Dear Donny

Q

My bedroom floorboards creak a lot and seem to be getting worse. How can I stop it? Pamela Thomasson, by email

A

An easy way is to dilute PVA glue 50/50 with water and pour between the joints. Leave for 24 hours and the squeak will be gone.

Q

Our jet washed concrete drive still has black marks on it. How do we remove them? Lorraine Hobbs, Horncastle, Lincs

A

If it’s oil use a de-greasing agent. Some weed killers can stain, and also ‘stabilising solution’. If not, a £7 poly abrasive disk from Toolstation should buff it away.

Q

The cement I used to seal our patio keeps coming out of the joints. Is there an alternative? Terry Calpin, by email

A

Sika does a flexible waterproof paving joint compound you brush into the joints and it seems to last. The moisture in the air sets it.

DONNY’S TOP TIP

If you have a small piece of bare wood to paint, you don’t need to buy primer, undercoat and topcoat. Just add white spirit to the undercoat and mix in a jug. The thinned down undercoat will soak nicely into the wood before you apply the topcoat.

Q

My wife was told she could remove a linseed oil stain from our patio with WD40, but that’s stained it too. Is there a solution? John Watson, by email

A

Use a steam cleaner directly over the stain and mop up any excess water until you’re happy with the result. A degreaser will help soften the stain before employing the steam cleaner.

Q

What is the best product for cleaning/removing bad smells from a drain?

Mike Cowther, by email

A

For a block use bleach and a flexible cleaning rod. Smells can mean a U-bend problem so check the water level in the toilet bend.