garage

6 Smart Ways to Use Garage Space

Ashley Marcin — Wed, 04 May 2016 09:30:23 +0000

My husband and I spent our spring break this year clearing out and cleaning our garage. It had been filled with remnants from our move (nearly two years ago), random junk, and even… garbage. Now? The space is nearly empty, all 600 glorious square feet of it. And I'm wondering what we can do with all this added square footage, since we don't necessarily need to shelter our vehicles from the elements year 'round. (See also: 5 Things in Your Garage That Have Serious Re-Sale Value)

Mudroom

Don't have much closet space indoors? Try making a mudroom out of a portion of your garage to keep your stuff organized and tidy. All you really need to finish this project are some hooks for coats and bags, a bench for sitting, and maybe storage cubes for shoes and outdoor accessories. The rest is up to your budget and creativity.

We turned a wall in our garage into a mudroom of sorts and decided to highlight the area by painting it an accent color. We then laid a rag rug down to cozy up the floor and protect feet from getting cold while getting shoes out of bins. I'd like to paint the door leading out there a funky color to make it even more fun. This project took us maybe an hour and cost just $50 for all supplies (we used what we had on hand).

Play Space

Or maybe you need more room for your kids and their toys to sprawl out. We've considered dedicating an area of the garage to play, especially since our backyard gets so much sun on hot summer afternoons. This garage-to-playroom conversion is pretty basic, but it gets the job done.

Try installing a few toddler swings to a solid support beam. Place a picnic table or two around for a drawing surface or just eating lunch. Since you're in the garage, you can even experiment with messier toys, like a DIY sandbox or rice sensory bin that won't collect as many bugs as it would outdoors. To soften the concrete flooring, head to your local carpet outlet and purchase a large remnant piece.

Office or Studio

Need a place to work from home? Try converting your garage to a studio or office. This unique before and after will get you dreaming up the many possibilities. For example, there's so much paint can do to freshen up a dingy area and make it come alive and inspire. Simple white is a solid choice if you want a neutral backdrop and maximum light.

At the same time, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Concrete floors can be as practical as they are easy to maintain. And exposed beams add architectural interest, so don't bother trying to cover them. Once you get the bones looking good, the rest will depend on the kind of work you do. Artists may like keeping the garage door open for extra light during work hours. A sturdy table may work well as a desk and meeting space. It's up to you!

Home Gym

Some friends of mine recently took over one half of their garage to make an at-home gym because they were frustrated with monthly membership rates. Their hard work paid off — big time. You can get fancy and do flooring and walls, etc. Or you can stick with what matters most: Clear out clutter and replace with weights, mats, and motivation posters.

What you stock your gym with depends on the activities you do. To get a good variety of equipment (and mirrors, etc.) on the cheap, consider checking Facebook yard sale groups, Craigslist, and even making a call out to friends. We actually scored a cheap treadmill from our neighbors that had been collecting dust in their basement for a few years. All we had to do was ask.

Hybrid Room

Maybe you have multiple needs. In that case, try planning out your garage to meet them all. Carla at Small + Friendly divided her garage into four different zones. There's a crafting/sewing station, a play wall, a laundry nook, and then some smart storage/mudroom area. Everyone in the house has someplace to spread out.

I like this family's use of vertical storage to maximize how much stuff they could contain in each zone. It's full, but very well organized. Additionally, if your budget doesn't allow for flooring, make use of interlocking foam tiles anywhere kids might be playing on the ground for added comfort. Carla's husband even uses the tiles as a makeshift yoga mat for morning workouts.

Bedroom and Beyond

My jaw dropped when I came across this incredible garage-to-bedroom transformation. For just $900, Brooke Frederick was able to totally clean out the space, give it a nice coat of bright paint, exterminate pests, and then furnish to her specifications. And if you don't have a hefty budget, that's all you really need to do to make a room out of your garage.

Of course, this kind of frugal flip won't work for everyone. Moving your sleeping or living quarters to the garage is probably more appealing if your garage has plenty of windows. Also, Frederick notes there's no insulation in her new bedroom, so this idea works best if you live in a more moderate climate.

