Beyond Bending Tell You How
From cooking up a storm to hosting dinner parties, the kitchen is the heart of any home. But with constant use, wear and tear is bound to happen. Luckily, there are plenty of easy and affordable fixes to common kitchen problems. Read on for some helpful tips and tricks on how to fix up your kitchen without breaking the bank.
Fixing a Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet can be a major annoyance, not to mention a waste of water. Fortunately, fixing it is usually a simple task that you can tackle on your own. First, turn off the water supply to the faucet. Then, remove the handle and the spout to access the cartridge. Replace the cartridge with a new one from the hardware store, and reassemble the faucet. Turn on the water supply, and voila! Your faucet should be leak-free.
Repairing a Burnt Countertop
Accidents happen, and sometimes a hot pot or pan can leave a nasty burn mark on your countertop. But fear not – you can easily fix this with a few simple steps. First, sand down the burn mark with fine-grit sandpaper until it is level with the surface of the countertop. Then, apply a small amount of wood filler to the area and smooth it out with a putty knife. Let the filler dry completely, and then sand it again until it is smooth. Finally, apply a matching countertop finish to the area to blend it in with the rest of the countertop.
Freshening up Your Cabinets
If your cabinets are looking a little worse for wear, a fresh coat of paint or stain can do wonders. First, remove all the cabinet doors and hardware. Sand the doors and frames lightly to remove any rough spots, and then wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any dust. Apply a coat of primer, and then let it dry completely. Follow up with two coats of paint or stain, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Reattach the hardware and doors, and your cabinets will look like new again.
Fixing a Loose Drawer
A drawer that doesn’t slide smoothly can be frustrating to deal with. To fix this, first remove the drawer from the cabinet. Check the slides to see if they are bent or damaged, and replace them if necessary. If the slides are in good condition, try tightening the screws that hold them in place. If the screws are stripped or won’t tighten, remove them and replace them with slightly longer screws. Reattach the slides and reinsert the drawer, and it should slide smoothly once again.
Replacing a Broken Tile
If you have a broken tile in your kitchen, replacing it is a relatively easy fix. First, remove the broken tile by breaking it into smaller pieces with a hammer and chisel. Clean the area thoroughly, and then apply a layer of tile adhesive to the back of the replacement tile. Press the tile into place, and use spacers to ensure it is properly aligned with the surrounding tiles. Let the adhesive dry completely, and then grout around the edges of the new tile. Wipe away any excess grout with a damp sponge, and your tile repair is complete.
Cleaning Your Appliances
A clean kitchen is a happy kitchen, and that includes your appliances. To clean your stove, oven, and microwave, start by removing any loose debris and wiping down the surfaces with a damp cloth. For tough stains and grime, use a cleaning solution specifically designed for your appliance. For your refrigerator, remove all the shelves and drawers and wash them in warm, soapy water. Wipe down the interior of the fridge with a damp cloth, and then replace the shelves and drawers. With a little elbow grease, your appliances will look and function like new.
Fixing a Clogged Drain
A clogged drain can be a real headache, but it’s usually a problem you can fix on your own. First, try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage. If that doesn’t work, remove the sink trap and use a drain snake to break up the clog. If you’re still having trouble, you may need to use a chemical drain cleaner, but be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take appropriate safety precautions.
Upgrading Your Lighting
Good lighting is essential in any kitchen, and upgrading your lighting fixtures can make a huge difference in the look and feel of the space. Consider installing under-cabinet lighting to brighten up your countertops and provide task lighting while cooking. Pendant lights over the kitchen island or dining table can add a stylish touch and provide ambient lighting. And don’t forget to switch out your light bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs to save on your electric bill.
Fixing a Loose Cabinet Hinge
If your cabinet doors are sagging or won’t stay closed, it may be time to tighten up the hinges. First, remove the cabinet door by unscrewing the hinges from the frame. Tighten any loose screws in the hinge, and then reattach the hinge to the frame. If the screws won’t tighten, you may need to replace them with slightly longer screws. Reattach the door to the hinge, and check to make sure it opens and closes smoothly.
Covering Up a Ugly Backsplash
If your kitchen backsplash is outdated or just plain ugly, you can cover it up with a new backsplash without having to remove the old one. Consider using peel-and-stick tiles, which are easy to install and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Simply measure the area you want to cover, cut the tiles to size, and peel off the backing to stick them in place. With a little creativity, you can transform your kitchen in no time.
Adding Storage Space
If you’re short on storage space in your kitchen, there are plenty of easy and affordable ways to add more. Consider installing a pegboard on an empty wall to hang pots, pans, and utensils. Add shelves above your cabinets to store items you don’t use frequently. Hang a magnetic knife strip on the wall to free up counter space. And don’t forget to make use of the space under your sink with a pull-out organizer.
Fixing a Wobbly Table
If your kitchen table wobbles or rocks, it can be a major annoyance during meals. To fix this, first check to see if the legs are loose. If they are, tighten any screws or bolts that hold them in place. If the legs are still wobbly, try shimming them with a piece of cardboard or felt furniture pads. Place the shim between the leg and the floor, and adjust as needed until the table is stable.
Cleaning Your Grout
Dirty or discolored grout can make your kitchen look dingy and uninviting. To clean your grout, start by scrubbing it with a stiff-bristled brush and a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. For tough stains, use a grout cleaner specifically designed for your type of tile. Rinse the grout thoroughly with warm water, and then seal it with a grout sealer to prevent future stains and discoloration.
Replacing Cabinet Hardware
If your cabinets are in good shape but just need a little refresh, consider replacing the hardware. This can be a quick and affordable way to update the look of your kitchen. Choose knobs or pulls that match your existing holes to make installation easy. Or, if you want to change the location of the hardware, fill the old holes with wood filler and drill new ones in the desired location.
Fixing a Loose Tile
If you have a tile that is loose or wobbly, it can be a tripping hazard and look unsightly. To fix this, first remove the grout around the tile with a grout saw. Then, use a putty knife to lift the tile out of place. Clean the area thoroughly, and then apply a layer of tile adhesive to the back of the tile. Press the tile firmly into place, and use spacers to ensure it is properly aligned with the surrounding tiles. Let the adhesive dry completely, and then re-grout around the tile.
Replacing a Broken Cabinet Door
If you have a cabinet door that is beyond repair, you can easily replace it with a new one. First, remove the old door and measure the opening to determine the size of the new door. Purchase a pre-made door from a hardware store, or have one custom-made to fit your measurements. Attach the hinges to the new door, and then screw them into place on the cabinet frame. Add any hardware or knobs, and your new cabinet door is ready to use.
Fixing a Loose Faucet Handle
If your faucet handle wobbles or spins, it can be a real annoyance. To fix this, first turn off the water supply to the faucet. Then, remove the handle and the mounting nut that holds the cartridge in place. Tighten any screws or nuts that are loose, and then reassemble the handle and the cartridge. Turn on the water supply, and your faucet should be sturdy and secure once again.
Cleaning Your Oven
Over time, your oven can accumulate a lot of grease and grime, which can affect its performance and efficiency. To clean your oven, start by removing any loose debris with a damp cloth or scraper. Then, spray the interior of the oven with an oven cleaner and let it sit for the recommended amount of time. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth, and then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Your oven will be sparkling clean and ready for your next baking project.
Fixing a Jammed Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal has stopped working or is making strange noises, it may be jammed. First, turn off the power supply to the disposal. Then, use a flashlight to look down the drain to see if you can spot any debris or objects that may be causing the jam. Use tongs or pliers to remove any foreign objects that you can reach. Once you’ve cleared the jam, turn the power supply back on and run cold water to flush out the disposal.
