Home maintenance might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about “treats,” but here’s a little secret: a few clever tricks from our home experts here at Mister Fix-It can make it surprisingly easy. When you stay ahead of little issues, your home feels more comfortable, repairs cost less in the long run, and you spend more time enjoying your space instead of stressing over it.
At Mister Fix-It, we know how much pride people in our Saint Louis, Saint Charles, and Saint Peters communities take in their homes. We’re neighbors, too—and we understand the importance of keeping your house safe, warm, and inviting all year long. That’s why we love sharing simple, smart maintenance tips that homeowners can do themselves. And when a job turns out to be a little bigger than expected? That’s where we step in to help, so you don’t have to worry about it alone.
Here are a few of our favorite “maintenance tricks” that feel more like treats. They’re easy, effective, and perfect for keeping your home in great shape.
1. Use Dryer Sheets to Dust Hard-to-Reach Spots
Dryer sheets aren’t just for laundry! Their anti-static properties make them excellent for dusting baseboards, blinds, and ceiling fan blades. Unlike a dry rag that just moves the dust around, dryer sheets help attract and hold onto it.
Trick: Run a dryer sheet over dusty areas once a week to keep buildup to a minimum.
Treat: Less dust means cleaner air and less frequent deep cleaning sessions.
2. Keep Drains Fresh with Baking Soda and Vinegar
No one likes a slow or smelly drain. Before it turns into a bigger plumbing problem, try a natural, gentle cleaning trick.
Trick: Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then add a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 10–15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Treat: This simple hack can clear minor buildup and keep things smelling fresh, with no harsh chemicals required!
3. Clear Foggy Mirrors with a Little Soap
If you’ve ever stepped out of a hot shower to a mirror you can’t see yourself in, this one’s for you.
Trick: Rub a small amount of liquid soap or shaving cream on the mirror, then buff it off with a clean cloth.
Treat: It leaves a light film that prevents fog for weeks, like magic!
4. A Rubber Band Can Save Your Paint Job
Drips on the edge of a paint can are messy and wasteful.
Trick: Stretch a rubber band across the open can and use it to wipe your brush as you work. The excess paint falls back into the can instead of making a mess on the rim.
Treat: Easier cleanup and less wasted paint!
5. Clean Vents with a Vacuum Brush Attachment
Over time, dust builds up inside air vents, affecting both air quality and HVAC performance.
Trick: Use your vacuum’s brush attachment to gently remove dust from vents and registers. For deeper cleaning, remove the vent covers and wash them with warm soapy water.
Treat: Better airflow, cleaner air, and a system that doesn’t have to work as hard.
6. Tackle Squeaky Hinges with a Common Pantry Item
You don’t always need special lubricants to quiet squeaky doors.
Trick: A little bit of olive oil or petroleum jelly on the hinge pin can do wonders. Apply, move the door back and forth a few times, and wipe away any excess.
Treat: No more eerie squeaks! Just smooth, quiet doors.
7. A Little Caulk Goes a Long Way
Drafty windows and doors don’t just make your home uncomfortable, they can also drive your energy bills way higher. A simple bead of caulk or some weatherstripping can seal out the chill and keep your heating and cooling systems from working overtime.
Trick: Light a candle or incense stick and hold it near window frames on a breezy day. If the flame flickers, that’s a sign of a draft.
Treat: A quick seal can keep your home warmer and your energy bills lower.
8. Schedule Regular Checkups for Peace of Mind
Some issues are easy to fix with a quick trick, but others are better left to the pros. Even the most handy homeowner benefits from regular inspections of plumbing, electrical, and structural systems. Our trusted, local partners at UPKEEP Home Warranty and Maintenance actually include four annual service and maintenance visits to all of their customers. We highly recommend that you take advantage!
Trick: Keep a simple seasonal checklist of what to check around the house, like changing HVAC filters, flushing your water heater, and checking smoke detectors.
Treat: When something’s outside your comfort zone, Mister Fix-It is just a call away. We always offer free, no-obligation quotes on your projects.
Why Little Tricks Matter
Homeownership isn’t just about fixing things when they break, it’s about creating a safe, comfortable space where you can relax. By taking care of the little things, you help prevent the big, stressful repairs down the road.
And the best part? You don’t have to do it all yourself. Whether it’s a repair that needs a professional touch or a task that’s just a bit too much to handle alone, all of us here at Mister Fix-It are here to help. We’re proud to serve our neighbors with trusted, friendly handyman services that keep homes running smoothly.
Your Home Deserves the Best Care
Our Mister Fix-It team is ready to help with seasonal maintenance, unexpected repairs, and those to-do list items that keep getting pushed off. Whether you need a quick fix or a bigger repair, we’ll treat your home like it’s our own, because we live and work in the same community you do.
Call Mister Fix-It today for a free quote or visit us online to keep your home comfortable, efficient, and well cared for. Read reviews from your neighbors here.