'How To' Guides

Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your lawnmower. Our experts have compiled this tip-packed guide to help you keep your lawnmower performing at its best and working for years.   Step 1 Detach Sparkplug Lead Before performing any maintenance or cleaning procedures on a petrol engine lawnmower, detach the sparkplug lead from the..

Every now and again dishwashers require cleaning to remove residue that builds up. A clean dishwasher is more energy efficient, smells fresher, produces cleaner dishes, and is less likely to get blocked. Our guide makes this job quick and easy. Step 1 Place Dishwasher Contents in Vinegar Water Half fill your sink (or a basin) with warm water and..

A wooden shed that is properly cared for adds character to a garden. Freshly painted in trendy colours, it can be both stylish and functional. Follow our simple step-by-step guide for an efficient and professional paint job. Step 1 Remove Debris from Shed Surface Use a wire brush to scrub off any dirt and debris stuck to the shed’s outer surface..

Before drilling, it is essential to know the whereabouts of cables and pipes, to avoid an accident. It is necessary to also know the location of wall studs so they can support hanging heavy objects. Our guide will help you locate these items.   Step 1 The Old-Fashioned Way The most basic method is listening for a change in pitch while lightly ta..

Hedges protect your garden from harsh wind and weather, as well as providing an attractive visual barrier. Hedges need to be regularly maintained to keep them neat and healthy. Follow our guide to use your hedge trimmer like a professional.   Step 1 Hedge Trimming Tips before You Start New hedges should be pruned from an early stage to establish..

An easily accessible attic provides valuable extra storage space, especially for seasonal items like Christmas decorations or deck chairs. Please note: this task will require the help of a second person in places.   Step 1 Prepare Area The easiest location to install an attic ladder is the attic hatch. Clear any pipes, cables and other obstructi..

Paint has a transformative effect on a room and is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to revamp your home. Most of us have painted a wall before, but using this expert step-by-step painting guide will help you achieve more professional results.   Step 1 Prepare Area Take down any pictures or mirrors from the walls and remove any furniture, lam..

Tiles are the ideal flooring choice for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, and high-traffic areas like hallways and entranceways. Whether for a new build or a renovation, our easy step-by-step guide will help you lay floor tiles like a pro. Step 1 Prepare Surface Remove all fittings and fixtures that are attached to the floor, such as the toile..

Curtains make a house a home. They add colour, texture, privacy, insulation and a personal flourish to a room. If you’re hanging curtains for the first time or replacing an old curtain rail, follow our expert guide to easily achieve a professional result. Step 1 Choosing a Curtain Rail When choosing a curtain rail, bear in mind that you need a ..

Professional paint brushes can be expensive but deliver a better finish than cheaper alternatives. They require proper cleaning to prolong their life. Follow our expert tips to care for your paint brushes. Step 1 Scrape Off Paint Residue Use the blunt back of an old kitchen knife to scrape paint off the brush. An old, unwanted cardboard box ma..

Hanging wallpaper can be one of those tricky and time consuming jobs. With the proper preparation and professional know-how shown in this guide, you can avoid the typical wallpapering blunders and complete the job swiftly and efficiently.   Step 1 Prepare Area Clear all furniture, pictures, wall nails, and any other obstructions from the wall to..

As well as completing the look of your tiled floor with a finished, smooth appearance; grout protects the floor underneath the tiles from moisture. Grout also gives strength to your tiles, preventing them from moving and cracking.   Step 1 Preparation Use masking tape to protect any painted surface in the immediate vicinity, e.g. skirting boards..