Tip: Silence squeaks

Squeaky doors and floors are one of those minor annoyances most homeowners try to live with.

Over time, however, the noise of opening that bathroom door (or walking on the third stair from the top), starts to take on a "nails on a chalkboard" feel.

While the surest way to stop the squeaks is replacement and repair, that can get awfully costly. 

To soothe your ears at least temporarily, try a little baby powder.

When the noise is the result of two surfaces rubbing together - like squeaky hinges or wood on wood - applying a thin layer of baby powder to the crevices or hinges can silence it.

Re-apply when the squeaks start returning, and be sure to clean up any excess powder from the floor to prevent slips (and those questions about why there's white powder all over your house).

Read more tips from "Make life easier" March (and please share your own tips in the comments, too!)

- Speed wallpaper removal

- Remove stickers and price tags

- Keep your bathroom mirror from fogging up

- Cut down on painting cleanup

- Banish tea (or coffee) stained mugs

- Quiet that dripping faucet

- Make sure your furniture fits before you buy

- Don't let your paint can drip on the floor

- Why every tool box should include nail polish

- Check those smoke alarms

- Whip that closet into shape

- Remove red wine stains

(SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO)