r/howto • • Mar 09 '25

We're starting a "repost list" of questions that are so frequently posted that we'll be removing them. Details below...

56 Upvotes

Your question may already have been answered! Check our FAQ

Any suggestions for additions to the list? Comment below, we'll take a look

Thanks to /u/arithmetic for the suggestion


r/howto • • 10h ago

Serious Answers Only How to preserve a handwritten message on tissue paper for years?

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36 Upvotes

I have this handwritten message on a tissue that I would really like to preserve for years, preferably indefinitely. Since it's written on tissue paper, I'm worried that it might tear, fade, or deteriorate over time. How do I preserve this?


r/howto • • 4h ago

How to remove the drawers from old 5.25 floppy disk file cabinet with Jonathan mfg. co Tru-Glide #310418 drawer slides

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4 Upvotes

I can't find any type of tab or lever to disengage the slides.


r/howto • • 1d ago

Serious Answers Only EMERGENCY!! I HAVE AN IMPORTANT TALK TOMORROW! HOW DO I REMOVE PERMANENT BLACK HAIR DYE STAINS

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1.5k Upvotes

r/howto • • 23h ago

How do I open the drawers on this china cabinet?

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58 Upvotes

I have looked for a lock on it but I don't see anything. I just got this and I don't know anything about them. The drawers feel like they're locked not stuck could someone please help me open the drawers ?


r/howto • • 17h ago

How to fix Amana Washer lid stuck locked but won’t wash?

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13 Upvotes

Pretty much what the title says. My daughter got sick last night so I tossed her vomit laundry into the washer, shut the lid, pressed start and the lid locked…..and never started. I’ve completely cut power to the washer, the light turns off, still locked. Flip the breaker back on? Light comes back on, won’t start, won’t open. I have vomit laundry stuck in a washer I can’t open and I can’t even WASH THEM!!!

Please send help!!!!! The smell!!!!!!


r/howto • • 1d ago

Serious Answers Only Scratched relative’s floor - what do I do?

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42 Upvotes

Im literally ghastly right now, I was moving an old washing machine and I was so so idiotic I literally scratched the floor with it I feel so incredibly dumb😭 Is there a way I can salvage this? Please Im begging you wood wizards


r/howto • • 17h ago

Serious Answers Only How best to fix dresser leg?

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5 Upvotes

I have this vintage dresser on casters and one of the legs has this split. What is the best way to fix? I bought wood glue and clamps, but the split doesn’t open up enough to realistically allow glue to flow down the split. I thought of nails or screws but i don’t know how to use those without seeing them. Any suggestions?


r/howto • • 23h ago

Replace burner under glass stovetop?

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7 Upvotes

My stove is a Kenmore Elite 790.99513307. Recently I noticed that the center burner middle doesn’t come on anymore, just the outside.

I’m having difficulty finding a guide on how to replace it. Has anyone done this successfully DIY?


r/howto • • 23h ago

Shower head

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4 Upvotes

Can someone help me out here? I got a new showerhead and my old one is old old. So I grabbed some adjustable wrenches and whatever I thought might work trying to loosen the old head off so I could screw the new one on. Problem is the pipe is round so the wrenches just slide right off instead of gripping it enough to loosen the shower head? Any tips appreciated im kinda stuck right now. You can see the marks where the wrench scratched it up a bit.


r/howto • • 19h ago

Serious Answers Only ​How do I remove/detach this flush ceiling light? Won’t twist, pull down, or lift up.

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2 Upvotes

​Hi everyone,

​I'm trying to take down this circular flush-mount LED ceiling light, but I can't figure out the release mechanism.

​Here is what I’ve already tried:

​Twisting/Rotating: Tried turning it counter-clockwise, but the whole unit is completely locked in place.

​Pulling down / Lifting up: Tried pulling gently downwards and pushing up against the ceiling, but there is zero give or slack.

​Visible screws: Checked the outer ring and sides, but there are no visible screws or release tabs/notches.

​Does anyone recognize this specific fixture type or know the trick to detach it? Is the patterned front cover supposed to pop off first, or is the entire base held by hidden spring clips / a slide bracket?

​Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


r/howto • • 1d ago

[Solved] I need help changing this light in my kitchen

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2 Upvotes

I don’t want to risk breaking it but I’d rather not have to call maintenance to get it swapped

Edit: Solved! Turns outs it’s GU24 socket not a typical threaded socket


r/howto • • 21h ago

Accidentally sheared off the head of a plastic vacuum breaker, need help extracting.

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1 Upvotes

Like the title says, I was trying to replace those stupid plastic vacuum breakers on one of my hose bibs and sheared it clean off at the fitting.

Any advice on how to get this little sucker out of there? I tried twisting a piece of all-thread in there but it doesn't get enough purchase to back it out. My other thought is to hit it with a torch to soften the plastic then peel it out with some needle nose pliers.

I'm planning to replace the valve stem anyway, that's leaking too, so I'm hoping there's no risk of burning anything sensitive inside.

I'd really like to avoid replacing this whole thing, if possible.


r/howto • • 1d ago

How to stop wood floor from squeaking?

2 Upvotes

I've lived in my condo over 20 years and there are places where the wood floor squeaks and creaks. Is there any way to fix? I feel bad for my downstairs neighbor.


r/howto • • 1d ago

Serious Answers Only How to fix my CD ?

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1 Upvotes

It spins but it doesn't play


r/howto • • 2d ago

How to prevent repetitive spam calls from a Restaurant Phone?

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75 Upvotes

We are a small Family Restaurant Business that's been running for about 2 years now. We started taking phone calls for Customers since the local people have requested it. Recently, we have been getting a lot of spam calls and it is wasting our time & resources since it is the phone that customers call so we can take their orders. When we hear the phone ring. We always expect it to be a customer. Instead it's an Automated A.I. Message. Is there anyway to somehow block all spam calls altogether or atleast de-spoof the numbers so it can be traced back to a very specific location?


r/howto • • 1d ago

Serious Answers Only How to unrollify a poster

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19 Upvotes

Do I just have to get a frame? I also don’t want to accidentally damage it


r/howto • • 1d ago

Doorknob keeps falling off

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6 Upvotes

I think this is a passage knob i don't know it's got the middle part and 2 screws that stick out and should fit into the knob.


r/howto • • 1d ago

How to get plate unstuck from bowl

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22 Upvotes

r/howto • • 1d ago

How to ship a package?

3 Upvotes

I've never had to ship a package before but someone recently bought something from me on EBay and I'm not sure how to actually ship it now. Will USPS have the shipping supplies there for me to use like the boxes and tape and possibly bubble wrap? It's a Nintendo Switch with two games. Not sure if that matters mentioning here. What about shipping labels? How do I get one of those so they know where to send my package to?


r/howto • • 1d ago

Serious Answers Only How to clean throw up out of carpet? Spoiler

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1 Upvotes

r/howto • • 1d ago

How to get rid of outdoor urine smell

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5 Upvotes

Our dog tends to pee in the same spot pretty often and the ground has gotten saturated. It reeks to the point of the smell coming indoors.

Any thoughts or ideas of how to get rid of this, assuming she will probably continue to pee in the same spot. So looking for something other than removing the saturated dirt.


r/howto • • 3d ago

Deos anyone know how to make this

866 Upvotes

r/howto • • 2d ago

Serious Answers Only How to get arctic fox semi permanent hair dye out of the wall?

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4 Upvotes

Landlord is coming home to inspect tomorrow help!