Here are some tips on how to level your pictures in your home:

• The way in which a picture is hung will determine its potential for remaining level. Hanging the picture from a single nail and its picture wire is merely asking for that picture to tilt as it hangs. Hanging it from more than one nail or picture hanger greatly improves your chances of having level pictures.

• Hanging your pictures from pre-measured vertical picture wire affixed to a picture molding is an even better method of ensuring that your pictures remain level, although many newer houses do not have the old-fashioned picture molding which used to be so popular.

• Absent the convenience of picture molding means that you will possibly be using the wire at the back of the picture to hang it. It will be more stable and remain level for a longer period if it is hung from an actual device intended to support the hanging of pictures rather than using its own picture wire.

• The best way to ensure that pictures remain level for a long period of time is to routinely recheck them with your level to be sure that you are really seeing your pictures in a straight line!

Here are some tips to follow when learning how to install new door framing:

• After measuring the existing frame and determining the amount of wood it will take to cover the space involved, purchase your new frame.

• At that same time, purchase any hardware needed to put up the frame.

• When you have chosen the hardware, test the door in the frame to make sure that it will swing freely on its hinges and will close properly. If not, figure out why—it will never be any easier to fix! Make the necessary adjustments and then prepare to install the frame.

• Use good-grade wood materials to build your new frame. Hardware centers selling lumber products should have a ready assortment of molding woods available for you to choose your framing materials from.

• Be sure that you follow the old adage of “measure twice and cut once.” It is cheaper and more efficient to measure twice; cutting twice gets expensive!

• If you want your frame to be a certain color, the easiest time to stain or paint it is before it is installed. Stain or paint it and then, being sure that it is fully dry, hang the frame in place.

In order to properly install your new lock, here are some “how-to” instructions to get you started:

• It is a good idea to use screw drivers with magnetized heads to minimize the loss of small screws.

• Be sure that you have the proper tool to bore the hole in the door; many new doors come already predrilled from the factory. Be sure that you are equipped to handle the drilling if the door is not pre-drilled or the size is not sufficient for the new lock.

• If necessary, draw markings on the new door to show where hardware will be attached according to the directions on the packaging.

• Remember that a door containing  windows may require a special type of deadbolt lock; one without  a visible bolt, to prevent break-ins. Always remember to install a location for a key to the lock to avoid being locked in!

• Remember that oil and grease should not be used to lubricate locks; simple graphite (lead) is the proper substance to use if you are installing an antique lock and the workings are stiff or will not turn properly.

Here are some simple instructions on how to install a washer:

• Be certain that the washer will fit in the space allotted for it
• Determine ahead of time if the hook-ups are designed for a gas washer; these are becoming less common
• Be sure that all electrical cords will reach; ideally, you will have 3-prong grounded plugs for an appliance drawing that much current
• Be certain that all water hook-ups are long enough to reach the appliance. It is possible to get extenders for those pipes; if you need that type of extension, be sure that it fits properly to avoid unexpected leaks
• Prepare the space for the new washer by washing and drying the floor where it will sit
• Before you attempt to wash clothes, run a load of clean water through the machine to clear out the pipes
• Once you have installed your washer, make sure you know how of fixes the common washing machine problems that can occur

Here are tips on how to install an air conditioner:

• For the new unit, recommended installation instructions should accompany the packaging of the unit as it is unpacked.
• If there are no instructions included with the new unit, as in the case when the purchase is a display model, check the Internet to see whether the manufacturer has posted any instructions concerning installation.
• If you are attempting to install a unit without manufacturer’s instructions, be sure that the window or wall cut is adequate to accommodate the unit. Be sure that there is access to a properly rated cord powerful enough to handle the load the unit will place on the electrical system of the building where the machine will be placed.
• Be sure that there are sufficient supports to handle the weight of the unit being used.
• Be certain that there is an adequate drip pan or other means of collecting condensation that may be created by the unit. It may also be necessary to tilt the unit slightly to allow any water to run from the unit toward the outside and toward the ground to avoid any water damage.
• Hardware stores or home goods stores carry materials that can be placed adjacent to a unit which will seal up any airspace open to the outdoor elements to prevent unwanted outdoor air or bugs from getting in the room where the unit is located.
• It is preferred to not use an extension cord with an appliance as heavy as a window unit, for safety considerations. If one must be used to connect to a power supply, be certain that it is the shortest length of cord  possible to keep the unit safe.
• Be sure that the air conditioner filter is clean and accessible, especially in the instance of used units and display model units.

