It doesn’t matter how careful you are with the items in your home - eventually, something will break. Whether it’s a technical issue or an accident, something will end up broken and have to be replaced sooner or later. However, some items in your home are much easier to repair instead. So, to help you out, we have put together a list of 8 things you should repair instead of replace the next time they break, and we hope you find it helpful.
1. Window screens
Something like a punctured window screen can seem pretty bad. After all, window screens can be a hassle to replace. However, it’s easier to patch up a tear in a window screen rather than replacing the entire thing. Trim around the tear in a small triangle shape, then cut a piece of the screen a half-inch longer than the tear on each side. Unravel a couple of strands away from the piece’s sides, and fold the fingers away from you. Use the patch to cover the tear, weaving the fingers under then over, and there you go. Likewise, always keep in mind window and door tips for saving energy. Believe it or not, they can help you save quite a lot of money.
2. Stuffed toys
If you're a parent, then chances are you got your kid some stuffed animals. And, if your kid plays with them often, then these toys have probably gotten damaged. However, instead of replacing, you should keep in mind that all it takes is some time and effort, and you can re-stuff the toy, repair the seams and patch up any holes. Your kid might even appreciate the makeover their toy has gotten since the last time they saw it. The materials needed for this aren't expensive, and it takes very little skill. We know that organizing for parents can be difficult, but no one deserves your time more than your kids.
3. Sweaters
If there's a sweater you particularly like, whether it's because of sentimental value or otherwise, you should know that you can repair it instead of replacing it quite quickly. Although how complicated the process will be depends entirely on the extent of the damage. However, most sweaters would only take a couple of hours of stitching to get back into good shape. You could even consider giving it a brand-new twist. However, once you're done, you should make sure to keep and store your clothes properly. When talking about storage and the lack thereof, it's always good to turn to professionals such as Teddy Moving and Storage, as they can help you find the perfect and most convenient storage unit for your needs. Ultimately, avoiding damage to your favorite sweater is better than repairing it.
4. Shoes
Shoes are one thing people usually don't bother to repair and just replace. However, removing signs of wear and tear is much easier than you might expect when it comes to shoes. All it takes is a little shoe polish and care, and they will be good as new. Alternatively, you could even apply some coating to your shoes to avoid the damage in the first place. In that case, the only reason you could have for replacing them is if you wanted a new pair.
5. Ceramics
A cracked piece of ceramic isn't beyond hope, as long as you act quickly. First, you need to find out if the ceramic is porous. If it is, it needs to be moistened on the broken edges before applying glue. This will help the glue bond better, and when done, you need to gently place the broken piece back into place and let it dry. However, it would be best if you kept in mind that you would only have a couple of minutes to set the broken piece into place once the glue is applied. So, clean the piece with denatured alcohol and have all of your materials on hand.
6. Rugs and carpets
If the damage to your carpet isn't extensive, you can easily patch it up with a piece of similar rug dyed to fit. Also, the liquid restoration will make the rug look new. Carpets are an investment, so you will want to avoid replacing them as much as possible. While restoration is a great choice, keep in mind that if a carpet is extensively damaged, it might be better to replace it. Also, rugs tend to add to the price during relocation, which is something to keep in mind if you're planning to move sometime soon. You need to decide whether moving your carpet is worth the trouble, as you want to avoid unwanted moving expenses. It's important to cut costs where possible and move only those items you are sure you need.
7. Scuffed furniture
A few scuffs in furniture are nothing to be scared of. All it takes to fix them is a bit of patience and the right tools. The exact techniques and tools depend on the type of damage. For example, water rings are removed by putting salt over the ring and applying heat to draw the water out. If there is some minor interior damage, you can line your drawers to cover it up. While you're at it, you can also consider clutter busting. You will only realize how much clutter you have once you focus on the task.
8. Outdoor furniture
It's only natural for outdoor furniture to pick up some rust after being outside. However, rust can easily be removed with a wire brush (or a surface abraser), a super stripper for delicate metal, and some patience. And remember to apply rust-proof primer when you're done.
8 things you should repair instead of replace – conclusion
There are many items that we don't even consider repairable before throwing them out. However, it's often much easier to fix said items instead of getting new ones. Usually, all it takes is some materials or tools and a bit of patience. We hope you found this list of 8 things you should repair instead of replace helpful, and we hope it will come in handy the next time some of these items break.
