Bath

A wobbly toilet seat is annoying and can feel unsafe. The good news is tightening it is a quick and easy fix. First, lift the plastic caps at the back of the seat to reveal the bolts. These are usually held by plastic nuts. Using a screwdriver to hold the bolt steady from the top, simply tighten the nut underneath with an adjustable wrench or pliers. Don't over-tighten, as you could crack the porcelain or the plastic hardware. If the seat is cracked or stained beyond cleaning, replacing the whole seat is just as simple. After you loosen and remove those same nuts, the old seat lifts right off.

When buying a new seat, bring a tape measure to the store. Measure the distance between the bolt holes and the length from the holes to the front of your bowl. Most seats are standard, but checking ensures a perfect fit. New seats come with all the needed bolts and nuts. Place the new seat in position, insert the bolts, and hand-tighten the nuts underneath. Give it a final snug turn with your tools, again being careful not to crack anything. Pop the plastic caps down, and you have a fresh, sturdy seat in minutes. Always keep a spare set of seat bolts in your toolbox—they are cheap and solve this common problem instantly.