How to Repair and Maintain Your Belongings

We all have items that we use and love, but sometimes they can get a little worn out or broken. Whether it's clothing, furniture, jewelry, tools, or stuffed animals, there are many things that can be repaired or maintained without having to buy new ones. For example, you can repair broken jeans without a machine. You can also reboot a broken zipper, and make the scratches on wooden furniture disappear.

Kids love to spend time with their favorite stuffed animals, but sometimes they can get a little rough when playing. This can cause broken seams or dirty skin. Storing and repairing these stuffed animals will make your child happier, as they often have an emotional attachment to them. Your tools may be stored in your shed and not cleaned regularly. This can cause them to become dirty and rusty over time.

Try simple maintenance tricks instead of going to the store for new tools every season. Start by cleaning your supplies with a rag to remove dirt or dust. If you notice it accumulating, sand it or scrape it. Your jewelry may rust or you may lose pieces over time. It may start to look dull without proper maintenance.

This is especially true if you keep it on your dresser instead of in a box. If all you need for your shoes is polish and polish, it's easy to do it yourself. If the heel of the shoe is coming loose, you can use Shoe Goo as a temporary solution. Your shoes will last much longer, saving you money and keeping your feet from having to put on a new pair of shoes. Like sweaters, other clothing items are great items to repair rather than replace.

Whether it's children's clothing or your favorite jeans, simple repairs can greatly extend the life of your garments. Repairing your clothes can make your favorite clothes return to your closet instead of them still in your closet waiting for them to be fixed. If your dishwasher or washing machine has suddenly stopped working, it may be tempting to immediately start researching what new replacement appliance to buy. However, before you do that, consider if it is possible to repair the appliance yourself. Many appliances are easy to fix with some basic knowledge and tools. If the tear is large or a long section has frayed, using a sewing machine will make the process much faster.

I fix everything I can - I recently fixed a hole in a sock! I'm picky about socks, so I don't like to buy them - I can fix the hole in about 5 minutes. Use fine thread, a closed stitch to start with (no knots) and simply knit back and forth to fill the hole. Repairing and maintaining our belongings is not only cost-effective but also helps us reduce our environmental footprint by reducing waste. With some basic knowledge and tools, you can easily repair and maintain many of your belongings.

Judy Laubach
Judy Laubach

Amateur tv ninja. Incurable twitter advocate. Freelance twitter guru. Subtly charming pop culture maven. Devoted food expert. Devoted social media junkie.