Everyday Problem Solver
All of Tommy Ruiz's GetWitty articles, collected in one place.
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From this voice
Quick answerTreat a coffee stain before heat reaches it. Lift excess liquid by blotting, flush cool water through the back of the fabric, then work in…
Tommy Ruiz
6 min
Quick answerTo set up a sewing machine for the first time, identify the machine’s controls, install the needle and presser foot correctly, wind and insert the…
Tommy Ruiz
5 min
By Tommy Ruiz, Everyday Problem SolverLast reviewed: 2026-10-05 Quick answerStart with the repair’s risk, not your confidence. DIY tasks are usually reasonable when they are visible,…
Tommy Ruiz
5 min
Quick answerThe best dorm-room or first-apartment tool kit covers everyday jobs without taking over your closet. Prioritize screwdrivers, pliers, a tape measure, hex keys, a utility…
Tommy Ruiz
6 min
Quick answerChoose watercolor if you want portable supplies, transparent layers, and easy cleanup; acrylic if you want a versatile, forgiving medium that dries quickly; or oil…
Tommy Ruiz
6 min
Quick answerRepair a household item when the fault is isolated, the rest of the item is sound, replacement parts are available, and the repair cost is…
Tommy Ruiz
6 min
Quick answerTo read a crochet pattern, identify its terminology, materials, gauge, stitch abbreviations, row or round instructions, and repeat sections before you begin. Work one instruction…
Tommy Ruiz
7 min
Quick answerTo start crochet, use smooth medium-weight yarn, a compatible 5 mm hook, scissors, and a yarn needle. Learn a slip knot, chain, and single crochet,…
Tommy Ruiz
6 min
Quick answerTo fix a running toilet, first close the shutoff valve and identify whether water is leaking through the flapper or flowing into the overflow tube.…
Tommy Ruiz
6 min
Quick answerTo start a small business, define one customer problem, confirm that real people will pay for your solution, and write a simple plan before spending…
Tommy Ruiz
6 min
Quick answerTeach a teen to cook by starting with five simple meals that repeat core skills: measuring, chopping, boiling, sautéing, baking, and cleaning as they go.…
Tommy Ruiz
6 min
Quick answerTo start crocheting, choose one medium-weight yarn, a matching 5 mm or 5.5 mm hook, and one simple project. Learn the slip knot, chain stitch,…
Tommy Ruiz
6 min
Quick answerMost watercolor mistakes are easiest to fix while the paint is still damp. Blot excess water with a clean, barely damp brush or tissue, lift…
Tommy Ruiz
7 min
Quick answerA first-time homeowner should organize maintenance by frequency rather than trying to fix everything at once. Check safety devices and visible leaks monthly, service heating…
Tommy Ruiz
6 min
Quick answerTo start watercolor painting, use a limited palette, proper watercolor paper, one medium round brush, and a simple 20-minute practice routine. Spend the first week…
Tommy Ruiz
7 min
Quick answerBuild your first investing plan around five decisions: your goal, timeline, monthly amount, account type, and acceptable level of risk. Before buying anything, protect short-term…
Tommy Ruiz
6 min
Quick answerTo draw a landscape as a beginner, simplify the scene into three parts: large shapes, light and dark values, and a few defining details. Start…
Tommy Ruiz
7 min
Quick answerTo start crocheting, gather a size H/8 (5.0 mm) hook and medium-weight acrylic yarn in a light color. Learn the slip knot, chain stitch, and…
Tommy Ruiz
6 min
Learning to use a sewing machine can feel overwhelming when you are staring at dials, levers, and a threading path that looks like a maze. The…
Tommy Ruiz
6 min
Let’s be honest. At some point, “collecting” turned into “where did all these figurines come from?” Whether you’re into sci-fi box sets, anime volumes, or vintage…
Tommy Ruiz
2 min
By Tommy Ruiz, Everyday Problem SolverWe’ve all been there. You click to open a program, and suddenly you have enough time to walk the dog while…
Tommy Ruiz
2 min
