So many people spend time looking for the best deals on all sorts of products, but when it comes to household items, the best deal you can make is by not having to spend any money at all.
That’s right—sometimes, some good old, routine tender loving care can make things around your home last so long that many more years will go by before you have to buy a new one.
Hope Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has details on how to get the most out of six things around the house.
- Bread
Starting with a food item, if you’re not one to go through a loaf of bread in a week, go ahead and double-bag it then toss it in the freezer. All you have to do is take a slice or two out when you’re ready and either let it thaw on the counter or put it in the toaster on the lightest setting to defrost.
- Coffee Maker
Hard water can build up in coffee makers, which are one of the most worked appliances in the household. Every three months, run a cycle with no coffee and only equal parts water and distilled vinegar, then run two or three plain water cycles so you aren’t left with the taste of vinegar in your next brew.
- Garbage Disposal
Simply dump some ice cubes in the garbage disposal and run it through to grind them up every few months or so. This keeps the blades sharp and helps reduce buildup.
- Toaster
If you use your toaster frequently, be sure to empty the crumb tray once a month or so. It’s important to do it this way instead of turning the toaster upside down to remove the crumbs, as that can cause some crumbs to get stuck and damage the toaster.
- Lawn Mowers
Pay attention to the fuel you use in your lawn mower and other small engines. Use gas with less than 10% ethanol, as cheaper blends can damage the engine.
- Vacuum Cleaners
The vacuum cleaner itself is quite durable; the power cord is another story. Watch if the power cord gets aught on furniture or around corners, and never yank it out of the wall by the cord.
To learn more about Hope Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://hope-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
