The Nevada Sagebrush

A common goal when moving out: Get the deposit back. But sometimes that’s a problem if a wrestling session left holes in the walls or party-goers stained the carpet. Although landlords often tell renters to leave repairs up to the professionals, this can be unnecessarily expensive. Follow this guide to fix common mishaps, avoid costly repairs and keep your deposit for a downpayment on your new dig.

Holes in Drywall
While holes in walls can seem daunting to repair, for about $40, they can be fixed to look like new.
Supplies: Sandpaper or sandscreen ($3 to $13), drywall mud compound (quick to drying, $4.50 to $8),  wall patch ($3.50 to $6), spackling compound ($2 to $7), spray texture ($9 to $14), paint ($8 to $13 for a quart; bring a sample to the paint store so employees can match it for you), primer ($6 to $10), putty knife ($2.50 to $3 for a disposable set, $7+ for a regular wide knife), or a kit for small holes that contains a putty knife, spackling, sandpaper and a patch ($8)
Method:

* Pull out the really loose pieces of the wall left in the hole and sand around the edge of the hole in the shape of your patch.
* Mix the drywall mud compound and put some around the edge of the hole. Apply the wall patch before it dries and wipe off the excess mud if it comes out around the edges of the patch. Wait for the mud to dry (it will say on the package how long that will take).
* Mix the spackling compound and put it over the patch. The intention here is to fill in the mesh and make an even surface. Wait for it to dry.
* Spray texture (optional) over the patch until it is textured in the same way as the rest of the wall. Wait for it to dry.
* Apply the primer over the patch. Wait for it to dry.
* Paint over the primer and use the putty knife to feather the edges out into the existing paint so it blends more naturally.

*Al Turk, a sales specialist at Lowe’s Home Improvement, was consulted about this method.

Carpet Stains
With any carpet spills — alcohol, pet or otherwise — it is best to deal with the problem as soon as possible. This will prevent permanent damage. Follow any special instructions on spray bottles.
Supplies: Rag or towel ($1 to $2.50 for a small rag), soda water ($1 to $1.50 for a small container), enzyme spray (for odorous stains, $3.50 to $6), vinegar (for pet stains, 50 cents to $2.50), stain to remover spray ($3.50 to $6; avoid foaming sprays)
Method:

* Run for the rag and soda water right away! Put some soda water on the stain and blot up as much of the mess as you can with the rag. Do not rub, as this will only worsen the problem.
* If it is a pet problem, apply vinegar and blot, then use enzyme spray.
* Apply stain remover spray to affected area.
* Extraction machines like Rug Doctor can also be rented if this doesn’t get the stain out all the way.

*Garrett Lofstedt, owner of Details Carpet Cleaning, was consulted about this method.

Smoking Damage
This is for damage caused by smoking cigarettes or cigars inside, not fire smoke. The best thing to do is to avoid smoking inside, as the odor can affect everything. Follow any special instructions on spray bottles.
Supplies: Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) ($2.50 to $8), gloves and eye protection (optional), enzyme spray, ($3.50 to $6), carpet shampooing machine
Method:

* Use the TSP with water to clean walls, ceilings, non to carpeted floors and counters. Gloves and eye protection are optional, but if you don’t use them be sure to keep the chemicals away from your eyes and wash your hands when you’re done.
* Use enzyme spray on carpets to get rid of odor.
* Finish by shampooing affected carpets. This will take some time to dry.
* If there is smoke damage in furniture, you can rent or buy upholstery cleaning kits, but that is a job you should consider having done professionally.

*Garrett Lofstedt, owner of Details Carpet Cleaning, and Al Turk, a sales specialist at Lowe’s Home Improvement, were consulted about this method.