Things to Think About

If you do intend to use your space year-round, you'll want to insulate and drywall to keep the heat and cold out. Same goes for your garage door.
Adding a few windows can also help provide the area with natural light, but aren't a requirement if you budget doesn't allow.
You may need to enlist an experienced electrician to wire some outlets to your new room to get the power flowing if you plan to use computers, televisions, and other electronics.
That all being said, major improvements may require a permit. Check with your local municipality for the rules that apply in your area.

Do you use your garage for something other than parking cars? Tell us about it!

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This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Things in Your Garage That Have Serious Re-Sale Value

Ashley Marcin — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:00:29 +0000

Can't fit your car in the garage? It might be time to do a deep cleaning. Before anything hits the trash though, take a step back: there are probably a number of items you have stowed away that could earn you some impressive cash. Check out the ideas below, and feel free to share your tips of the trade in the comments. (See also: 6 Old Things in Your House That Have Serious Re-sale Value)

1. Big Ticket Items

A brand new generator might set you back between $200 and $2,000 from my latest survey of prices at a popular home improvement chain. My dad has a portable generator he bought when my parents lived way out in the country. Now that they've moved to a more central location, it gets little use and he wants to sell it. Sound familiar? Consider the value. I searched "used portable generator" on eBay and discovered around 75 hits with prices ranging from $50 to $2,400 for items in good condition.

Other big ticket sellers might include snow blowers, ride-on mowers, and even motorcycles or cars. The trick is assessing a fair value and finding the right place to sell. Kelley Blue Book is always the first place to check with vehicles. For the rest, try looking at similar listings in your local paper, Craigslist, eBay, or even on donation valuation charts (as a loose guide). When we bought our house last year, the couple who lived here planned to downsize. They sold their snow blower in two days for $350 by simply placing it outside the garage with a cardboard sign.

2. Camping Gear

We have a whole shelving unit full of camping stuff in our garage. There's anything and everything from lanterns to tents to portable cooking devices to cots and much more. Other frugally minded outdoorsy folks would surely appreciate the care we've taken to keep our gear in working order, so we might try to sell a few things this year. In fact, we bought our large family tent used for a couple hundred dollars — so we know the system works.

If this arena interests you, try sites like GearTrade, where you can buy and sell camping wares or just get insight on appropriate pricing if you'd rather sell yourself. Some items in "excellent" condition attract up to 99% of their original value. There are also a couple area camping groups on Facebook I might contact about larger things to avoid shipping.

3. Hand Tools

Let's face it, most of us aren't super handy. But that doesn't stop the hand tools from streaming in as gifts from well-meaning friends and family. Rather than hold onto a tool waiting to be inspired, try selling it. Take this Bosch 18-Volt Hammer Drill, for example. It retails at $219, and a few days ago I found a used one on eBay for $150. This number accords with the $131 average price for used hammer drills listed on Statricks. And it would make a solid return (a little over 55%) on something you might not have touched in over a year.

Keep in mind that certain brands of tools resell better than others, including DeWalt, Bosch, Ridgid, Makita, Milwaukee, Hitachi, Porter-Cable, Skil, and Delta. In other words, that entry-level saw you got a great deal on new might not seem as appealing on the used market. Along with quality, your buyers will be inspecting these tools for wear and tear, so check for any crimped cords or other issues and price accordingly.

4. Building Materials

Most of us have bought and sold on Craigslist, but have you heard about DiggersList? Those of you into DIY and home improvement might want to take a look. You can sell your surplus building supplies (or find some to purchase) and get a good portion off the original price. Anything back is better than waste, right?

You can sell your doors, pavers, flooring, wall tile, appliances, circuit breakers, and much more. If you'd rather not list online, try taking out an ad in the classifieds or contacting a local carpentry club. Then consider donating anything you don't sell to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

5. Outdoor Toys

Children outgrow their playhouses and other outdoor toys quickly, so they clutter garages like crazy. Not only can you earn back a good portion of what you paid (depending on the condition) — but the used toy market for items like these is refreshing with each generation of kids born into the world. Before having a yard sale, try local Facebook groups, Craigslist, and even re-sale stores like Once Upon a Child.

I recently sold a sand box my daughter didn't use much for $30, which is 75% of what I paid for it new. Not only that, I found an eager buyer in less than fifteen minutes on a Facebook mom group. I also took a whole bin of old toys (including a bike, wagon, and other outdoor ride-on) to Once Upon a Child and walked out a half hour later with $121.

What old junk in your garage have you turned into serious cash?

