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Households everywhere are feeling the pinch when it comes to their finances. With furloughs, layoffs, and businesses going under, many are trying to figure out how to get by on less. One of the keys to doing so is to figure out how to make the most of what you already have. Many household items are expensive to purchase and replace. Fortunately, there are things you can do to take care of them to extend the life of home items and stretch your budget.
Extend the Life of Mattresses
Assuming you’re getting the amount of sleep you need, you’re going to be spending approximately one third of your life in your bed. Given all that time spent in one relatively small space, it makes sense to make sure that you’re taking care of your mattress. Quality mattresses aren’t cheap, so for the sake of your health and your wallet, it’s a good idea to keep it in good condition. Make sure your mattress is properly supported. The type and size of the mattress will impact what support is best, as will the weight of both the mattress and whoever’s using it.
Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to see what sort of support is best for your mattress. Use a mattress protector and regularly wash your linens. Rotate it regularly to promote even wear. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for how to clean the mattress. And as fun as it might be, try to resist the temptation to jump on it.
Extend the Life of Tables
Tables are arguably one of the more useful furniture items in your house. They’re used for a variety of activities, from dining to arts and crafts projects. The best way to make sure your tables last as long as possible will depend on the material they’re made from. Generally speaking, however, keeping them clean is a good place to start. Avoid placing things on the table that could scratch or damage the surface. Teach children to be careful when at the table so they don’t accidentally damage it. It’s a good idea to use hot pads underneath hot things to avoid accidentally scorching and burning table tops. Remember to clean spills as soon as they happen. You may need to treat your table to help prevent wear and tear over time, depending on what it’s made from.
Extend the Life of Couches
Couches play a key role in making living rooms a comfortable place to be. They can also be quite pricey to replace. Again, keeping them clean is a key factor in helping them last longer. Vacuum and dust them regularly to remove dirt and debris. Use cleaners specifically formulated for your couch’s material. Protect it from the sun to prevent bleaching over time. Remember that couches are for sitting, not laying down. Doing so for long periods of time can cause uneven wear and sagging. On a similar note, encourage people to sit gently on the couch instead of flopping onto it. Keep children from bouncing on it as well. Don’t be afraid to institute some rules regarding the proper use of your couch. After all, you paid for it.
Extend the Life of Chairs
Chairs are another important piece of furniture you would do well to care for. Chairs and tables often come in sets, which can make finding a suitable replacement more difficult and expensive. Like other furniture, it’s important to keep it clean to help extend its life. The proper method will depend on what it’s made from. You may be tempted to haul chairs outside for outdoor gatherings to increase seating, but don’t just grab chairs indiscriminately when doing so. Direct sunlight can damage wood furniture, so make sure to keep your wood chairs inside. Pay attention to the condition your chairs are in as well. If you notice them becoming wobbly, investigate them to find out why. Often, simply tightening screws can be enough to put it back in working order. Try to avoid using such chairs until you fix them to keep them in good condition for as long as possible.
Extend the Life of Your Washer and Dryer
Long gone are the days of washing clothes by hand. But unless you want to find yourself doing laundry at a laundromat, you need to take steps to protect and extend the life of your washer and dryer. Your washer is especially susceptible to mold, since washing clothes provides an ample supply of water and detergent residue that serves as a food source. Let it dry between uses and run the cleaning cycle as directed by the manufacturer. Make sure the washer is standing level to prevent excessive vibrations that can cause damage. Keep an eye on the water-fill hoses too. Replace cracked or damaged hoses, as they can result in serious water leaks that can damage not only your washer but your home as well.
One of the simplest things you can do to protect the life of your dryer is to empty the lint trap. Lint is very flammable, and failing to empty the trap can result in your machine overheating or even starting a fire. It’s best to empty it before running the dryer to help promote clear air flow through your appliance. Depending on the style of dryer duct you have, you may find it helpful to replace it with one that is less likely to trap lint and cause problems. Regardless of the style, though, it’s important to clean the duct on a yearly basis to keep things running properly. This is something you can handle yourself, if you have the time and tools. Otherwise, there are dryer vent cleaning services you can hire to handle it for you.
You’ve already paid good money to furnish your home. Replacing furniture, appliances, and other household furnishings can add up pretty quickly. It’s far better for your budget to take good care of the items you have. You’ll extend their life, making it that much longer before you have to purchase new ones. It will also give you more time to build up a healthy savings account that will allow you to do so more comfortably in the future.
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