If you’re tired of shelling out hefty service fees, consider that many of the most common home repair needs can be fixed easily – and cheaply – even by people with only a passing knowledge about tools and cleaning fluids.

From a consumer blog at ABC News, here are seven easy home repair solutions you should be willing to try yourself:

Clogged drains – Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. As they bubble down the clogged drain, follow with at least a teapot full of boiling water.

Mice – If you can spot the opening where mice are crawling in, stuff it with a rag saturated with peppermint oil. Mint planted near doorways, or spraying door frames with peppermint oil will also deter mice from entering.

Ants – Ants hate peppermint, too, the solution for mice infestation should work for ants as well. Other solutions? Sprinkle baking soda where you have seen ants congregate. Leave it for 24 hours, then brush or vacuum away. Or try cinnamon sprinkled in the doorway where the ants are seen to be coming from.

Carpet stains – Put a dab of white shaving cream (not the gel variety) onto the stain and blot. Use cool water to clean off the shaving cream. Let dry and vacuum. For pet stains, try a bit of white vinegar or a little dishwashing soap and water.

Squeaky wood floors – Before you call in a pro to adjust your squeaky hardwood floor, try sprinkling baby powder between the floorboards and sweeping up the excess. The powder should lubricate the boards so they no longer rub together.

Dirty windows – White vinegar or a mixture of lemon juice and water – and a little elbow grease – should get windows sparkling.

Appliance breakdowns – Keep the instruction booklets for every appliance you buy. Before you call the repairman, check the handbook. Most contain troubleshooting tips that may help you solve the problem yourself.