16 Simple Ways to Extend the Life of Your Stuff

Extending the life of your belongings is a sure-fire way to save money. If you're scrounging up cash for your kid's college education or your retirement, you really don't need to replace major or minor items regularly. Squeezing a few extra years out of the things you own saves not only money but the time you put into replacing these items.

Here are 16 tips on how to save your stuff while saving money.

ELECTRONICS

1. Cell phones: Buy a protective case if you tend to drop your phone. Also, don't store cell phones in your car's glove compartment during the summer. Batteries can overheat and ruin the phone. 

2. LCD TVs: Clean screens gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth or a microfiber cloth. Don't use window-cleaning agents or paper towels that can scratch screens.

3. CDs and DVDs: Discs generally don't require cleaning, but if they do, wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth, working from the center to the outer edge.

4. Laptop computers: Use only on hard, flat surfaces, rather than such soft surfaces as your couch, bed or carpet, to avoid blocking airflow and causing overheating.

5. Digital cameras: Always keep your camera on a strap to avoid dropping. Clean lenses gently with lens-cleaning liquid and a microfiber lens cloth, never a facial tissue.

APPLIANCES

6. Clothes dryers: Clean the lint filter every time you use the dryer and the entire air-duct system yearly. Replace broken dryers only if the cost of repair is more than half the price of replacement. Dryers haven't changed much over the years so there's not much advantage to buying a new one.

7. Clothes washers: Don't overload. Replace if the cost of repair is more than half the price of replacement. If you do decide to replace your washer, consider a high-efficiency model that will save money over time. Also consider a front-loading washer as they are easier on clothes than a top loader.

8. Ranges: Inspect the burners on gas stoves regularly and clean the holes with a needle. Don't touch the igniter, however, as it's easy to damage.

9. Air conditioners: Wash window units regularly with warm, soapy water and dry completely before reinstalling. Central units must be professionally serviced but you can clean or replace filters monthly, or as needed.

10. Dishwashers: Check the filter regularly and remove any debris. Wipe down the gaskets and the edges of the dishwasher with water and a mild detergent.

11. Refrigerators and freezers: Clean door gaskets regularly with water and mild detergent. Vacuum dust off the coils behind or under the unit every few months.

FABRICS AND FLOORS

12. Carpeting: Install padding under carpets no thicker than 7/16 inch, unless the carpet came with padding. Vacuum frequently, particularly in high-traffic areas. Also use padding under area rugs and rotate the rugs occasionally.

13. Hardwood floors: Dust mop or vacuum weekly to avoid scratching the surface. Wipe up wet spills as soon as they happen.

14. Mattresses:  Periodically rotate front-to-back and foot-to-head. Avoid sitting on the edge and pull back sheets and blankets to allow the bed to air for 20 minutes or more each morning. Mattress pads should be washed every month.

15. Leather goods: Hang leather clothing on wide or padded hangers. If leather gets wet, allow it to air-dry away from direct heat. Use cedar trees in shoes and stuff empty purses with paper to hold their shape. Don't roll belts as this can cause the leather to crack.

16. Clothing: Whenever possible, wash in cold water and line dry. You'll avoid shrinkage, wear and tear and save money on heated water and electricity.

Photo by soopahgrover