Easy fixes that make a difference...
...An extra shot of fertilizer will make your grass look lush and green.

* Clean out your fireplace and lay logs in it to make it look inviting.

* For sticky doors & drawers, rub a block of paraffin against the surface that shows signs of wear.

* Cover scrapes and dings on woodwork and cabinetry with a colored stain product such as Min-Wax.

* Paint over crayon and marker stains on walls. Wash with a strong detergent. Then seal with shellac or oil-base primer/stain killer such as "Kilz". The sealer will cover the stained area. Then paint.

* Clean and polish laminate cupboard tops with a product like "Gel-Gloss". This is a cleaner similar to car wax. Apply a light coat; dry; buff with a soft cloth.

* Repair loose wallpaper seams with a wallpaper adhesive such as "stick-ease".

* Wash windows, vinyl and painted surfaces, even stains on carpet. A cleaner to make at home: 1/2 c. sudsy ammonia, 1 pint 70% Isopropyl alcohol, 1 t. dish washing detergent, add water to make one gallon.

* Remove dark stains around door and cabinet handles. Products like GOO-GONE and OOPS work well. Mineral spirits may also work. Use a coarse cloth; apply to the stain, scrub; wipe away. Be careful and go slowly. Use a test area first. Revarnish if needed. It is suggested that you use an oil finish, rather than varnish. Try Min Wax Antique Oil or General Finishes Wipe On Oil.

* If aluminum siding is faded, try washing. If that doesn't work, try painting. Consult your paint supplier for the proper procedure.

* Try ZUD cleaner for rust stains on concrete. If persistent, try oxalic acid. Mix with water, per directions.

* Naval jelly will help with rust stains on sinks, etc.

* Sewer smell in basement? The fix is easy. Pour water into the drain to flush. I like to put ammonia into the drain; wait a few minutes, then flush with water.

* Dark stains on your roof? It could be a fungus. Using zinc strips manufactured by Chicago Metallic. The foot-long strips are installed by forcing the edge of the metal under the edge of the shingles near the peak of the roof. Rain hits the metal and zinc chloride leaches out. It runs down the roof and kills the fungi (roofs with aluminum vents and chimneys are usually clear of the fungi directly below the metal parts).

* Mildew on your walls? Clean with an ammonia cleaner. Prime with a product, such as Bin. Drying time is usually about 45 minutes.Then paint. Perma-white or other mildew-proof paint may further insure that the mildew won't reappear.