Sit back and relax with the time you'll save after adopting these home hacks.
100 Home Hacks That Will Improve Your Life
![Garage Floor Dam](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16JUN_HOMHAK_10.jpg)
Garage Floor Dam
![Invest in Healthy Food](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/shutterstock_556492396.jpg)
Invest in Healthy Food
No one ever expects to get robbed, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Your home is full of secret hiding spots for valuables that thieves will never look at.
![Use Rechargeable Batteries](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/shutterstock_99673421.jpg)
Use Rechargeable Batteries
![Reuse Items](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/shutterstock_294738866.jpg)
Reuse Items
![PVC Curling Iron Holsters](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/0011/07/FH0111_002_BBSTOT_06.jpg)
PVC Curling Iron Holsters
Editor’s Tip: PVC is affordable and versatile for home plumbing, but some health advocates warn against it. Here’s to know whether PVC pipes are safe or not.
![Overhead Storage in the Garage](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/NOV_2007_054_T_01.jpg)
Overhead Storage in the Garage
![No-Ladder Gutter Cleaner](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/JUN_2004_027_T_01.jpg)
No-Ladder Gutter Cleaner
![pvc bike rack](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/PVC-bike-rack.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Bike Rack
Use PVC pipe to build a bike rack. Perfect for a corner of the garage, this DIYer used PVC to make a bike rack that holds five bikes upright. Depending on your bike wheel specifications, you can modify dimensions so they all fit snugly. You can also build a wall-mounted bike rack with storage.
Courtesy of Quinnatotor via Reddit
![computer cords](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/shutterstock_705956392.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Hide Cords
Help keep your home office space organized by using PVC pipe to hide cords. Just wrangle all those computer, mouse, monitor and phone cords and hide them in some PVC pipe. You can even use some colorful tape to match your office décor. Try these 10 easy DIYs for a home office.
![PVC-plastic-bag-dispenser](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FH11APR_517_08_038.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
PVC Plastic Bag Dispenser
After building a PVC fence, I was left with a few extra 2-ft. lengths of fence post. I turned one of them into a home for grocery bags that I reuse. I stuff them into the top and pull them out the bottom. If you don’t have any leftover fencing, 3-in.-diameter PVC pipe works well too. Attach it to the door inside a pantry or closet, or to a wall of your workshop or garage. — Dave Mitchell. Get those bags out of the way in the kitchen too, and organize your kitchen.
![Lighted Screwdriver Hack](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/HH-lighted-driver-2.jpg)
Lighted Screwdriver Hack
![Draft Dodger](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH16JUN_569_08_009_R02.jpg)
Draft Dodger
![Long Reach Shears](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH12JUN_529_08_018.jpg)
Long Reach Shears
![Tarp Trailer](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH05NOV_463_08_053.jpg)
Tarp Trailer
![Clog Claw](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH05FEB_455_08_024.jpg)
Clog Claw
![Stop Losing Socks](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH05JUN_459_08_013.jpg)
Stop Losing Socks
![Poop Pipe](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH17JAU_580_08_R01.jpg)
Poop Pipe
![Tape-Tearing Tip](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Untitled-1.jpg)
Tape-Tearing Tip
![Wine Cork Wobbly Table Fix](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/HH-cork-table-wobble-3.jpg)
Wine Cork Wobbly Table Fix
![Skinny Laundry Room Cart](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/FH12MAY_ORGTIP_05.jpg)
Skinny Laundry Room Cart
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/FH15APR_557_08_013.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Hands-Free Light
I was working under the kitchen sink and couldn’t see what I was doing, so I used zip ties to attach mini flashlights to a pair of safety glasses. Now I use this pair whenever I climb into the attic or do any repairs in unlighted spaces. Everywhere I look is illuminated. — Nathan Rodgers. Plus: Safety gear every DIYer should own.
![pool noodle inside drawer](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HH-pool-noodle-drawer-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Stay-Put Drawer Organizer
I have always hated the way drawer organizers move around when you open and close a drawer. I solved the problem at my house with a pool noodle!
I measured the distance from the back of the drawer organizer to the back of the drawer and used a utility knife to cut the noodle to size. The pool noodle fits snuggly in place, so the drawer organizer doesn’t move around anymore. You could also cut the pool noodle in half lengthwise to reduce the amount of space that it takes up. — Roy Allison
![Lift Gate Protection](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/fh10jau_510_08_021.jpg)
Lift Gate Protection
![Ladder Padding](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/fh11may_518_08_010.jpg)
Ladder Padding
Patching a hole in the wall
![No-Slip Clothes Hanger 1](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/HANDYHINTS_062118_033.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
No-Slip Clothes Hangers
If you have all matching clothes hangers in your closet and sometimes you get one of the really cheap, plastic ones when you need an anti-slip hanger. One solution is to wrap pipe cleaners around the clothes hanger. The pipe cleaners add a grippy stop to these otherwise slippery hangers.
![Simple DIY Vacuum Extension](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/P1004491.jpg)
Simple DIY Vacuum Extension
![No-Slip Cutting Board](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/HANDYHINTS_062118_009.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
No-Slip Cutting Board
Most cutting boards don’t come with any kind of rubber surface on the bottom to prevent them from sliding on a countertop, but with a couple of rubber bands, you can stabilize your cutting board and keep it from moving around during use. Slip on two rubber bands—one at each end of the cutting board—and you’re good to go. Make sure that the rubber bands lay flat and aren’t twisted when you put them on so the board will sit steady on your countertop. Next, check out 25 handy hints specifically for the home cook.
![Rubber Band and Paperclip Binder](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/cord-binder-2.jpg)
Rubber Band and Paperclip Binder
![No-Rattle Ceiling Fan](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FEB_2004_025_T_01-1.jpg)
No-Rattle Ceiling Fan
![Organize Small Cords with Toilet Paper Rolls](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-toilet-paper-roll-cords.jpg)
Organize Small Cords with Toilet Paper Rolls
![Paper Towel Boot Shaper](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/paper-towel-boots-1.jpg)
Paper Towel Boot Shaper
![DIY Tiered Hangers for More Closet Storage](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2016_11_Closet_Storage_04.jpg)
DIY Tiered Hangers for More Closet Storage
![Toilet Paper Roll Hair Band Organizer](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/toilet-paper-bands-1.jpg)
Toilet Paper Roll Hair Band Organizer
![Pool Noodle Hanger Hack](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HH-noodle-hanger-4.jpg)
Pool Noodle Hanger Hack
![Toilet Paper Roll Wrapping Paper Sleeve](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-wrapping-paper-roll-1.jpg)
Toilet Paper Roll Wrapping Paper Sleeve
![Nonslip Tools](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FH07MAY_RUBBER_01.jpg)
Nonslip Tools
![Eliminate drain odor](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/FH05MAY_SEATRA_01-2.jpg)
Eliminate drain odor
![shutterstock_696897289 broom cleaning products](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/shutterstock_696897289.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Combine tasks
Kill two birds with one stone by doing similar cleaning tasks at the same time. “Clean your baseboards when you are vacuuming or washing floors, clean blinds when you are cleaning windows, etc.,” suggests Becky Rapinchuk, owner of CleanMama.net.
![shutterstock_532799731 dishwasher](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/shutterstock_532799731.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Use your dishwasher
Dishwashers are for so much more than just washing dishes. Use yours to dust off knickknacks like mason jars and glass candle globes. Pretty much anything glass or ceramic should be fine going in the dishwasher, but you do want to stay away from putting meltable plastics.
![Floor Swiffer for Walls](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-swiffer-1.jpg)
Floor Swiffer for Walls
![Baking Soda + Vinegar = Magic](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/SS494_CleanOven_8.jpg)
Baking Soda + Vinegar = Magic
Remove Hard-Water Buildup with a Lemon
![Remove Pet Hair with Duct Tape](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/FH030711_001_TOUCLE_09.jpg)
Remove Pet Hair with Duct Tape
![Clean the Exhaust Fan](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/FH05NOV_EXHFAN_01.jpg)
Clean the Exhaust Fan
![Dust with Your Dryer](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/FH15MAR_DUSTME_09.jpg)
Dust with Your Dryer
![Synthetic Soap Simplifies Bathroom Cleaning](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/MAR_2006_001_T_01-1.jpg)
Synthetic Soap Simplifies Bathroom Cleaning
![Clean Grout with a Bleach Pen](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/FH13JUN_CLEABA_12.jpg)
Clean Grout with a Bleach Pen
![Clean a Sluggish Toilet](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/FH110110_003_SPDCNT_22.jpg)
Clean a Sluggish Toilet
![Vacuum First, Then Scrub](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/FH13JUN_CLEABA_09.jpg)
Vacuum First, Then Scrub
![Clean Your Bagless Vacuum Filter](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Vacuum-a-vacuum-filter.jpg)
Clean Your Bagless Vacuum Filter
![Citrus Peels and Ice Cubes for a Stinky Disposer](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/OCT_2005_001_T_01.jpg)
Citrus Peels and Ice Cubes for a Stinky Disposer
- With the water running at about half throttle, drop in orange or lemon peels. Run the disposer for five seconds. Citric acid from the peels softens crusty waste and attacks smelly bacteria. Give the acid about 15 minutes to do its work.
