Got Scratch Marks On Your Car? 4 Steps To Getting A Spotless Finish

Discovering a dent, scuff mark, or a scratch on your vehicle can be downright frustrating. It can happen for many reasons; chief among them are car accidents, parking mishaps, and vandalism.

The trouble is that paying a body shop for a new coat of car paint can be expensive, costing you hundreds of dollars to fix a seemingly minor flaw. On the other hand, the DIY route has its risks as well – using the wrong fix can further deteriorate your car’s paint job.

But don’t freak out just yet. If it’s a minor scrape or scruff, you can fix it by yourself at home. Keep reading to find out how.

At the same time, it is also essential to understand that these small touch-ups won’t work for significant nicks and abrasions. You’ll have to get professional repairs in that case.

How To Tell If A Scratch Qualifies For DIY Repair

Here’s what you need to do to tell light scratches apart from deep ones: glide a fingernail in the direction of the scratch – if the nail seamlessly glides on it without catching, the scratch can be buffed out easily.

However, if it catches the fingernail, be prepared to set aside some cash for professional repairs.

DIY Remedies For A Spotless Finish

Here we’ve listed down some quick and reliable fixes using ingredients that are most probably in your home already.

They don’t cost much either, so sourcing them won’t be a problem.

Let’s learn how to remove the scratch marks on your car with these easy, affordable ways:

1-    Shine With The Shoe Polish

Use soapy water to clean the scratched surface thoroughly, and then leave it to completely dry. Next, apply shoe polish in and around the scratched surface, be sure to get a shade darker than your car’s paint job.

The polish should fill the void left by the scratch and spread around it.

Now get some sandpaper and very gently sand down the paint in the surrounding area.  Don’t exert too much force when sanding; otherwise, you might end up making the scratch even worse.

Keep sanding until there is no polish left behind, and it all looks like one uniform color. Once done, use a soft cloth to buff the area. By now, the small scratch should have disappeared.

2-    Nail Polish That Blends In

Many car owners prefer this method as its nail polishes are available in hundreds of colors, making it possible to get a good match for your car’s paint job.

And you won’t even need to buff or sand the affected area in this case — fill the scratch with nail polish until it starts to match with its surrounding. Put another layer or two of nail polish if need be.

3-    Sand In With Toothpaste

Back when CDs and DVDs were a thing, people used to buff them with a bit of toothpaste to cover any scratches that kept them from playing smoothly.

The idea here is the same; smear some toothpaste on a soft damp cloth to effortlessly erase the minor scratches on your car. But before getting started, clean the area with soapy water and let it dry some. You don’t want to buff the dust and dirt into your paint.

Toothpaste helps even the car’s glossy sheen. It fills in the tiny microscopic dents to make the paintwork look even again.

4-    SuperGlue It

Superglue has the innate capability of smoothing itself out, filling up any tiny dents, holes or scratches that may come in its way. And since it’s transparent, color matching won’t be a problem either.

Carefully fill the scratch up with it, and then once it’s semi-dry gently sand it. In a couple of hours, the scratches will pretty much disappear and won’t be discernible to the naked eye.

What About The Deeper Scratches?

The methods mentioned above are quick remedies for light scratches, and they won’t be of much help when it comes to deep ones. However, you can give it a go and try out some of the ideas mentioned above.

But at most, these quick DIY fixes will tide you over until you bring your car over to paint professionals.

For guaranteed results, it would be best to drive down to the local garage and get experts to buff out the paint scratches and refresh your car’s paint job for the best possible solution.

Flush Not Working At The Right Pressure? Learn How To Fix It Yourself!

Are you the family handyman? More often than not, you may family members rushing in to complain about plumbing issues.

“It won’t flush!” can be frustrating to hear. Even worse if your house only has one.

However, it’s safe to say this is an issue most households deal with. It’s also a problem that has multiple reasons behind it. Luckily, there’s quick ways you can get the toilet flush to work – without having to hire a professional.

Here are a few reasons why the toilet flush isn’t working, and how you can set it back in motion.

