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Tip Store: Household: Maintenance

Take a Second Look at Your Instruction Manuals

​By re-reading my instruction manuals, I've discovered two new things just in one week. 
I've discovered my electric frying pan is dishwasher safe. win! :) and I've also discovered that I have been using the spacer for my asthma puffer incorrectly, potentially putting my health at risk.
So give some thought to re-reading your manuals. You never know what you might discover.
Contributed by Paula Hill

Save and Find Peace of Mind

​I finally cracked it six months ago and went through my home, decluttering, sorting and cleaning. It took a month to do the whole house. Since then I have saved so much money! I now know what I have, how much and where it is. I also know that buying something means finding a place for it and that is usually enough to change my mind! I have saved over $600 in the past 5 months due to knowing what I have and what I need!
Contributed by Ana Rajkovaca

​Non-slip Paint Suitable for a Driveway

Berger make a Non Slip Paving Paint called Jet Dry. It conforms to the Australian Standard for Slip Resistance. It is oil based and suitable for driveways. Make sure you read all the instructions on the can prior to use.
​Contributed by Pam Strange, 10th November 2014

​A Non-slip Driveway

To make a painted driveway non-slip, mix some sand in the paint, and paint with a brush or roller, or paint first and sprinkle sand over the wet paint, good way to get the kids involved, if you don't mind cleaning them up. Dad used to do this to the boat The sand gives traction
​ Contributed by Rosemarie Wheeler, 6th November 2014

​Making Your Concrete Look Better

My suggestion is to redo the surface only with either fine Blue Metal, or you could use the next size up. I think you would have to use a glue or wet concrete and then throw the metal across the driveway, and I am sure you would be able to do it yourselves and it will look good and save painting. I would go to Bunnings or big Hardware shop and just look at what they have and you can always ask them and sure they would advise what to use.
​Contributed by Lynette Stewart, 6th November 2014

​Concrete Driveway Brighten Up

I found we had same problem with our porch. What I did was mix sand in the paint and it worked a treat even in the top clear coat. No slipping!
​Contributed by Les Ariansen, 6th November 2014

​No More Paper Serviettes

Not sure if this is a new idea, but buying some cloth serviettes in the Op Shop means no need for paper serviettes at the meal table. You can just wash the cloth serviettes when you do your clothes. Saves quite a bit of $$, and ecologically cool too.
​Contributed by Darryl Cloonan

​Simple, Cheap Plumbing Fix

I work for a large plumbing company and we often advise people who ring up with a bad smell coming from their bathrooms to pour a few cups of water down their waste drains. These are the little drains for water overflows which often dry out and cause the most dreadful smell. People should do this about four times a year. No chemicals needed, just water. Saves customers paying $75 plus for a call out/service fee.
​Contributed by Jenny Riley, 10th March 2012

​Care When Storing Paint

My husband has been a 3d Inspirations (Dulux stores) and painter for years and he said that it is really unsafe to store leftover paints in a glass jar with Gladwrap. In the short term it is ok, but as a storage method the fumes will burn through the Gladwrap and the paint can erode and stain the shelf it sits on if it's upside down. There are also the dangers of any children or pets getting into it. He suggested if people want to come in store, or go to a local Bunnings etc. you can purchase a little pot very cheaply to store small amounts in. Just remember that commercial paints like this do have a shelf life too before they become toxic! There is a huge difference between commercial and craft paints so be aware!
​Contributed by Lauren Brennan, 25thFebruary 2011

​Flush the Blockage Away

Another way to unblock a toilet if you have no idea (apart from something gross!) what the blockage is. Take the hose and attach to tap, feed hose into toilet as far as it will go, get someone else to turn tap on full blast (in case it squirts out) and hold on. This should clear the blockage and save a huge amount of dollars calling out a plumber!
​Contributed by Pam Peters, 28th August 2010

​Easy Glide Screen Doors

​If screen doors stick spray with insect surface spray and this will help open (spray has oil base) and will also keep creepy crawlies away. Love tips am saving to become a member not too long now. Contributed by Glenis, Rosanna, 7th January 2009