- Turn on the water and the disposer and drop in a few ice cubes. Flying shards of ice work like a sandblaster inside the disposer.
- Run the water until the bowl is about half full. Then pull the stopper and turn on the disposer to flush it out.
![Microwave Cleaner](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/FH02OCT_02761_021.jpg)
Microwave Cleaner
![Countertop Gap Filler](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/DJA_2007_025_T_01-1.jpg)
Countertop Gap Filler
![Remove Tough Grime with Less Scrubbing](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/FH13JUN_CLEABA_07.jpg)
Remove Tough Grime with Less Scrubbing
![Blow Out the Garage](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH030711_001_TOUCLE_07.jpg)
Blow Out the Garage
![Clean Range Hood Grease Filters With a Degreaser](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH12JUN_VENHOD_01.jpg)
Clean Range Hood Grease Filters With a Degreaser
![Clean a Stinky Fridge](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/FH12MAR_DESTFR_01-2-e1611683650186.jpg)
Clean a Stinky Fridge
![Luminous Light Switch](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/123_FHMB_101Things17PIC.jpg)
Luminous Light Switch
![Suck Out Drain Clogs](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH10SEP_511_08_033.jpg)
Suck Out Drain Clogs
![Pinecone Scooper](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH16SEP_571_08_003.jpg)
Pinecone Scooper
![Plastic Bag Dispenser](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/OCT_2008_021_T_01.jpg)
Plastic Bag Dispenser
![Brush with a Drill](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH14NOV_CRETLS_10.jpg)
Brush with a Drill
Got a big scrubbing job on your list? Chuck a brush into your drill and save the elbow grease. You'll find drill-ready brushes for all kinds of scrubbing from Drillbrush.
![Make a Homeowner's Journal](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/2016-11-Home-Office-Organization-14-1-accordion-folder.jpg)
Make a Homeowner's Journal
![caulk window insulation](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/FH03MAR_02604_011.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Whistling Window
If you’ve got a dull whistle that comes through the house on a windy day it can make for a long day. Take care any possible leak by caulking the window.
![bath fan noise](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/FH07OCT_482_05_004.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Bath Fan
If the bath fan in your home is more than 20 years old, chances are it’s pretty loud. A loud fan may be good for masking bathroom noise, but the jet engine roar is downright annoying the rest of the time. Worse yet, your old bath fan may not be moving enough air to keep your bathroom free of mold and mildew. Here’s how to fix a noisy bath fan.
![Clink, Clink, Clink of the Ceiling Fan Chain](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH14JUN_NOISES_03.jpg)
Clink, Clink, Clink of the Ceiling Fan Chain
![Keep It Quiet](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH14JUN_APPHUM_01.jpg)
Keep It Quiet
![Squeaky Door Hinge](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH03DJA_SQUHIN_01.jpg)
Squeaky Door Hinge
![Jingling Dog Tags](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH14JUN_NOISES_21.jpg)
Jingling Dog Tags
![magnetic strips for kitchen utensils knives](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/shutterstock_641292685.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Hold Knives and Kitchen Utensils
One of the most common ways to use magnetic strips is to hold kitchen knives and utensils in the kitchen. Magnetic strips work great in small kitchens, because they help get items off the countertop so there’s less clutter.
![mount magnets inside a medicine cabinet](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-magnets-in-medicine-cabinet.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Keep Grooming Tools in One Spot
Keep all those personal grooming tools in one place. A magnetic strip in the medicine cabinet can be used to store tweezers, clippers and small scissors.