This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

12 Genius Storage Solutions for Your Garage

Ashley Marcin — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 12:00:07 +0000

One of my favorite features of my new home is an oversized double attached garage. I'm in storage heaven in there, but I know I could be using the space better to accommodate all my different needs. (See also: 15 Genius Kitchen Storage Ideas)

Below you'll find a number of ideas — from broad to specific — that will help you use your garage space better. Feel free to share your own solutions in the comments.

1. Pipe Rack

A few small pieces of PVC pipe can go a long way toward making smart tool storage that will hold up for years to come. The author of this project cut angled pieces of PVC from scraps she had around the house. You can also head to the hardware store and ask an associate to make six inch cuts for you. Then mount and label.

2. Gutter Genius

I've seen a lot of gutter shelf projects for the home, but what's more perfect than making storage shelves for your garage? Go to your hardware store and pick out gutters and end caps in whatever size makes sense for your purpose. Then hang them and fill with paint, caulk, sprays, seeds, whatever.

3. Container Corral

Our attic is full of blown-in insulation, so we don't use it for storage. Instead, we have several rows of basic shelving where we've arranged our plastic containers up and off the ground. For better organization, label your bins in big, bold letters. I suggest using clear tubs for the most transparency.

4. Mudroom Magic

If you're low on closet space indoors, turn your garage into a beautiful mudroom with just a few tricks. You'll want some hooks for coats and other apparel. A few hanging baskets to keep umbrellas, bags, and mail in check. The rest is up to you!

5. Peg Rails

This peg-rail organizer is as functional as it is beautiful. You'll hang wooden beams along your wall and then drill holes for your pegs. If you don't have tools or time to do this project yourself, consider buying several long hook or peg rails and arranging them in a couple long rows for the same impact.

6. Toy Tamer

There are a lot of different ways you can approach toy cleanup in your garage. I love these educational ideas that put some responsibility in your child's hands. For example, tall laundry baskets for sport balls; stackable shelving for bubbles, helmets, and pool toys; and brightly taped off areas for bikes and scooters. The key is keeping everything clearly labeled and encouraging your kids to put their stuff away.

7. Hook Hideaway

The minute we moved in, my husband went out and bought a set of inexpensive Gladiator Hooks at the hardware store. There are a number of different ways you can use them, but he arranged them on the studs to get bikes, skis, sleds, folding chairs, and other outdoor items off the floor.

8. Pegboard Pal

One of the best things you can get for your garage (or basement) is a pegboard. After you figure out how high you want to hang your board, you'll make the spot and then drill into the studs using wood screws. Don't forget to level! Then buy some hooks and go crazy.

9. Screw Central

Our garage also serves as our tool storage area. We had inherited an old tool bench at our last house where the original owner had organized his screws by placing them in small jars. The cool part? All the tops of the jars were glued (or screwed) to the bottom of a shelf for easy keeping. It's a simple project with big impact.

10. Bungee Corner

Stash all your soccer balls, basket balls, and kick balls in one space using bungee cords. The cost of this project was a mere $2. You'll need a wooden frame for the top and bottom of your zone. Then four or five bungee cords stretched between the posts will hold things tightly together.

11. Shoe Win

Those plastic shoe organizers work in almost every room, and the garage is no exception. Use it to hold spray paint, golf balls, tools, cleaners, and anything else you have in chaos. You don't even need to hang it over a door. Just nail or screw hooks into the wall or use rope to tie it onto a shelving system.

12. Bike Shelf

I love this simple DIY bike shelf. Cut notches in a fruit crate to accommodate the top tube of your bike. Mount on your wall. You can use the top shelf to store your helmet or any other gear. (And though this storage device would work great in your garage, it would also be perfect for apartment storage!)

What's your favorite genius garage storage idea?

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This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Things in Your Garage You Should Throw Out Today

Paul Michael — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:00:05 +0000

The garage. For some, it's a pristine white-walled home for a four-wheeled pride and joy. For others (and let's face it, that's most of us), it's a place to keep the car, the lawn mower, the old fridge, paint cans, empty boxes, and everything else that we either forgot to put in the basement, or never even realized we owned. There are many items that should be in your garage right now, and others that should be removed. (See also: 12 Things You'll Never Use Again and Should Throw Out Today)

Here are the eight things you should throw out right after you've finished this article.

