When it comes to maintaining your home, most people stick to a few tried-and-true solutions for everyday issues. But some problems just refuse to go away and you can’t keep doing the same thing in hopes you’ll take care of them because, evidently, that doesn’t work.

You need some out-of-the-box fixes, and we have a whole bunch of them! These unconventional approaches will save you time and money and they’ll also give you results that traditional methods can’t.

In this article, you’ll discover unique ways to handle common household problems like uneven concrete surfaces, drafty windows, mold growth, etc., so let’s get started!

Why Homeowners Overlook Simple Fixes

If you’re a homeowner, there’s a good chance you miss out on unconventional solutions because you keep sticking to what’s familiar. And that’s not surprising because we all love our comfort zone.

When something breaks or it needs to be fixed, you rely on what you’ve used or did before because you assume that’s the best way to go.

Limited information is another reason why people don’t try different things, and it makes sense; if you don’t know about other options, what else are you going to do? The fixes that are usually advertised or recommended are usually those you already know of, so anything that’s unique gets overlooked. Plus, trying something different feels risky, so of course, people avoid it.

Just keep in mind that the problem is recurring, and you’re running out of ideas of what to do. Then, it’s time to think outside the box and do some research.

Unconventional fixes are sometimes more affordable and (let’s be real) easier, so you can actually save both time and money. They can be better at handling problems, reduce the need for repairs in the future, and overall, they’re worth it.

5 Common Problems and Their Surprising Fixes

Every home has its share of problems, but sometimes, the solutions aren’t as simple and obvious as they seem.

Fixes that are less common can make a big difference, so let’s explore the most effective ones.

1. Uneven Concrete Surfaces

Apart from just looking off, uneven concrete surfaces and patios can be dangerous because it’s very easy to trip over them. You might be tempted to tear up the whole thing and start over from scratch,  but there’s a faster, simpler option called concrete lifting.

This method involves injecting a special material under the concrete, which then raises it back to its original level. This will restore the surface without messing up your landscaping because there’s no need for any major excavation.

If you need help with finding a company to hire, just search “concrete lifting near me” to connect with professionals who specialize in this area.

2. Persistent Mold Growth

Mold is very happy in damp areas like bathrooms and basements so it’s not easy to get rid of it.

But mold can harm your health so you need to find a way to remove it. The best way is to scrub the affected area with bleach and water solution and let it completely dry. Use one cup of bleach in a gallon of water.

When it dries, use mold-resistant paint to stop it from appearing again. If you want to be extra careful, get a humidity monitor to keep moisture in check.

3. Drafty Windows

This is a very common issue, especially in older homes, and it can cause your heating bills to go through the roof in the winter.

Thermal window film is the perfect solution for it because it insulates your windows and keeps the heat inside. DIY draft snakes, which are just simple fabric tubes filled with rice or sand, is another good way to block drafts.

You just place them along window sills and that’s it.

4. Squeaky Doors/Floors

Squeaky doors and floors are annoying (especially during night; or if you’re a burglar).

When it comes to doors, you need some lubricants, and the simplest trick is to use some good ol’ grease. Or, if you want to be fancy, some powdered graphite will also do the trick. There are other methods, but these two are a long-term solution.

For floors, it becomes a bit more complicated (depending on the type of floor you have). But sprinkling a bit of talcum powder between the boards should definitely reduce friction and put an end on the annoyance. If it doesn’t completely remove the squeaking, then it will surely reduce the noise.

5. Hard Water Stains

Any (non-distilled) water has minerals in it. Hard water has a lot of minerals in it (hence the name). Once the H2O part evaporates, you’re left with water spots/stains, which can look really unappealing on water faucets, showerheads, black (dark-colored) tiles, and other surfaces. And the worst part is – it’s hard to get rid of them (unless you know how).

Think of water stains as little rocks that have etched themselves onto the surface. So, you’ll need to dissolve them.

White vinegar should do the trick (you can use a 50-50 water/vinegar solution, or just use the vinegar as it is).

If you don’t like the vinegary odor, then you can also use citric acid. It usually comes in crystal form, and you can buy it at any food store (since it‘s a food-grade ingredient). Dissolve the crystals in a bit of lukewarm water and then clean the surface with the solution. If you opt for the citric acid route, then ensure you rinse the surface with water after approx. 10 minutes, so that it doesn’t cause damage. This way, you won’t have to rely, or spend money on harsh chemicals.

Conclusion

If you think outside the box, it can pay off. And if you’re not particularly creative and don’t feel like doing research, now you have a few really effective ways to solve common issues that everyone deals with from time to time.

Next time you face a problem that you’ve handled before, try one of our solutions – you just might find them to be easier, better, and cheaper than you thought.