In an article in the Money Adviser from Consumer Reports, they spoke about ways to save money by making things last. The first way to make things last is to get quality items for your price range. This is the great thing about yard sales and thrift stores. You can get good quality for a fraction of the regular price that may be out of your range.

But now that you have the item, you want to take care of it and squeeze as much life out of it as possible. Thus saving you cash in the long run. Here are the simple ideas:

  • Window Air Conditioners ‘“ clean the filter as needed and hose down the coils, if possible.
  • Refrigerators and Freezers ‘“ While you are sweeping around it, you might as well move it and get to the backside to clean those coils as well. Do not keep changing the temperature, keep it consistant. This way, your saving on two ways – electricity and the motor.
  • Leather Goods ‘“ Hang them on padded hangers, use trees in your shoes, and stuff empty purses with tissue. Allow all leather to air-dry when ever they get wet.
  • Clothing ‘“ Wash in cold water whenever possible and line-dry if you can.
  • Hardwood Floors ‘“ Wipe up wet spills immediately. Dust or vacuum at least weekly to keep dirt from scratching the finish.
  • Carpeting ‘“ Vacuum often, especially in high traffic areas and lay down carpeting at the entrance of doors to cut down on dirt tracked in.
  • Books ‘“ Keep them away from direct sunlight, as well as excessive humidity and dry air. Lay books vertically as well.
  • Clothes Dryers ‘“ Empty the lint filter after each use and wash it with soap and water once a month. Clean out the air duct at least once a year to cut down on fire hazards.
  • Mattresses ‘“ Use a washable cover over the mattress and let the bed air out regularly. Avoid sitting on the edge of the bed by using a chair instead.
  • Laptops ‘“ Don’t place them on bedding or carpeting as this will block airflow and cause it to overheat.

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Dawn C. is site owner of Frugalforlife.com where this is a repost from: Long Live the Things that Last. Dawn resides in Colorado with her spouse, Teri, of 11 years.

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