1. Old Paint

Unless you're very lucky, you will never buy exactly the right amount of paint you need for a project. There's always some left over, whether it's a quarter of the can, or a full can that's unreturnable. Either way, you'll most likely let this old paint sit on a shelf for a few years, knowing it will be there to touch up the wall. Of course, a few years pass by, and you repaint the wall. If you have these orphan cans of paint in your garage, they can be a fire hazard; they also go off quicker in garages than inside the home. It's time to dispose of them safely. You cannot just dump them, as these paints contain hazardous chemicals. Instead, visit your local hardware store like Lowes or Home Depot. They will be happy to recycle that paint for you.

2. Files and Paperwork

You may not have much use for them, but an identity thief can have a field day with documentation. If you have decided to keep boxes of bills, personal letters, government notices, and other items in your garage, you are keeping it in the most unsafe room in your house. Garages are very easy to break into, and you do not want to risk anyone accessing this stuff. It's better to scan it and shred it, or if it's really no use, just go straight to shredding.

Most copy and office supply stores will be happy to take your old papers for shredding, for a fee.

3. Armchairs and Cushions

You bought a new sofa, so you decided to keep the old one in the garage. Hey, you never know, it may come in handy for that man cave one day. This is not a good idea. That armchair or sofa is a veritable nirvana for mice and rats. They can build nests inside there and hunker down for the winter. They'll happily munch on the foam padding, and have baby mice and rats in the hundreds. This is not something you want to deal with. Do yourself a favor and dump or sell the old seating now, before another family sets up home inside it.

4. Old Motor Oil and Oily Rags

If you change your own oil, you probably have a large container of old oil just waiting to be filled. This is a disaster just waiting to happen. Motor oil is combustible, and as it is no longer needed, it's a waste of space as well. There are various places to recycle this, including many auto parts stores and auto mechanics. Get into the habit of taking the old oil there after every oil change. Yes, it may be easier to let a large container fill up with old oil, but it's not safe. The same applies to oily rags, too. One hint of a flame or spark and they're going up in smoke. Get rid of them, safely.

5. Expired Food

This seems like a no brainer, but it's amazing how many people have a stockpile of old food in his or her garage. It was, of course, intended to be a second pantry. But that shelf is now a mixture of good and not-so-good food items. You need to take the time to go through that food (including the food in the garage fridge) every week and dump the food that is well past its use-by-date. Now, if you're not sure (some foods are good several months after the date printed on the can or bag) do a little googling first. But if in doubt, throw it out.

6. Broken… Well, Anything

OK, if you're genuinely intending to fix that broken thing soon, then you get a pass. But if it has been gathering dust for 12 months because "when I get the time, I'll fix it," you need to throw it out. If it was important to you, you'd have fixed it already. If you are just waiting for the right time, you'll never find it.

Old junk, broken gadgets, smashed toys, they're all just taking up valuable real estate in your garage. If they're worth something (broken video game consoles can fetch money for parts), sell them on eBay or Craigslist. But really, most broken stuff is just on death row in your garage. Declare the appeals process over.

7. Books and Magazines

It's a safe bet 90% of the books and magazines you have read will never be read again. You are most likely hanging onto them because you don't like getting rid of something you paid money for, or you intend to read them again… one of these days. Go through those boxes of books and mags now and be ruthless. Then make four piles. Keep, sell, donate, and trash. Some doctors will thank you for magazines that can help the waiting room feel less like a waiting room. Some of those books will fetch a good price online. And if the cover is falling off and the pages are warped from a water spill, dump it.

8. The Shoe Graveyard

Don't deny it; you have one in your garage. These are the shoes that once took pride of place in the shoe rack inside, but over the years they got messy, tattered, or went out of style. Now you keep them in one of those shoe holders on the back of the door, or in an old cupboard next to the bag of damp cement. Put them out of their misery. Throw them into a bag for charity if they still have some years left in them, otherwise dump them today. You won't wear them again, even if you have fond memories of them.

What are you keeping in your garage that you know you should throw out? What's missing from this list? And what would you never throw away, no matter how often your significant other tells you to? Let us know.

