Many minor home maintenance tasks fall prey to procrastination. Although it seems like a time-saver now, neglecting these small issues can escalate into larger, costlier problems later. Plus, leaving them unaddressed diminishes your home's appearance and functionality.
This is where the two-minute DIY rule comes into play. If a task takes two minutes or less, get it done right away. Whether it's replacing a damaged light switch cover or changing your HVAC filter, tackling these issues promptly helps prevent buildup and mental clutter, allowing your home to run smoothly with minimal upkeep.
Here are three quick tasks shared by experts that you can complete in under two minutes, perfect for your next easy weekend project.
Understanding the Two-Minute DIY Home Maintenance Rule
If you can resolve a minor home issue in two minutes, handle it immediately to avoid more serious complications. Here are three simple fixes to consider.
1. Repair Wall Holes and Dents
Quickly patching holes is simple.
Holes in walls can detract from the elegance of any room. Fortunately, filling them is straightforward and can be done in just a few minutes.
For small holes caused by nails or bumps, you'll need a putty knife (available on Amazon) or a butter knife, along with some spackling compound from Lowe's.
Jonathan Palley, a DIY expert, advises, 'Spackle is invaluable for minor repairs. Using pre-mixed options allows for quick application to nail holes and similar drywall damage.'
To apply, Brian Meussner, an operations VP, suggests, 'Use the putty knife to push spackle into the hole, smoothing it out to align with the wall. After it dries, sand the area gently. If necessary, add a second layer and repeat the drying and sanding process.'
Finally, Jonathan recommends, 'When you have another couple of minutes, touch up the paint over the spackle. Keeping refillable paint pens from Amazon handy can make this even easier, as you can store your wall colors for quick touch-ups without needing to pull out paint cans and brushes.
2. Lubricate Squeaky Door Hinges
Stop squeaky hinges in seconds.
Squeaky hinges may not seem like a big deal, but they can be annoying. Plus, they indicate friction that could lead to lasting damage.
Instead of waiting for a major fix, Brian suggests taking under two minutes to lubricate them now.
'Just apply a lubricant like WD-40 [available at Amazon] to the hinge and open and close the door a few times to distribute it. If it still squeaks, there might be trapped debris or misalignment, and you may need to consult a professional.
WD-40 also works well for cleaning rusty tools, outdoor furniture, and removing rust from various surfaces, making it a handy fix-it tool to keep in your toolkit.
3. Secure Loose Handles and Knobs
Inspect cabinet and pan handles.
Loose knobs and handles can detract from your home's appearance and functionality. Thankfully, this fix takes less than two minutes with a multi-head screwdriver from Amazon.
'Use the screwdriver to tighten the screws, being cautious not to strip the hole by over-tightening,' Brian advises. 'If the screw doesn't grip well due to wear, a simple solution is to use thread-locking adhesive. Apply a bit to the screw, reattach the knob, and let it set.' LOCTITE Threadlocker from Lowe's is perfect for this.
When tightening cabinets, don't forget about pan handles. While severely damaged handles might need replacement, most can be easily tightened with the same screwdriver, thereby avoiding a cooking hassle.
Recommended Products
Perfect for quick fixes
These touch-up paint pens can be filled with leftover paint, ensuring you have a quick solution for any scuffs on your walls.
Complete kit
This drywall repair kit includes everything you need to fill holes and restore your wall's surface.
Essential to have
Every household should have a multi-head screwdriver for quick repairs, promoting sustainability and saving money.
Multi-purpose
WD-40 is a must-have for lubricating, moisture displacement, and protecting against rust and corrosion.
Keep things organized
Even if you prefer hiring professionals, having a few essential tools around can be useful, and this durable toolbox helps keep them organized.
Handy to have
For messier tasks like lubricating hinges or changing filters, work gloves protect your skin and jewelry from damage.
Meet the Experts
Jonathan is a technology leader with over a decade of experience in various sectors, holding a degree in Physics from Stanford.
Brian is the VP of Operations at a home maintenance company, providing handyman and remodeling services.
These are just a few of the key DIY skills every homeowner should master. Learning the basics can help you maintain your home and save money in the long run.
