Solutions is all about solving problems. Browse through our library of household tips for simple ways to solve everyday challenges.

Ever had paper stick to your wood table? Apply some olive oil, let it sit for 30 minutes and then wipe free.

Keep a screwdriver from slipping by putting chalk on the tip.

An easy way to remove wax from glass candleholders is to pop the container in the microwave on LOW power, just until the wax melts off. Or try freezing them for an hour; the wax pops right off!

Keep soot down in your fireplace by sprinkling the logs with salt before lighting the fire.

Never use the top step of a ladder. To remind yourself, staple a work apron around the step. It’s also a handy place to store tools when up there.

Energy-efficient light bulbs last up to five time longer than conventional bulbs. Substitute fluorescent bulbs for standard ones. Use low-voltage Tungsten-halogen bulbs for powerful, unobtrusive lighting.

To keep long-stemmed flowers standing straight in a wide-mouthed vase, create a lattice across the top of the vase with transparent tape. That will help keep the flowers from flopping over.

Brighten your home with sunlight! Use mirrors to direct light from windows into dark corners of a room. Even bring it into a hallway or other room. You’ll appreciate it even more when summer’s over!

To secure area rugs or runners, try placing a few rubber placemats beneath them to help grip tile or hardwood floors.

Extend the life of your fence by applying a clear, water-repellent sealer every few years. Make sure to get into every nook and cranny for the best result.

Easily touch up a scratched wooden frame by dabbing a shoe polish of matching color on the scratch, let sit and then buff.

When putting curtains on a metal rod, slip a plastic sandwich bag over the metal end to prevent snagging. It will also go on easier!

Rearrange furniture and rotate rugs in sunny rooms often to lesson the fading effects of natural light.

Put a pot of basil by the door. You’ll find it helps keeps flies from coming inside when you do.

If you’re using safety glasses for a project, wipe down first with a fabric softener sheet to eliminate the static electricity that attracts dust.

Rub houseplants with mayonnaise to shine the leaves and keep dust from settling.

Does your ceiling fan seem off balance? Tape a penny to the topside of one of the blades. Move the penny until you find the blade that restores the balance.

To remove a broken light bulb: Turn off the electricity, place half of a raw potato or apple into the broken base, then twist the bulb out.

Put a small sticky pad on the side of your measuring tape so you always have a convenient place to take notes when working

If the stems of flowers you’re arranging are too short, stick them in clear drinking straws, then trim the straws to desired length. Even in glass vases, the straws are not noticeable, and you can still use those short-stemmed blooms in your arrangements.

Place a few pieces of Styrofoam packing material on the floor between the back of your couch and the wall to protect the wall when people sit down.

Easily touch up a scratched wooden frame by dabbing a shoe polish of matching color on the scratch, let sit and then buff.

Draw simple silhouettes of your tools on a pegboard. You’ll always know what you have, where things go, and what’s missing.

Prevent cracking plaster walls when hanging art by first criss-crossing tape over the spot where you plan to nail.

Take photos of a room and its furnishings; cut samples of its fabrics and carpet. Glue onto index cards. Next paint more cards with colors used in that room. Carry them in a binder for reference when adding to or changing the look of a room.

To check the state of your weather stripping, close a dollar bill in the door; if you can pull it out easily, it’s time for an update.

Keep homes safe for kids by bolting bookcases and shelves to walls or ceilings.

Brighton a dark fireplace with a piece of art by replacing the screen with an easel and a favorite paining.

Test lampshade size by turning the lamp on for 20 minutes, and then off. If the shade is still hot after five minutes, try a shade with a wider opening, or use a lower-wattage bulb

Save money by switching your 75-watt incandescent bulbs with 20-watt compact fluorescent bulbs. They give off the same light, but cost less.

Place a few pieces of Styrofoam packing material on the floor between the back of your couch and the wall to protect the wall when people sit down.

Change a bulb in a high ceiling light by removing the bulb clip from an old lampshade, taping the clip to your broom handle and using it to reach the light above!

Can’t decide where to hang a picture or mirror? Use newspaper to make a “pattern” the size and shape as your picture. Put in place with a masking tape and move until you find the best spot.

Area rugs are a great way to define seating areas in a room and promote more social interaction among guests.

Consider decorating with accent trays. They keep accessories and collections organized while adding style to any room!

Protect against slipping when using a ladder by attaching a piece of carpet to the bottom rung and wiping your feet before you climb.

Store sharp tools with blade covers you make! Trace the blade onto cardboard. Turn tool over and trace on another area of cardboard. Cut shapes out, allowing space to form sides. Bed cardboard to fit the tool, then tape.

To make a neglected paintbrush useful again, soak in hot vinegar to clean and make pliable.

Have a tip to share? Comments are open below.