​To Stop a Smelly Septic

Buy the cheapest natural yoghurt you can but it must contain acidophilus bacteria. Leave the yoghurt with the lid off until a green mould starts to grow on the top. Tip it into the septic tank. Our septic had the occasional smells and associated stinks and a real estate agent told us a bloke for the local water authority told him to try this. Well, we gave it a go and after nearly twelve months, no more smell. My wife uses vinegar to clean the toilet but we don't pour it in. I use a cup of vinegar in the cisterns once in a blue moon to kill the bugs in there but will stop. I don't want the acidophilus getting hurt. The little blighters are doing a good job. The cost to us was about $2.00 and a wait of a couple of weeks (cool weather) until the mould started. Give it a go and you will be very happy. Another suggestion was stuffing a dead chook in the septic (serious) but I couldn't come at that. Still worth a try.
​Contributed by Clive, Canowindra, 26th April 2010

​Handy Tool Hanger

I use the very large Coke bottles to store screwdrivers in. Take the cap off. Cut half the neck end of the bottle off, leaving the entire cap end intact. Cut down to the top of the label, and remove this section. Put a strong hook (I made mine out of strong wire) down through the cap hole. Hang on a nail, and place all your screwdrivers in it for easy access and identification.
​Contributed by Pam, Dianella, 13th March 2010

​Sweet and Sour Keeps Septic Happy

Just further info about using vinegar to clean a toilet… I use vinegar to clean ours but as we have a septic tank system but have been advised to add a bit of sugar into the toilet bowl after cleaning with vinegar – otherwise the septic tank can't do its job properly! Apparently the sugar ensures that friendly bacteria can do their work on ‘waste'.
​Contributed by Elizabeth, 17th February 2009

​Frog Free Toilet

To rid frogs from your toilet, simply pour 1 bottle of cheap bleach into the toilet bowl at night before going to bed, DO NOT FLUSH. Flush toilet in the morning. Frogs do not like the smell of bleach and soon disappear. Use on a weekly basis. Please note: Bleach does not harm frogs in any way. Not only will you rid your toilet of frogs but you will have a nice clean toilet bowl without having to scrub. Contributed by Rosemary, Kyogle, 25th March 2009

Editors Note: Frogs don't like salt either so if you have this problem you can also pour salt down the toilet once a month or so. They are most likely getting in through broken pipes, which may have been caused by roving tree roots, in which case the salt will help with the root problem too. Check for broken pipes if you think they are coming in this way and get them replaced.
​Cath

​Need Instructions?

A really great website for the saver, do-it-yourselfer, greenie etc is www.instructables.com This site has thousands of ideas to make yourself, usually recycling stuff you already have. Ideas are submitted by people who have made the items and have step-by-step instructions with photos. There is something for everybody. They will even send you an email newsletter to keep you up to date. The only problem is that once you start looking at one project something else keeps catching your attention. Worth a look.
Contributed by Elizabeth, Leongatha, 30th January 2009
​ Website: www.instructables.com

​Easy Glide Sliding Door

Due to the hot weather and then cold weather our sliding door has been getting stuck...by rubbing an old candle along the rails, the doors always run along the rails smoothly. It has saved on time and money!
​Contributed by Kay, Adelaide, 17th January 2009

​'E Knows How

Recently while surfing the net I came across this fabulous website: www.ehow.com. It tells you how to do just about everything - from how to fix leaks to repairing your roof to fantastic and cost effective entertaining ideas! Some of the categories covered are Cars, Computers, Electronics, Fashion, Style and Personal Care, Food and Drink, Health, Holidays and Celebrations, Home and Garden etc. So not only can you get some fab new ideas and recipes, you can also save heaps by doing a lot of DIY and repairs yourself. Definitely one to save on your favourites list.
​Contributed by Lynette, Kiara, 15th July 2008

​Free Quotes to Renovate on the Cheap

I too have been renovating 'on the cheap'. The best way I have found to get the best price is to get plenty of 'free' quotes from whatever type of service you are needing the quote for. I never hide the fact that others are quoting so if the contractor wants to win the job they will give you the best price they can... The other advantage of having several different options is that you get a lot of free advice on how to go about doing the job. This has often proved invaluable when you have another contractor telling you need to do a certain thing when you don't have to... Another tip is to ask if you can do the labouring for the job thus cutting down on the time it will take to do... I am having a part renovation in my kitchen and am getting quotes based on removing the tiles and old cupboards myself... The one thing I don't skimp on is having exactly what I want as I know that in the future I will be disappointed with the end result and knowing that, by being a little more frugal, I could have achieved the result I was aiming at... Good luck with your reno's and get used to living in a mess for a while!!!!
​Contributed by Mary, Netley, 30th March 2008

