On social media lately, it seems like everything old is new again.
Why Repair Broken Items Instead of Replacing Them?
The obvious motivation to repair instead of replace broken or worn stuff is clear from a cost perspective.
The best way to avoid spending a large amount on repairs is to conduct routine maintenance. See our tips fortaking care of your home, so you don’t break your budget fixing it.
Wash, rinse, repeat.
The outsized impact of creating new materials places stress on world resources and generates needless waste.
Repairing instead of replacing can give your stuff and the environment a second life.
How to Decide if Its Worth Fixing in 4 Steps
Not all damaged items are worth fixing.
Heres how to tell what to repair and what to throw away.
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Some materials like plastic or worn fabric cant be repaired easily.
The first step to repairing things is to decide if fixing whats broken or damaged is even possible.
There areDIY online tutorialsto fix almost everything.
Understand what materials or hardware youll need and how much time commitment is involved.
Do a Cost Analysis
Just because it can be repaired doesnt mean that it should be.
If the tools or new hardware you need are expensive, consider how much everyday use theyll see.
Once they get scratched or start to stick, they should be replaced.
But if you splurged on stainless steel, congrats because that cookware is forever.
you’re able to tighten loose handles or replace broken ones with a screwdriver.
And if your pots and pans look tarnished,buff them with baking sodaor treat them with white vinegar.
Check with a local carpet cleaner to see if certain expensive specialty carpets are worth professional restoration efforts.
Window and Door Screens
When it comes to window and door screens, rips happen.
But dont rush out to purchase a new one because the repair process for most screens iseasy and inexpensive.
Vacuum Cleaners
If your vacuum is starting to suck (or not suck), dont despair.
Hoses, belts and more make vacuum cleaners seem intimidating to fix.
But in truth, most of these parts areeasy to replaceand cheaper than buying a new vacuum cleaner.
Dishes and Other Ceramics
A few cracks in your ceramic dishes arent a deal breaker if you act fast.
Lamps
Dont ditch that vintage lamp you love just yet.
Depending on whats wrong, it can probably be fixed.
Be sure the lamp is unplugged beforerewiringor this experience might be more electrifying than planned.
Furniture
Fixing furniture is a less intensive process than you might think.
And if you dont mind waiting, paint and stain can work wonders.
Dont forget about expensive pieces of outdoor furniture as well.
Most of it can be easily spot cleaned or reupholstered for cheap.
Most of the time a broken power tool just needsbrushes or belts replacedto get back in action.
Appliances
Youre minding your business when suddenly suds start pouring from the dishwasher or washing machine.
Or the garbage disposal refuses to budge.
What could possibly be wrong, and do you need a plumber?
Often, the drains in these appliances are clogged and need cleaning.
Same with fridge ice makers, which get obstructed by old, crusty blocks of ice.
Grab a manual, pull up YouTube andstart troubleshootingbefore you call the professionals.
Holes in side pockets.
Our clothes go through a lot, and sometimes it shows.
Repairing clothing doesnt have to involve much beyond basic stitches.
Think how many repairs are simply sewing on a few buttons, ironing on patches or replacing zippers.
And, of course, sewing shut holes in the lining of your purse is an easy fix.
But before you dive in pricing repairs, check with the manufacturer.
Many luggage sets and even a few pricy handbags come with warranties extending years or even a lifetime.
Neutral shoe polish can take care of even deep scuffing and scratches.
A professional cobbler can also fix damaged heels, worn soles, scuffed leather and more.
This is especially true for complicated repairs that involve extensive plumbing or electrical work.
Next time something breaks, dont be afraid to reach for YouTube instead of your wallet.
The knowledge to repair instead of replace is at your fingertips.
Kaz Weida is a senior staff writer at The Penny Hoarder covering saving money and budgeting.
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