Handy DIY tips around your home

1. Dents in wood surfaces can be fixed…

Simply soak a facecloth in water and ring it out so it’s not sopping wet. Put the damp washcloth on the affected wood area. The water will wick through the wood, and that’s fine. Now, with your iron on its highest setting, place it on the damp washcloth over the affected area, and make small circular movements back and forth. Press down firmly and continue until your facecloth is dry. It won’t take long to evaporate. At this point, the wood fibres have absorbed the water and should expand back to where they were originally. Continue this process and repeat by adding more water until the dents rise up to be flush with the rest of the material.

2. Add bumpers to banging doors

Tired of listening to those kitchen cabinet doors bang shut? Peel-and-stick door and drawer bumpers are the solution. Get a pack of 20 at the local hardware store for only a few Dirhams. Make sure the back of the door is clean so the bumpers will stick, then place one at the top corner and another at the bottom.

3. Lubricate a lock with a pencil

Don’t give up on sticky locks as you can fix them with a pencil… Simply rub the teeth of your key with the pencil, coating it generously with graphite. Insert the key in the lock, which will deposit the lubricant inside. Repeat as needed until the key glides in smoothly.

4. Fix a loose wallpaper seam

If you have a wallpaper seam that’s coming apart, reactivate the paste around the gap with a rag soaked in warm water. Hold the rag over the area for a minute or two, and then carefully open the gap a little larger so you’ll have more room for the sealer. Squeeze seam sealer or regular white PVA glue into the gap. Then press the paper to the wall with a roller or a dry cloth. Clean off the excess sealer with a sponge.

5. Ask a professional Dubai maintenance company for help

IHateCleaning.ae has a professional team on hand to help you with all those jobs around the house you never seem to get around to... Me time is precious, so call IHateCleaning.ae today and have them provide you with a quotation for the work you need doing. You will find the rates are very reasonable and the results will be professional. From hanging pictures and mounting new televisions; fitting curtain tracks or shelving; painting and touch-ups; plumbing repairs, tiling, grouting and sealant; to high-pressure patio cleaning, window cleaning and washing facades. IHateCleaning.ae has a large array of professional cleaning and maintenance equipment, made in Germany, and a well-trained and friendly team who will help to find the best solutions for you. Contact IHateCleaning.ae today and ask them to visit and provide a quote.