Fast Fixes and Simple Solutions: Surprising Uses for Ordinary Household Items

By FC&A Publishing

Book Overview

Don't call the repairman yet First, turn to this book to find quick and easy ways to solve hundreds of household problems. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish using ordinary items you already... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1890957607
• ISBN13: 9781890957605
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: UNKNO
• Length: 390 Pages
• Weight: 1.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

HANDY DANDY GUIDE

I found anwers on almost every page! Problems I had not imagined are now solved. Dare I say? This book belongs in the bathroom--for those brief reading moments... I never pass a chance to learn. Any day when you learn something new is a good day.

A Wealth of Mundane to Creative Advice

Some of the advice given is simply common sense. The use of a paper shredder is one such example. Some seems to be rather far-fetched. For instance, does one really need to invest the time cutting up an old bike inner tube to make rubber bands, when store-bought rubber bands are so inexpensive? On the other hand, some of the solutions mentioned in this book are rather creative. For instance, consider what to do about recalling many PIN numbers. One should not carry them written on paper. But it is recommended that the PIN numbers should be carried in an address book with fake names, and with the PIN numbers being the fake phone numbers of the fake persons. The reader will have to judge the efficacy of the solutions presented here. For instance, it is suggested that the defrosting of refrigerators be aided by originally spraying the iceless surface with nonstick cooking spray. This is supposed to make the subsequent ice buildup slide off effortlessly. I tried it, and found the ice just as resistant to removal as ever. Interestingly, bay leaves are supposed to keep moths away, and vinegar is supposed to kill the smell of cat urine. And, in a James-Bond type entry, one is advised how to determine if a mirror is a regular one or a two-way mirror.

Hundreds of Tips You Can Really Use

It's fun just to browse, seeing what tips you can put to use. Many of the tips are real money savers too (making your own windshield washer fluid). To find a specific solution, flip to the index to find topics from headaches to lawn mowers to mildew removal. Within the book, the solutions are grouped by topic: -Household Cleaning -Kitchen Fixes -Laundry Room Tips & Time Savers -Getting Organized -Home Appliances -Care & Repair of Furniture -Decorating -Problem Solvers for the Home Office -Home Remedies for Health & Beauty -Clothing Care -Home Improvement -Tool Care -Home Heating & Cooling -Plumbing Problems -Car Care & Repair -Painting -Pesky Pests -Personal Safety -Help for your Green Thumb -Ideas for Special Occasions -Sewing & Crafts -Outdoor Activities -Stress-Free Travel -Better Pet Care This goes right on the shelf next to my Hints From Heloise. It's a handy reference when something needs a fix.

Great helper

This book is great, a lot of helpful tips and uncommon uses for common household items.

Interesting!

I never thought I'd see so many ideas in one book. Many are repeated throughout the book, but there are zillions worth while in here. I strongly recommend it!