These simple tips will give you some hints on how to install a dryer:

• Determine before picking out your dryer, whether your house has gas or electric hook-ups. If the hook-ups are gas, be certain that you have adequate knowledge concerning gas appliances before attempting the hook-up. Because natural gas is a dangerous substance, if you are not completely familiar with hooking it up safely, use the services of a professional for your own safety and that of persons living with you in the house.

• Be sure that the lint ducts are installed properly and hooked up to an outside vent. Proper venting of lint is essential to the dryer operating correctly and not overheating and causing a fire risk.

• Be sure that an electric dryer is securely plugged in to an appropriate outlet. The electrical cord should be long enough to reach the outlet without using an extension cord. If it is not long enough, take steps to replace it with a new, longer cord.

• Be sure that the dryer has a lint trap which has to be cleaned between running loads of clothes. It should fit securely and be the proper accessory for that particular machine.

• Make sure that once the dryer is installed, you know how to maintain the dryer and have common knowledge on how to fixe common clothes dryer problems.

When simplifying your kitchen you should keep the following things handy.

• Keep only the most used utensils on the counter.  These utensils can include spatulas, wisps, wooden spoons, or knives.  By leaving these things out you can save time when cooking a meal.

• Only leave the most used appliances out.  For example if you have coffee everyday then you would want to leave out the coffee makers; but if you rarely have tea, the tea maker should be placed away until needed.

• Salt and pepper should always be left out on the counter in arms length.  Salt and pepper are both the most common ingredients in recipes and should be available at all times.  It may seem like a small issue; however when cooking a meal it is easy to lose salt and pepper, and knowing where they are can be a huge help.

If you keep the previous things handy in your kitchen, you will most likely become more organized and reduce clutter. When your kitchen is more organized and has less clutter you will find that using your kitchen is easier than ever.

The smell in your refrigerator can be frustrating, but just remember that there is a way to get rid of it.  By following these simple steps you can remove the odor in your refrigerator and never have to worry about it again.

1. Clean everything out of your refrigerator.  Make sure that things that are outdated or spoiled get thrown away or disposed of. 

2. Wash down the inside of your refrigerator to eliminate stains and mold.  By doing this you may get rid of the smell, but the chances are it will come back.

3. Let the refrigerator air dry for about ten minutes.

4. Before putting the food back into the refrigerator, insert a box of baking soda.  Baking soda will eliminate the odor and leave the refrigerator smelling fresh.  The brand of baking soda does not usually matter.

5. Place all of the items in the refrigerator and close the door.

 By completing these steps you should be able to remove the smell in your refrigerator completely.  You may need to insert a new box of baking soda every few months, however the price of baking soda has no comparison to the terrible odor your refrigerator can have.

Cleaning your stove does not always have to be time consuming and a difficult. By following these simple steps you can have your stove looking as good as new in just minutes.

1. Make sure that all electricity and gas is shut off.  This is important because you will be using liquid and moving around the stove.

2. Remove all removable parts from the stove and clean them individually.  You can clean them with just soap and water or some type of chemical stoves cleaner.

3. Depending on the type of stove you have you will need to clean the oven.  Some ovens have self cleaners, so you would just spray the chemical into the oven and let it work.  If you do not have a self cleaner you will want to scrub the oven out with soap and water.

4. With a damp cloth clean the entire stove thoroughly.  You may not want to use soap on this part because you will not be able to rinse.

5. Reassemble the stove and reconnect power.

By completing these steps you can have your stove looking brand new.

The only downfall to having one of the new flat panel TVs is that they can be quite complex to attach to your wall.  If you follow these steps you can hang your flat panel TV in no time. 

1. Make sure that your TV comes with the correct supplies to hang it on your wall.  In most cases the TV will come with the wall mounting supplies, however sometimes you will have to buy it separate.  If you do have to buy it separate, you will want to make sure that the mount is compatible with your brand.

2. Before even touching the TV you should install the wall mount.  If you take the TV out of the box, or try to install it at the same time as the mount you may break it. 

3. After putting up the actual mount you can place the TV on the mount.  In most cases you will just slide the TV down onto the mount, but sometimes you will have to snap it into place.

4. Check the TV and make sure that it is sturdy and will not fall of the wall. 

You do not have to attach flat panel TVs to your wall, however it is one of the more popular ways to display it.  By following the steps above you can hang your TV with ease. Make sure once you place all this effort to hang your TV, you know how to clean your LCD TV.