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Garage Triage: Organize Your Garage for Maximum Chore and Storage Efficiency

Kentin Waits — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 10:36:30 +0000

If your garage, like so many others, has become an overflow storage area for sporting equipment, holiday decorations, and totes too numerous to mention, then it's time to reclaim some space. With winter just a few months away, now is the perfect time to clear the clutter, get organized, and make room for that car that's been kicked to the curb. After all, who wants to be chipping ice of the windshield while a perfectly good garage goes to waste? Here's how to get things in order with a little garage triage. (See also: How to Downsize and Declutter)

Clear the Clutter

First things first — hit the clicker, open the door, and start sorting. Getting a handle on what you've accumulated in the garage is the first step in getting organized. At this stage, don't worry about the grand vision of how you want the space to look, just focus on making room. Sort in piles — one pile for items that can be donated to charity, one for items that can be sold or passed on to friends, one for items to keep, and one for trash. (See also: 25 Things to Throw Out Today)

Make It Pretty

Once you've cut the clutter, it's time for cleaning and cosmetics. Does the floor need to be power washed or sealed? Could the interior walls use a fresh coat of paint? Are there cracked windows, burnt out bulbs, or shaky steps? A little TLC now will help the final product feel more complete and motivate the rest of the process.

Go Vertical

Once you've spruced things up, it's time to get creative about storage. Start by looking up. The most important real estate in any garage is floor space, so make more of it by storing things vertically. The more you can get off the floor and out the way, the easier it will be to use your garage for it's primary purpose. Here are some ideas for vertical storage:

Shelving

Shelving hung at shoulder height and going 4-5 feet up is perfect for storing cans of paint, small bins, seasonal yard supplies, and more. Start the shelving at shoulder height to retain floor space and avoid banged car doors and tight squeezes. Store a folding step stool under the shelving to reach items that are higher up.

Pegboard

Classic pegboard and hooks are still a perfect and cost-effective solution for organizing frequently-used tools and smaller items like tape, twine, and paint brushes. The pegboard solution keeps items in plain sight and easily accessible — no frustrated rummaging through boxes and bins.

Hooks

Large hooks are a garage's best friend. Use them to hang rakes, snow shovels, clippers, hoses, and watering cans. Larger plastic-coated utility hooks are great for hanging bicycles, too. Getting bikes off the floor helps keep the space organized and prevents damage. To learn more on how to properly store bikes using hooks, check out this article on wikiHow. (See also: 15 Awesome Storage Solutions for Under $10)

Color Coordinate

Bins, boxes, and cans are ideal for storing larger items like holiday decorations, sporting equipment, bulk cleaning supplies, pet food, and more. Avoid the "I wonder what I put in that bin" phenomenon by color coding your storage. For example, use green bins or boxes for lawn and garden supplies, yellow for cleaning supplies, red for holiday decorations and other seasonal items, etc. Since these storage containers are accessed less frequently, a color-coded approach helps you immediately narrow the search when you need something. Post your color key on the wall for easy reference.

Create a Flexible Workstation

Creating a single flexible workstation in your garage can save space, time, and money. Make any work bench pull double or triple duty for automotive and household repair, woodworking, crafts, and small gardening projects. Equip the space with general tools and supplies, but organize project-specific materials in color-coded containers or small wheeled cabinets for quick cleanup and storage. (See also: Screwdrivers to Saws: Stocking Your First Toolbox)

Get Benched

Garages are where we drop at the end of the long day or where we try to pull ourselves together at the last minute before we start the day. A bench helps on both counts. Designate a spot to sit down, kick off your shoes, or decompress after a marathon day of lawn-mowing or car repair. Use under-bench storage for grimy utility boots, paper towels, or hand-sanitizer.

Designate a Go Station

Garages are most families' last stop in their mad dash out the door. Capitalize on this fact by designating a go station in your garage. Store last-minute grab-and-go items like energy bars, extra hats, gloves, reusable grocery bags, pet leashes, and other supplies on a bench or shelf. It'll help you stay organized during those last-minute morning rushes. Hang a whiteboard or chalkboard for reminders or to exchange quick family messages.

Though it's tempting to ignore our garages and keep them in a perpetual state of clutter-chaos, getting organized has its advantages. Garage clutter has a way of creeping into the rest of our homes, and the things we love have a way of getting lost, damaged, or tossed out when there's just too much stuff to deal with. In just one weekend of focused effort you can transform your garage from "eek!" to chic. Oh, and you might even get your car off the street in the process.

What's your garage like? What are your favorite garage organization hacks?

