Hancock's handy hints

Sep 15 2008 By John Hancock

This week the Birmingham Mail welcomes home maintenance, repair and DIY guru John Hancock from Homeserve to its panel of experts. Every week in Shopping we will be bringing you Hancock's Handy Hints to help cure a few of your niggling home care and DIY problems.

PET PONGS

Get rid of stinky pet odours by dusting upholstery or carpet with baking soda, leave for 15 minutes and simply hoover up.

STIFF BRUSHES

Soften hardened paintbrushes by soaking them in hot, boiled vinegar and wash in soapy water before use

SQUEAKY FLOORS

Stop your floor boards from squeaking by brushing talcum powder into the joints.

WOBBLY CHAIRS

Secure a loosened chair leg by removing the leg and wrapping the end with a strip of fabric from a pair of women's tights (tip: ask for permission before shredding your partner's lingerie). Glue over the fabric and inside the hole on the chair base, and then fit back together

BUNGED UP SHOWER HEAD

Unclog your shower head by removing it and soaking in a bowl of vinegar. Finally, give it a good scrub with an old toothbrush.

* Unless you're an expert, there are some things you really shouldn't try at home such as removing internal walls, tree lopping, rewiring your electrics or removing a swarming wasp nest. Thankfully, Homeserve can also help with this. With 22 types of tradesmen who are qualified to perform 500 different jobs, help is at your finger tips. Click onto www.homeserve.com