![Add-On Clothes Rod](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/FH11FEB_515_50_040.jpg)
Add-On Clothes Rod
![Clothing Storage Solutions: Maximize Drawer Space](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GettyImages-1247763022-e1629496155184.jpg)
Clothing Storage Solutions: Maximize Drawer Space
![High-Visibility Boundary Marker](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/fh13feb_535_08_r01.jpg)
High-Visibility Boundary Marker
![Touch up Nicks and Scratches](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/OCT_2004_017_T_01.jpg)
Touch up Nicks and Scratches
If you have shallow scratches or nicks, hide them with a stain-filled touch-up marker. Dab on the stain and wipe off the excess with a rag. But beware: Scratches can absorb lots of stain and turn darker than the surrounding finish. So start with a marker that's lighter than your cabinet finish and then switch to a darker shade if needed. For deeper scratches, use a filler pencil, which fills and colors the scratch. If the cabinet finish is dingy overall and has lots of scratches, consider a wipe-on product like Old English Scratch Coat. These products can darken the finish slightly, so you have to apply them to all your cabinets. Bigger than a scratch? Use polyester filler.
![Restore Free Flow to a Faucet](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH13JUN_TENMIN_21.jpg)
Restore Free Flow to a Faucet
![Kitchen Window Plant Perch](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH13MAR_INSTOR_01.jpg)
Kitchen Window Plant Perch
![How to Stop Under-the-Door Air Leaks](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH98OCT_013_98_025_26.jpg)
How to Stop Under-the-Door Air Leaks
![Junk Drawer in a Bag](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH01JAU_02381_007.jpg)
Junk Drawer in a Bag
![Switch Your Ceiling Fan Direction](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH01MAY_02302001.old_.jpg)
Switch Your Ceiling Fan Direction
![More Shower Shelves](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/066_FHMB_101Things17b.jpg)
More Shower Shelves
![How to Seal Outlets and Ceiling Boxes](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH16MAR_566_06_011.jpg)
How to Seal Outlets and Ceiling Boxes
![Secure Your Kitchen Towels](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/P1022313.jpg)
Secure Your Kitchen Towels
![Kitchen Storage: Better in a Basket](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/dfh17may021_shutterstock_617046881-1-1200x1200-e1552338979160.jpg)
Kitchen Storage: Better in a Basket
![HH handy hints spaghetti noodle lighter candle](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/FH19DJF_591_08_089.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Pasta Lighter
We’re sure you’re stocking up on sweet smelling candles to make your home extra cozy for the colder months. But, if your candles are burning too low to reach the wick, there’s no reason to go without your favorite scent. Instead of burning your fingers, light a piece of uncooked spaghetti. It’ll reach into those deep candles and burn long enough to light the candles on grandpa’s birthday cake!
Everyone enjoys saving money, especially when it comes to improving your home. So check out these 35 amazingly cheap handy hints using everyday items.
![HH Handy Hint color coded key nail polish](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/FH19DJF_591_08_105.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Identify Your Keys at a Glance
“It seems the older I get, the more keys I carry around. Between the car, house, shed and garage, I have a whole pocket full of keys. To make it easier to quickly find my most used keys, I paint both sides of the key head with brightly colored nail polish. I use a different color for each key. The nail polish is extremely durable and you’ll be surprised how much longer it lasts than spray paint.” —Joseph Grayson
Check out these other 14 Secret Tool Tips for DIYers from the Pros.
![HH Handy Hint fog free mirror car wax](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/FH19APR_593_08_002.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Fog-Free Mirrors
Prevent your bathroom mirror from fogging up after a hot shower with car wax. Apply a small amount of car wax to the mirror, let it dry, then buff with a soft, dry cloth. Expert tips that add up to big savings on your next bath remodel.
![HH Handy hint ice cubes wrinkle remover dryer](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/FH19DJF_591_08_113.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Get Wrinkles Out of Your Laundry with Zero Effort
Ditch the time-consuming iron or handheld steamer to get wrinkles out of a shirt or slacks. Throw a few ice cubes or a wet washcloth in the dryer with your wrinkled clothes. As the ice melts and the water turns to steam, it will remove the wrinkles. This trick isn’t as effective with heavier clothing but is a miracle for lighter fabrics. The best part is that you don’t have to set the dryer for longer than 10 minutes for it to work. These 20 small laundry room ideas make the most of what little space you have in your laundry or utility room.
![Lampshade Lint Roller](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/HANDYHINTS_062118_022.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Lampshade Lint Roller
Fabric lampshades are magnets for dust and pet hair. You can’t just throw them in the washing machine, so what do you do? A lint roller works really well. Be careful though, as lampshades are fragile and can even become brittle. A torn lampshade is worse than a dirty one.