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This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Green Garage Makeover Tips

Ashley Jacobs — Fri, 13 May 2011 10:00:23 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some awesome articles on green makeover tips for your garage, ways to overcome embarrassment, and tips for using a credit card outside of the US.

14 Effective Grease and Oil Stain Removal Tips

Paul Michael — Thu, 05 May 2011 10:36:44 +0000

Oil is a worry in more ways than one. Not only is it rapidly rising in price and taking more each week from our budgets, oil is also the source of one of the toughest stains to remove from clothing, fabrics, concrete, and more. But it doesn’t have to be.

Armed with these handy tips, you can at least bring down the oil stain in a fight. Bringing down oil prices, well that’s another matter entirely. (See also: Dropping the Price of Gas to $2.50 a Gallon in a Week)

Note: The key to all of these tips is to treat the stain as quickly as possible. The longer you leave it, the tougher it is to remove.

1. Cornstarch and Dish Soap — Fabric

Lay your item of clothing on a flat surface and liberally sprinkle cornstarch over the stain. Let that soak in for at least 30 minutes, but one hour is preferable.

Next, rub dish soap into the stain (use a nail brush if you want to get into the fibers). Finally, wash using the directions on the care label. Air dry.

2. Hair Spray — Fabric

I have no use for hair spray on my head, but for years I have used it as a cheap fixative for charcoal drawings. However, it’s also a fine stain-removal tool. Spray the oil or grease stain liberally with hair spray; it should take quite a lot of it out instantly. Then, wash and air dry.

3. Cheez Whiz — Fabric

Really? Yes indeed. I saw this one on "The View," and the stain guru swore by it.

You don’t even need to let this one sit. Just apply some of the goopy Cheez Whiz (or a generic version) onto the oil or grease stain and smear it in. Then throw your garment in the wash, and it should take the grease right out.

4. Shampoo — Fabric

It makes sense. Shampoo is designed to get grease and natural oils out of your hair. So why not your clothing? Just grab a little of your usual shampoo (or go out and buy some for greasy hair if you, like me, don’t have any hair) and rub it into the stain like a pre-treatment. Then wash as directed. It should work like a charm.

5. WD-40 — Fabric and Concrete

Among the thousands of uses for WD-40, stain removal is up there as a very effective use for this versatile product. And most of us have it in the garage, a place where oil is more likely to get on our clothing.

Just spray the stain with WD-40 and let it soak for around 30 minutes. Then rub in a little dish soap and wash as directed.

6. Cornstarch and Dry-Cleaning Solvent — Fabric

Once again, lay your item of clothing on a flat surface and liberally sprinkle cornstarch over the stain. Let that soak in for at least 30 minutes to one hour.

Next, place some kitchen towels on a counter, and place the item of clothing, stain-side down, on the towels. Proceed to blot or pat the back of the stain with a rag soaked in dry-cleaning solvent. Replace the paper towels frequently as they absorb the oil.

When you have removed as much of the stain as you can, apply a little laundry pre-treatment solution. Then wash as directed, and air dry.

7. Waterless Mechanics' Soap — Fabric

There are several brands available, including Kutol, Gojo, and good old Lava.

Rub the stain with the dry soap for several minutes, allowing it to penetrate the whole stain. The grease-cutting properties of the soap will help to break down the oil stain. Leave it for 30 minutes, then repeat. Finally, wash as directed and air dry. Simple Green is also good for this.

8. Coca-Cola — Fabric

I have covered the many uses of Coca Cola before, and stain removal is a great one. There is actually some caramel food coloring in Coke, but not enough to do any staining damage. At least, not if it’s left on for just a few hours.

Simply pour some Coke onto the stain and let it soak for an hour or two. Then wash as directed and air dry. Your oil or grease stain should be completely destroyed, and there will be no sign of the Coke, either.

9. Coca-Cola — Concrete

The first step is to soak up as much oil as you can. Use old shop towels, rags, holey tees, or socks you plan to throw in the garbage; it’s all good.

Next, take a 2-liter bottle of room-temperature Coke and pour it all over the stain. If the stain is well-covered and there’s plenty of Coke left, save the rest for another day. Now let the Coke sit on the stain overnight, at least 8–10 hours. The acidic properties will help eat away the oil stain.