1.     Clogged Toilet

Most commonly, clogged toilets are a direct result of excessive toilet paper being flushed down the drain. However, if you have toddlers, you can expect to find toys along the pipe too. This blocks the pipe and prevents anything else from making it through.

How To Fix It

You can use either a toilet auger or a toilet plunger to get the job done. Check the dimensions of your toilet to find the best fit, as this will reduce splashing.

If you’re using a toilet auger, your aim should be to maneuver the obstruction through the drain. It has a long, flexible shaft which lets you push back quite far into the drain.

On the other hand, if you’re using a toilet plunger for suction, so you can remove paper waste easily.

That said, if you experience frequent clogs, we recommend simply switching to thinner toilet papers.

2.     Low Water Level In The Tank

Generally speaking, your toilet’s tank water level should be one inch down its top overflow tube. So, if you find that the water is inadequately low, you should immediately check the water valve. Chances are, it might have turned off.

How To Fix It

Turn on the water valve and monitor the tank closely to check if the water level rises back up.

Quick test run: flush the toilet to check if it’s functioning properly.

3.     Bent Flapper

Every time a flush is used, a rubber flapper discharges water into the tank and shuts the hole to prevent water intake afterwards. To break it down, it’s supposed to ensure that an adequate amount of water remains inside the tank at all times.

So, if you find that your flapper’s rubber bent or wrapped, you need to replacing it.

How To Fix It
Rubber flappers are low-cost objects, so you can easily find them at nearby hardware and DIY stores in your area.

Before you replace it, make sure to drain the entire tank drain first. Swap the new flapper with the old one and you’re good to go!

Fill the tank up, and use the flush to check if the flapper works properly.

4.     Faulty Lift Chain

A lift chain connects the rubber flapper to the flush handle. Many times, it simply stops working due to excessive slack, which stops the handle from raising the flapper. Ultimately, this cause flushing issues to arise.

How To Fix It

Alter the length of the lift chain and make it shorter. This way, the chain gives adequate pull to lift the flapper from the tube and allows an uninterrupted water flow.

 

If you notice any of problems mentioned above, try to fix them as soon as possible. Delaying them will only worsen the problem and cost you hard-earned dollars in hiring professional services later.

With that in mind, call a plumber for help if the problem may be more severe than these DIYs can fix.

 

Feel Like You Have Nothing To Wear, Again? Here Are 8 Tips On How To Fix Your Wardrobe

We’ve all been there – standing in front of the closet on a Saturday night, digging through the drawers, and realizing in horror that… “I have nothing to wear!”

This happens despite the fact that you are always shopping, and the cupboards are overflowing with shoes, bags, and clothes – we’ve been there!

So why is it that we can’t seem to put an outfit together when push comes to shove? Why is it so hard to pick a dress? And why did you even buy something that you are dreading to wear now?

If you have the same questions nagging you, it’s time to fix your wardrobe.

From Meh To Fabulous – Top Tips To Help You Dress For Success

Updating your wardrobe may seem like a costly endeavor, but truth be told, you can do it without breaking the bank. Here’s how:

1.     Get Your Dresses Tailored

Clothes you buy may not be meant for your body type. If your closet is filled with clothes that are either too tight or loose, take them to your tailor to have them altered.

In short, you don’t have to spend money on an entirely new wardrobe. Just make what you have work for you.

2.     Get The Right Accessories

Accessorizing with jewelry, scarves, bags, and shoes can breathe a new life into your appearance.

You can make any dress stand out with the right type of accessories such as a watch, a fancy belt buckle, and more! Pick something not too pricy and versatile enough to go well with several styles of clothing.

3.     Check Out Your Local Flea Markets Or Thrift Stores

Buying fancy clothes from high-end brands can get expensive. We recommend visiting your nearest flea market or thrift store to buy wardrobe staples such as jeans, trousers, skirts, jackets, shirts, t-shirt, and other necessary items in tan, black, white, and colors that go with everything.

4.     Buying Shoes Can Be Expensive

With a little bit of TLC, it is possible to have your favorite pair of shoes last for ages – so don’t throw away your old shoes just yet.

