If there's one surefire way to save money on all kinds of products-aside from not buying them in the first place-it's this: Don't replace them more often than you have to.
So if you'd like to squeeze another year or more out of the things you own and postpone the costly day when you have to replace them, read on. These simple tips were gleaned from Consumer Reports experts and industry sources.
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• The Greenest Way to Travel
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Air conditioners. Clean the filter every other week or as needed. Also periodically hose off the unit's back coils, if possible, to remove any debris.
Athletic shoes. Dry them out between workouts, but never in the clothes dryer.
Books. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as well as excessive humidity or dryness. Store books vertically, next to others of similar height.
Carpeting. Unless your carpet comes with a cushion attached, be sure to install one, ideally no more than 7/16-inch thick. Vacuum often, especially in high-traffic areas, to prevent soil from becoming embedded in the fibers.
Cell phones. To prevent the battery from overheating and possibly ruining the phone, don't stow your phone in your car's glove compartment, especially during the hot summer months.
Clothes dryers. Empty the lint filter after each use, and clean the entire air duct yearly. The first step will allow the dryer's air to flow freely; the second will do the same and also help prevent a house fire.
Clothing. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. Line-dry if you can. Consider a front-loader for your next washer. They cost more, but are more efficient to operate. The higher your utility rates, the sooner the payback. Also, front-loaders are less punishing to clothes than top-loaders, although they tend to cause more wrinkles.
Digital cameras. Suppress the urge to reach for a regular tissue or your shirttail when the lens is smudged or dirty. Use a lens-cleaning cloth or special lens tissue (with or without lens-cleaning fluid).
Down comforters, pillows, etc. Goose down loses a bit of its airiness with dry cleaning or washing, so spot-clean whenever possible, and protect your comforter with a removable cover. Also shake and fluff bedding and jackets often to keep the down-feathers in them from becoming permanently squashed.
Hardwood floors. Wipe up wet spills immediately. Dust mop or vacuum (ideally with a brush attachment or one designed for bare floors) at least weekly to keep dirt and grit from scratching the finish.
Garden tools. Clean them off before putting them away. A light coating of oil will help keep your shovel's blade from rusting. Before winter sets in, make sure you drain garden hoses so the water in them does not freeze.
Mattresses. Buy a washable, protective cover. Pull back the sheets and blankets, and let the bed air out for 20 minutes or so each morning. Avoid sitting on the edge of the mattress or allowing kids (or overly exuberant adults) to use it as a trampoline.
Laptop computers. Do your computing on a hard, flat surface rather than a soft, cushy one such as a bed or carpet. The latter can block airflow to your laptop and lead to overheating.
LCD TVS. Clean the screen gently with a soft cloth. If you need to use a liquid solution, make sure it's one designed for the purpose. Avoid regular glass cleaners and ammonia-based ones.
Leather shoes and clothing. Hang leather garments on wide or well-padded hangers. Use trees in your shoes, and stuff empty purses with tissue. Allow leather goods to air-dry, away from direct heat, whenever they get wet.
Refrigerators and freezers. Vacuum the dust off the coils, usually under or behind the unit, every few months.
Tires. Keep them properly inflated. Consult your owner's manual or the sticker on the driver's side doorjamb for guidance. Don't go by the number on the sidewall of the tire; that refers to the tire's maximum pressure. Both under and overinflation can cause premature wear, as well as handling problems.
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So if you'd like to squeeze another year or more out of the things you own and postpone the costly day when you have to replace them, read on. These simple tips were gleaned from Consumer Reports experts and industry sources.
More From ConsumerReports.org
• How to Buy Green Electricity
• The Greenest Way to Travel
• Fruit and Vegetables Blend Juices
Air conditioners. Clean the filter every other week or as needed. Also periodically hose off the unit's back coils, if possible, to remove any debris.
Athletic shoes. Dry them out between workouts, but never in the clothes dryer.
Books. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as well as excessive humidity or dryness. Store books vertically, next to others of similar height.
Carpeting. Unless your carpet comes with a cushion attached, be sure to install one, ideally no more than 7/16-inch thick. Vacuum often, especially in high-traffic areas, to prevent soil from becoming embedded in the fibers.
Cell phones. To prevent the battery from overheating and possibly ruining the phone, don't stow your phone in your car's glove compartment, especially during the hot summer months.
Clothes dryers. Empty the lint filter after each use, and clean the entire air duct yearly. The first step will allow the dryer's air to flow freely; the second will do the same and also help prevent a house fire.
Clothing. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. Line-dry if you can. Consider a front-loader for your next washer. They cost more, but are more efficient to operate. The higher your utility rates, the sooner the payback. Also, front-loaders are less punishing to clothes than top-loaders, although they tend to cause more wrinkles.
Digital cameras. Suppress the urge to reach for a regular tissue or your shirttail when the lens is smudged or dirty. Use a lens-cleaning cloth or special lens tissue (with or without lens-cleaning fluid).
Down comforters, pillows, etc. Goose down loses a bit of its airiness with dry cleaning or washing, so spot-clean whenever possible, and protect your comforter with a removable cover. Also shake and fluff bedding and jackets often to keep the down-feathers in them from becoming permanently squashed.
Hardwood floors. Wipe up wet spills immediately. Dust mop or vacuum (ideally with a brush attachment or one designed for bare floors) at least weekly to keep dirt and grit from scratching the finish.
Garden tools. Clean them off before putting them away. A light coating of oil will help keep your shovel's blade from rusting. Before winter sets in, make sure you drain garden hoses so the water in them does not freeze.
Mattresses. Buy a washable, protective cover. Pull back the sheets and blankets, and let the bed air out for 20 minutes or so each morning. Avoid sitting on the edge of the mattress or allowing kids (or overly exuberant adults) to use it as a trampoline.
Laptop computers. Do your computing on a hard, flat surface rather than a soft, cushy one such as a bed or carpet. The latter can block airflow to your laptop and lead to overheating.
LCD TVS. Clean the screen gently with a soft cloth. If you need to use a liquid solution, make sure it's one designed for the purpose. Avoid regular glass cleaners and ammonia-based ones.
Leather shoes and clothing. Hang leather garments on wide or well-padded hangers. Use trees in your shoes, and stuff empty purses with tissue. Allow leather goods to air-dry, away from direct heat, whenever they get wet.
Refrigerators and freezers. Vacuum the dust off the coils, usually under or behind the unit, every few months.
Tires. Keep them properly inflated. Consult your owner's manual or the sticker on the driver's side doorjamb for guidance. Don't go by the number on the sidewall of the tire; that refers to the tire's maximum pressure. Both under and overinflation can cause premature wear, as well as handling problems.
Discuss Bury
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