Soak up the Coke with more towels, and use pressure with a blotting movement to help pull the oil from the concrete. Then, using a stiff-bristled brush, apply some dish soap and hot water to the stain.

Now, rinse with warm water. The stain should be history.

(By the way, it doesn’t have to be Coke. I’m not a brand loyalist if I’m pouring it all over my floor, and the basic properties are the same.)

10. Lestoil — Fabric and Concrete

Oil to fight oil? Absolutely! Manufactured by Clorox, Lestoil is used to fight grease and oil stains on contact. It’s usually found in hardware stores and has a very strong smell, not unlike paraffin. Simply pour Lestoil onto the stain and let it soak for 20 minutes before washing. Or, if you’re washing a huge greasy load, add some to the wash. It’s also good for removing stains from fabric on sofas, chairs, carpets, and concrete driveways. As always, test in an inconspicuous spot before applying to a place in full view.

11. Aloe Vera Gel — Fabric

Let it soothe away your stain-removal headaches. Soak your soiled clothing in water, then vigorously rub aloe vera gel into the stain. Wash as directed, and air dry.

12. Dishwashing Detergent — Fabric

You see ads all the time boasting the grease-fighting power of dishwashing detergents. From the tablets to regular liquids, they are formulated to cut through the grease and get your dishes and cutlery free from stains and residues.

So take some dishwater detergent to the stain, rubbing in the liquid or powder. You can also add a tablet to your wash; this is very effective for oily mechanics' clothing.

13. Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) — Concrete

You can find this at any good hardware store. It’s a chemical, so please use gloves and safety glasses (although believe it or not, TSP is an approved food additive).

Mix 1 oz. of TSP with ½ cup of talcum powder and 1 cup of warm water. This will make a good paste, which you should apply to the oil stain with a trowel or other spreading tool. Wait for the paste to harden, then brush it away. If the stain is still there, repeat with a diluted TSP mixture of 1 gallon of to warm water with 1 cup of TSP. Scrub it into the stain, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

14. Pressure Washer — Concrete

If all else fails, a good solution is a high-pressure washer. These can be expensive, but there are alternatives. There are nozzles you can buy for regular hoses that convert them to high-pressure sprayers, but these will never be as effective as a washer with air compression.

So, consider renting one from a local hardware store. They are cheap, and you can get a lot done with them, including removing other dirt and stains around the home.

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Skills That Can Save You Money Part 1: Parallel Parking

Paul Michael — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:00:06 +0000

It may at first seem odd that a driving lesson would appear on a blog about saving money. But read on and you’ll see why something as basic (well, to some) as parallel parking can be a ticket to big savings.

I passed my test late in life. I was 26, and I did it here in America. It lasted roughly 15 minutes, and it basically involved driving around the block for a few minutes, getting on and off a highway, and stopping at a few stop signs and traffic lights. There was no test for parallel parking, which is good because I’ve never really had to do it.

I was fortunate enough to work and live in places that always had free parking lots. Only recently did I move to a new job downtown, and when you move to the city, you are presented with a severe lack of free parking lots.

For instance, in downtown Denver the parking lots run from $4 for the day (if you get in by 7am) to $20 a day. And that’s what you’ll have to pay if you’re parking for the duration.

But if you’re only looking to park for an hour, say to grab lunch or run an errand, some of these places charge you $2 for every 20 mins! Contrast that to the parking meters that max out at $1 per hour and it’s a significant saving to park at a meter.

Therein lies the problem for some people though. The sheer horror of trying to parallel park will have them lining up for the expensive lots. From having to reverse into a space, to doing the deed in front of an audience and looking foolish, it puts some people in a cold sweat. And if you have to run errands once or twice a week, you’re blowing a ton of money for the convenience of pulling into a space rather than maneuvering into one.

Parallel Parking 101

For those of you who are expert parallel parkers, this will bore you to tears. From my experience and a few surveys of friends and relatives, at least 50% of people aren’t confident with this at all. So, if that includes you, stick around.

Now, there is actually a science to this, as I found out when I had to start parking like this over the last few months. It’s not just “hit and hope,” you really can do it well every time if you follow a few simple steps. I have included a few how-to videos at the end, but for those of you who like to follow written instructions and diagrams, the following is for you. Of course, if the free parking space is at the beginning or end of the row, you simply pull up or reverse into the space. These instructions are for a spot between two cars.

