Household Hacks And Ideas

Budgeting

“Doing something with your own hands makes a house feel like a home,” says Mercia Draai, financial clerk at Brights. “As a Brights employee, I’ve learned a lot about DIY. I have also learnt not to be shy to ask. Women especially love to share ideas,” says Draai, who advises renovators and DIY enthusiasts to set a budget and to use their eyes and ears for ideas.

The fan club

Department manager Ntombi Sithole encourages “seasonal” DIY projects, such as cleaning appliances that have been out of use. “It may not be high on your priority list, but a fan, for example, requires cleaning after a couple of months of nonuse. Ceiling fans are often overlooked as they are difficult to reach. Excess dust might overwork the fan motor, preventing it from performing optimally.”

Ntombi offers these tips:

As with any electrical appliance, turn off the fan and unplug it from the wall before starting any maintenance. When done, dry everything thoroughly – you don’t want water seeping into the electrical components of the fan, which could be dangerous.

To clean oscillating fans: simply use a moist towel sprayed with all-purpose cleaner or add dish soap to clean the outside of an oscillating fan and the fan blades. Avoid spraying the fan motor directly. You can also use compressed air or a vacuum cleaner with a brush to remove light dirt. If your fan has a thick layer of dust, remove the grate (if it has one) and vacuum the grate with a brush attachment to prevent scratches. Wipe down the grate, the blades and the entire outside of the fan, including the power cord.

To clean a ceiling fan: a ceiling fan should be cleaned every couple of months to avoid it circulating dust through the air. For weekly cleaning, you can use compressed air to remove dust. For a deeper clean, dust the top of each fan blade individually using an extendable pole with a duster attached to the end of it. If you can reach the blades, apply an all-purpose cleaner or degreaser to a towel and wipe each blade.

When cleaning a box fan, remove the fan grate and soak it in warm soap and water in the sink or bathtub for 5–10 minutes. You can also use a degreaser to break down difficult dirt or stains.

Taped up

Sheri Omoh, owner and founder of Oh So Sheri Woodworking, is all about practicality. Omoh is a DIY hack queen and budget decor enthusiast.  She shares the following decor hacks just using tape:

I love big mirrors, but they often come with a huge price tag. I created my own showpiece by buying a piece of inexpensive mirror from a market or Brights and then using black tape to create a beautiful mirror. It only took me an hour!

I am a fan of feature walls, but often don’t want to commit to something permanent or incur expense. I created a feature wall in my lounge by just using washi tape on the existing grey wall. It only took one morning.

Wooden it be nice

Self-taught DIY pro Ndivhuwo Nelwamondo has garnered an enormous following on her social media channel “Remedial DIY” where she shares tutorial videos and tips. She shares some of her insights and top tips on how to become a DIY guru yourself:

If you’re a beginner, start with small, simple projects to build skills and confidence. As you gain experience, you can take on more complex tasks.

Woodworking requires patience and practice. Take time during each step of the process, and don’t be discouraged by mistakes. Learn from them and adjust as needed.

Select a type of wood that suits your preferences and budget. Popular choices for nightstands include pine, oak and plywood. Ensure the wood is smooth, free from knots, and suitable for furniture construction.

Measure twice, cut once. Double-check your measurements before making any cuts. Accuracy is crucial to avoid wasting materials and ensure a precise fit. If you can’t cut your wood, ask your hardware store to do it for you.

Always wear safety goggles, gloves and a dust mask to protect yourself when using tools. Ensure your work area is organised and well-ventilated.

Don’t hesitate to seek guidance or advice from experts, online tutorials or experienced DIY enthusiasts. They can offer valuable insights, tips, and troubleshooting advice.

Finally, remember that DIY projects are fun. Allow time to learn new skills and take pride in your accomplishments.