I was just having a chat with a friend the other day about obsolescence/ waste and how infuriating it is to see expensive appliances last only a short time. She suggested I write up a wee article with a few tips I had been giving her regarding making things last. So here we go

 

The Washing machine

 

a)      Industrial washing machines like the ones at the laundrette are designed to be used many times a day, domestic ones are not. Instead of doing four loads on ‘laundry day’, spread it out over the week and do only one load a day. Your machine should last longer then. (this was a tip from a repair man)

b)      Make sure your machine button is ‘off ‘ before you pick the programme. Turn it on AFTER you do the programme dial, then you won’t be flicking through programmes with your machine ‘on’. This makes the mechanism for the dial to move through programmes last longer so you’re not sparking through it. (this was another tip from a repair man)

c)      Do a boil wash a few times a year. It’s good for the machine and cleans out the gunk that builds up especially with fabric conditioner

 

Vacuum cleaner

 

a)      Do change the bags regularly (as in when they’re full). A full bag puts puts pressure on the wee motor. Vacuum cleaners can last longer than most appliances if you look after them

b)      Vacuum up some of that old pot pourri. It stops your ‘oul hoover from smelling.

c)      Fixing a vacuum cleaner is worth it instead of buying a new one

d)      Just a little tip on storage…. I never thought of this but my husband put it in the airing cupboard by the tank where ya can’t store anything and it was well out of the way. I never would have thought of that space as storage. Dry warm storage does no harm, in fact it’s a perfect environment for electric appliances.

 

 

 

Dishwasher

 

a)      If your dishes are coming out of your dishwasher spotted, or maybe still with food on them, try this: remove and clean the filter located in the drain of the washer, replace. Then run 1/2 cup white vinegar through a complete wash cycle. This will prevent re-deposited food and soap from collecting on your dishes.

b)      Ya do have to rinse the big food off your dishes before you put them in the washer

c)      Cheap detergent isn’t worth it… really