Take them to a cobbler first to find out if there is a way to salvage them. They are professionals who know just how to restore the good looks of your heels, boots, pumps, and wedges, etc.

5.     Follow Fashion Bloggers Online

There are thousands of fashion bloggers online – each with their unique styles, budgets, and wardrobe suggestions. So there’s something for everyone.

Find your kind of fashion bloggers on YouTube and Instagram and get inspired to be in style without compromising on your individuality.

6.     Get Creative

If you have a wardrobe filled with dresses that you no longer use, how about mixing and matching the pieces and coming up with something new?

This is an excellent way of achieving a bolder and more beautiful look without spending money.

In fact, here’s a quick exercise to spark your creativity: turn to your closet and close your eyes, now grab something randomly. Now your challenge is to make that piece of clothing work with your outfit. Find a way to wear it and work it!

7.     Give Away What’s Left Behind

Having a clean wardrobe can do wonders for you – you’ll have a smaller selection to work with, so hopefully, you’ll get dressed faster as a result of it.

Besides, unused clothes and accessories are just distractions that get in the way when you are just trying to make some wise wardrobe choices.

We recommend you to donate them to the less fortunate, instead of letting them gather dust in your closet.

Now that you know how to dress up even in a ‘nothing-to-wear’ crisis, it’s time to put these tips to the test.

Let us know how your wardrobe has evolved over the years, and what you do to keep your dress choices fresh all year round.

 

How To Get Rid Of Dark Circles – 5 DIY Tips To Brighten Your Face

Dark circles under your eyes are indicators that you’re not getting enough sleep or rest. But fatigue isn’t the only cause – dehydration, sun, eczema, allergies and, eye strains may also share the blame.

This is a common affliction among both men and women and can make you look older than you actually are. What’s worse is that they are very difficult to get rid of.

As mentioned earlier, there are several causes of dark circles. However, these could also be blamed on genetic predisposition as well as aging. Also, the skin under your eyes is sensitive and soft, making it more prone to damage.

But thankfully, some time-tested remedies can help hide the dark circles and make your eyes sparkle like you slept the whole eight hours!

Here are some of our favorite all-natural DIY remedies:

Easy 5 DIY Tips To Brighten Your Eyes

With the right natural remedies, you can say goodbye to your dark circles.

Follow these simple DIY remedies to brighten your face.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a great source of vitamin C, so you can count on them to treat your dark circles.

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that can help treat everything from eye diseases and cancer to the common cold. Its antioxidants repair damaged cells and mitigate the melanin production that causes dark spots.

First, peel the potato and wash it thoroughly. Chop it into small uniform pieces, and put them on your eyes.

You could also peel the potatoes and extract their juice. Then, get a cotton makeup remover pad, soak it in the liquid and place the soaked pads on the eyes.

Almond Oil

There are many natural remedies for treating your dark circles, but sweet almond is one of the most effective ones.

Almond oil is rich with vitamin K and E. These vitamins help improve your under-eye dark circles, while also boost circulation.

Take a few drops of your sweet almond oil, and gently dab under your dark circles with the pinky finger (because it is the gentlest). Do it for a few weeks every night, and you’ll notice brighter eyes in a matter of days.

Green Tea

Green tea is packed with antioxidants and caffeine that can help lightens your dark under-eye circles and minimize the puffiness caused by fluid retention.

Brew your green tea bags and chill them afterward, then place them under your eyes. If you want quick results: mix your green tea leaves with a little honey and put them on your eyes.

Cucumbers

How many times have we seen cucumbers being used by actors in television and movies?

Probably, hundreds of times!

Cucumbers are rich with brightening agents that allow immediate refreshing and soothing effect.

Peel the cucumber and slice it equally thin pieces, then put them in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Now place the chilled cucumber pieces on your dark circles for some time, 15 minutes are enough. Do it twice a day, and you’ll see noticeable results in 2 weeks.