Step 1: Align Front Bumpers

First, pull alongside the car in front of the space you want to park in. You want about two feet between the side of your car and this one. Now step on the brake and put the car in reverse.

Step 2: Brake Off, Hard Turn

Now you take your foot off the brake, apply a tiny bit of gas if needed, and turn the wheel hard towards the curb. You want to go in at around a 45 degree angle.

Step 3: Back of Seat to Rear Bumper

This is the stumbling block for most people attempting to parallel park — when do you start straightening out? As you can see from the video below, most people do it too late or too early, often with funny results.

It’s simple enough though. Once the back of the driver’s seat is aligned with the rear bumper of the other car, start turning the wheel away from the curb. Just remember, your back, rear bumper.

Step 4: Fine Tuning

If you’ve done everything right, you should be about six inches from the curb and nestled between the two cars. Usually, you’ll have to move forward a little just to increase the gap between you and the car behind you. After that, just get out of your car, pop some change in the meter (if there is a meter), and lock up your vehicle.

The videos below go into more detail on parallel parking. As some people prefer visual aids, this may be a better for you.

Parallel Parking Instructions — Example 1

Parallel Parking Instructions — Example 2

And if you get REALLY good, you could always try this more advanced technique. Well, maybe not. Look for another money-saving skill soon.

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Are you giving burglars the key to your home?

Paul Michael — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:29:25 +0000

I’m lucky enough to know, both personally and through friends, some very nice guys in the local police departments. So when they reveal methods of criminals, I am all ears. This time, it was a jailed burglar who gave up the goods on how he committed garage door burglaries.

Like most people with a garage door, I had the garage door keypad fitted. It seemed like a handy thing to have and I’ve used it countless times. With almost 10,000 possible combinations, I felt that it was a safe bet and no burglar would take the time to crack that code. But that safety is a façade. My contact in the Aurora Police Department, here in Colorado, recounted his conversation with the crook.

“He explained that skin, particularly fingertips, emit oils on the keypads when the code is punched in; e.g. 1-4-5-6. He said that other keys on the pads that are never used become dirty with wind, rain and dust. Using a flashlight with a blue or red lens, or even using angles in daylight hours, you can see where the 1-4-5-6 numbers appear clean and/or shiny with use.

Once he could determine the four most used or clean numbers he could “crack” the code in a few minutes or less, leaving no signs of forced entry.”

That’s how simple, and quick, it really is. And how this burglar ripped off many homes. I looked at my own key pad and sure enough, it didn’t take me long to figure out the four digits I use.

But the story doesn’t end there. If the garage doesn't have a keypad, another way to get in is by using a hook to reach up over the garage door and grab the emergency release rope. Just as quick and simple, a household wire hanger will do that job very nicely.

So, what can you do?
When it comes to the emergency rope, remove it. I did a long time ago as I’d heard about this from a neighbor. Just leave a hook handy inside the garage somewhere that you can use to release the door in an emergency.

As for the keypad, well, if you’re really freaked out just remove it. It’s a little inconvenient but if peace of mind is more important to you then you’ll learn to live without it.

If you must keep your keypad, all I can think of is to clean the keys weekly with some good degreaser and cleanser. Maybe something like orange clean. That should at least stop the clues from showing.

And one more nugget of information before you run off and start scrubbing. If you’re a fan of any kind of show like C.S.I. then you may be interested to know that the fingerprint lab finds it extremely difficult to lift prints from these keypads. It’s something to do with the surface condition and texture. So, not only may you be cleaned out, the criminal could leave no trace.

However, if you follow the advice in this article you will hopefully never have to deal with that eventuality. Stay safe folks.

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

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1. Cornstarch and Dish Soap — Fabric

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5. WD-40 — Fabric and Concrete

6. Cornstarch and Dry-Cleaning Solvent — Fabric

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9. Coca-Cola — Concrete

10. Lestoil — Fabric and Concrete

11. Aloe Vera Gel — Fabric

12. Dishwashing Detergent — Fabric

13. Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) — Concrete

14. Pressure Washer — Concrete

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Skills That Can Save You Money Part 1: Parallel Parking

Parallel Parking 101

Step 1: Align Front Bumpers

Step 2: Brake Off, Hard Turn

Step 3: Back of Seat to Rear Bumper

Step 4: Fine Tuning

Are you giving burglars the key to your home?