Fix It Yourself With Confidence

Doors and windows can let outside air sneak in if you forget small upkeep. On a windy day, run your hand along the edges of closed doors and windows. You’ll feel any drafty gaps. If you do, clean the weatherstrip and check that it still sits flat. Often that simple fix stops the leak. For sliding windows or doors, wipe the tracks clean and rub a plain candle or paraffin wax along them. That lets them glide smoothly without the sticky mess of oil spray, which can collect dust and make things worse. Also tighten loose hinges with a screwdriver; a small turn keeps the door from sagging.

For flooring, the best tip is to stop dirt before it scratches. Put felt pads under heavy chair and table legs, and sweep or vacuum often. A gritty floor acts like sandpaper. If you hear a squeaky hardwood board, sprinkle a little baby powder into the seam between the boards, then rub it in with a soft cloth. It will quiet many squeaks. For scratched wood floors, try a matching wood marker or wax filler stick from a home store to hide the mark. These quick, cheap steps protect your doors, windows, and floors and help your house look great without expensive repairs.