Double-sided tape—which is a tape that has glue on both sides—can be ideal in many situations when you want to join two surfaces without using nails, staples, or tacks. Or, maybe you’re trying to repair broken latches or secure a rug to the floor.There are a few types of double-sided tape, including sticky cellophane tape, double-sided tape specialized for carpet, outdoor tape, and double-sided foam tape. Each is equally frustrating when trying to cleanly remove the high-tack material.One thing that can make double-sided tape tougher to remove is its exposure to high heat in the summer or in hot environments. The heat makes the adhesive dry out, which cements the tape to the surface it’s on. Luckily, there are a few proven techniques for how to remove double-sided tape that’ll make this job easier to tackle. We’ll cover all of those ways in this guide, so read on!

How-To Guides

How to Clean Stained Glass So It Looks Good As New

By Judy SchumerStained glass windows add breathtaking beauty to your home. You can acquire these works of art anywhere from a local artisan to an auction house specializing in vintage salvaged pieces.No matter where you get it from, stained glass needs special care. If you use the wrong cleaning methods, you’ll do far more damage to the piece than you would have if you left it dirty. You also don’t want to leave grime and dirt on the stained glass and have it work its way to the leaded framework, which can lead to corrosion.Learn how to safely clean stained glass to keep it sparkling for many years to come with this guide; you’ll not only learn how to clean stained glass, but we'll also walk through the telltale signs that your glass needs a good cleaning and how to remove corrosion from the framework.

How-To Guides

How to Clean a Cricut Mat and Get It Sticky Again

By Sharon BrandweinA Cricut machine can be a crafter’s best friend, but there’s nothing more disappointing than starting a new project only to find that your material won’t stick to your cutting mat. If you think you need to throw away your Cricut mat when it gets dirty or loses its tackiness, guess again—you can actually clean your Cricut mat and extend its longevity. Of course, cleaning your Cricut mat won’t be the answer forever, but it will buy you some time and save you some cash.In this guide, we’ll walk you through the hows and whys of cleaning a Cricut mat, how to make a Cricut mat sticky again, and when it might be time to replace a seasoned mat.

How-To Guides