![tractor rope HH](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/FH19DJF_591_08_010.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Lawn Mower Grass Chute Saver
To avoid a lot of string trimmer work, I like to mow as close as possible to trees and buildings. But the grass chute on my riding mower prevents it. So I drilled a hole in the chute and tied a rope from the chute to a handle on the side of the tractor. Now I can lift up the chute without missing a beat, and cut way down on string trimmer work. — Travis Larson
![HH Handy Hint Vacuum cleaner nylons find lost items](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/FH19APR_593_08_012.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Find Your Lost Items
Everyone knows how annoying it is when you can’t seem to find a dropped pill or the back of an earring. So how do you find these items quickly and easily? Use your vacuum. Here’s the trick; before you turn the vacuum on, cut off the end of a nylon and secure it on the end of your vacuum hose with a rubber band. Check out these ingenious hacks and practical uses for rubber bands that go far beyond their intended use.
![HH Handy Hint broom wide tooth comb dust bunny dustpan hack](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/FH19DJF_591_08_122.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Dust Bunny Broom Cleaner
Every time you sweep, clumps of dust and hair collect at the ends of the broom’s bristles. To solve this problem, hot glue a wide-tooth comb to the top of a dustpan. Just run the bristles through the comb to remove any excess gunk dangling from the broom.
Check out these Cleaning Tips to Reduce Household Dust in the first place.
![Rice and sock heat pad](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/HANDYHINTS_042618_027.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Homemade Heating Pad
Next time you have a sore neck or back, don’t reach for an electric heating pad. Instead, fill a sock with uncooked rice, tie the end and microwave it for two or three minutes. I like this better than a heating pad, as it conforms to whatever body part that needs heat. You can even put in some fragrant herbs like cinnamon or lavender to make it smell nice!
![HH Handy Hint Sponges stay plants stay hydrated](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/FH19DJF_591_08_022.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Cheap Planter Upgrade
Water settling at the bottom of pots can lead to root rot. To combat this problem, cut up old sponges and put them in the bottom of the pot. The sponges retain moisture and create necessary air space. They also help prevent water from flushing out the bottom. The sponge acts as a water reserve and keep soil moist longer.
Love to garden but short on time? Here are some tips that will help you plant, water and weed more efficiently so you have more time to stop and smell your roses.
![clean-refrigerator coils](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Clean-fridge-coil-FH16FEB_FORGET_05.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Clean Refrigerator Coils or Pay Unnecessary Repair Bills
Refrigerator condenser coils are located on the back of the fridge or across the bottom. When coils are clogged with dust, pet hair and cobwebs, they can’t efficiently release heat. The result is your compressor works harder and longer than it was designed to, using more energy and shortening the life of your fridge. Clean the coils with a coil-cleaning brush and vacuum. A coil-cleaning brush, which is bendable to fit in tight areas, does a thorough job. Look for one online or at appliance stores. For tips on repairing your refrigerator (without a service call), check out our guide or how to pick the best refrigerator out there.
![Build a Ball Tower](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16JUN_HOMHAK_01.jpg)
Build a Ball Tower
![HH kitchen condiments lettuce tomato muffin tin bbq](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/HANDY_HINTS_060418_026.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
All Your Condiments in One Place
The next time you host a barbecue or a patio party, pull out a muffin tin. Rather than using it to bake muffins (although you can do this later too), fill the cups with various condiments and barbecue toppings. This way your condiments are easy to access and your buffet lines will move along quickly. You will also dramatically increase your table space, and cut down on the separate serving bowls to clean up afterward.
For a truly impressive backyard barbecue, a home cook needs the right tools and a great plan for a successful day out in your yard. That’s why we’ve collected 12 of the best tips to make sure your grillout is fun, easy and delicious.
![Joist Space Storage](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/FH07JUN_482_50_056.jpg)
Joist Space Storage
![HH secure garbage bag with command hook](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/HANDYHINTS_062118_018.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Super-Secure Garbage Bags
Trash bags and waste bins should work perfectly together, but that’s rarely the case. As trash bags start to fill up, the bag slithers into the bin and you have to dig it out. To keep handled or drawstring trash bags in place, all you need are two medium or large self-adhesive command hooks. Position the hooks at a location that allows full use of the bin. Plus: How to keep your trash can from flying in the wind.