Tomato & Lemon Juice

Tomatoes are rich antioxidants and contain lycopene and beta-carotene – phytochemicals that can fight your dark circles and win.

Vitamin C in lemons and tomatoes has bleaching qualities that can help brighten your skin. If you want your dark spots to vanish, try using them together.

Blend your tomatoes and make a tomato pulp, then separately make a lemon juice. Take one teaspoon of lemon juice and tomato pulp each and mix them.

Dab the tomato and lemon juice mixture on your dark circles, and rinse them after a few minutes. For tangible results, repeat the process for a month.

 

 

Use these pure and natural home remedies to get rid of dark circles from under your eyes, without going for expensive treatments.

Stuck Curbside Because Of A Bad Tire? Here Is How You Can Change It Yourself

You’re on the highway traveling 80mph in your car, and suddenly you hear a recurring sound of thump, thump, thump – that’s your tire, the one you just blew.

Now what?

You’re in luck if you know how to change tires and have the right equipment in the boot. But if you don’t, chances are you are stuck curbside on a highway with no help for miles.

This can happen to anyone, so it’s better to be prepared for this possibility. We bring you a quick and easy guide to DIY tire replacement to ensure that you can quickly get back on the road.

Let’s get started:

Easy DIY Ways To Change Your Flat Tire

Changing a flat tire of the vehicle can be challenging, especially if you don’t know how to do it. Thankfully, it’s not hard to learn how to do it properly with the right guidelines and instructions.

Here is a complete step by step DIY guide to changing your flat tire:

Locate A Safe Spot

You’re driving your car, and suddenly you hear a loud noise, and the tire’s a goner!

First of all, slow down – reduce the speed of your car and pull it off straight the road. Never try to brake or turn your vehicle when you have a flat tire.

Slowly reach to the side of the road. Make sure no motorists are passing by, and step out of your car and check your dead tire.

Light Your Flashers

Make sure that you turn on your flashers or hazards lights to keep you safe from other vehicles – a safety precaution to avoid road accidents.

Put On The Parking Brake

Once you decide you’re changing your flat tire, make sure to put parking brakes before you do it. It’ll reduce the chances of your car rolling away while you work on it.

Use Wheel Wedges

This is another precautionary measure to ensure that your car stays put while you replace the tire.  Install the wheel wedges against the tires to avoid the accidental movement.

If you don’t have wheel wedges, try to find any sturdy stones or bricks lying around on location – make sure they are big enough to do the work.

Time To Loosen The Lug Nuts

Use your lug wrench to loosen up the lug nuts, but don’t remove them completely just yet. Turn your lug wrench anticlockwise to do it right.

Jack Up Your Car

If your car is relatively new, the chances are that it came with its own special screw-type scissor jack to make it easier to make your vehicle rise and stay there. This should make it smooth and simple to remove the tire.

Just place the jack in its spot, turn the knob and lift till it touches the frame. Make sure to jack up the car until your dead tire is raised completely above the ground.

Remove Lug Nuts And Your Flat Tire

Once you’re done with jacking, remove all lug nuts completely. Remove them by hand as you have already loosened them. Please make sure you put them away securely since it’s really easy to lose the lug nuts when you are not looking.

Now, please take out the flat tire and put it aside to a safe position.

Install Your Spare Tire

Carefully place your spare tire on the wheel studs. This is the most difficult part of the entire ‘changing the tire’ process, so you have to be extra cautious.

Hold your tire in front of the wheel stud, so that you can easily slide your tire onto it. Once you hang your spare tire onto the stud, screw the lug nuts back.

Do it with your hand first, and then use the tire iron to tighten them up.

Lower Your Vehicle And Ensure To Tighten Your Wheel Lug Again

Once you have placed your spare tire, it’s time to lower the jack. Pull it away completely. And start tightening the wheel lugs once the tire touches the ground. Use your full force to tighten the lugs as the tire won’t spin anymore.

Put your dead tire back in the car, and your good to go.

 

Next time you face a tire blowout, don’t panic. Just follows these simple DIY instructions to change your tire and you’ll be ready to roll back on the road in no time at all.