​Kitty Litter as Damp Rid

When excess moisture and mould is a problem in your house, instead of purchasing moisture absorber refills, purchase kitty litter! a more economical alternative.
​Contributed by Jane, Alstonville, 25th February 2008

​Extended Warranties in Case of Disaster

OK, this tip may sound a little bit tight but the way I figure it you pay for a service so you should use it. If a household appliance/camera etc. gets damaged and wrecked check your insurance policy to see if they are covered before running out and buying a replacement. In most cases, they are covered and this can save you the cost of a replacement. If they aren't covered by house and contents insurance check the manufacturer's warranty as you may be eligible for a replacement (especially if you got the extended warranty). This may seem like common sense but a lot of times we tend to forget about warranty. So far, I have needed 2 new DVD/CD burners from Dell that did not cost me anything and a technician was able to install them in my home (next day) at no cost. I have also had a 2 year old printer replaced through Harvey Norman because I choose the extended warranty. It's worth a phone call or two- that's for sure.
​Contributed by Belinda, Shepparton, 16th August, 2007

​Seconds Glass Saves Big Dollars

Approximate $ Savings: $250

​ A stray billiard pool broke a big glass sliding door in the living room. The quote to replace it was $300.00 but by asking for a discount at a local glass manufacturer, we were able to buy a 'seconds' piece of glass for the cost of a slab of beer! It had been returned by a commercial client because it had a scratch on it. I've never found the scratch!
Contributed by Jacinta, Ocean Grove, 9th November 2007

​Lower Pressure to Stop the Hammer

We had a hammer tap problem, had arrestors installed by a plumber with no real effect. We tested our water pressure by seeing how long it took to fill a 4 gallon bucket. I can't remember how long it was supposed to take but ours filled in less than half the recommended time. This indicated we had too much water pressure, so we turned our tap down at the metre and kept turning it lower until the hammer stopped. Providing we never turned the tap on fuller we never had a problem again and believe me ours was super bad. Hope this helps.
​Contributed by Dianne, Arundel Hills, 16th October 2007

​DIY Savings by Shopping Online

Approximate $ Savings: $300

​ If you are do home renovations and need to replace or install a new item for example roller blinds, price the item with a local dealer. Once you get all the details and an idea of what it is going to cost search for companies that do their business online only. You will find that they will be able to do the exact same blind for a fraction of the cost because they have no over heads. You will find that you will be able to save up to 35% on the cost of the same item.
Contributed by Susie, Beacon Hill, 22nd April 2007

​No More Tangled Power Leads

Extension power leads often become tangled. I use a short length of garden tie to make a hanging loop, so I can hang the cords on a hook in the laundry or shed. I tie the wire around the lead at the plug end, and then coil up the cord and tie it with the wire tie.
​Contributed by Leigh, Willaston, May 25th 2005

​Don’t Waste Water Cleaning Your Paint Tray

Put your paint tray inside a cheap plastic garbage bag before you start painting. Pour your paint in and use, when you are finished simply take the tray out of the bag turn inside out and throw away. No Mess No Fuss, No water wastage.
​Contributed by Tracy, October 31st 2006

​Look for Used Glass for Home Repairs

Go to any of your local Glass manufacturers (e.g. Budget Showerscreens) and ask them if they have any used sheets. I have done this in the past - they cost half the price of new glass, there is nothing wrong with the glass and they will cut it to size as well.
​Contributed by Margaret, Wagga Wagga, July 11th, 2006

​Use Local Paper to Locate Local Glaziers and Save

​I know this may be stating the obvious but do check in the local paper under glaziers. We broke a huge 2mx3.5m window and it only cost $99- for the guy to come out & replace the glass, take away the broken, & leave all tidy. The local glass shop wanted more than that just to supply the glass pane! Contributed by Karon, Mill Park, July 12th, 2006

​Free DIY Workshops

I am not sure if all states have Bunnings stores but if your state has one or you live in WA, check out the free adult workshops. These workshops are fantastic for learning some new skills for around the house and garden. Save yourself some money on repairmen and learn how to fix it yourself. They have kids workshops too.
​Contributed by Chris, High Wycombe, January 29, 2006