Do you want to know why maintenance instead of wear and tear is an important basic rule for being able to use objects for as long as possible? Then you've come to the right place! Many things that we use in everyday life break sooner than necessary. This sometimes happens due to the planned obsolescence of the producer - in most cases, however, because they were not properly cared for.
Regular maintenance is often neglected due to convenience or a lack of knowledge, but it can significantly extend the life of items. Instead, they become unusable and are then carelessly disposed of. This could actually save a lot of money and protect the environment at the same time.
In this article, I'll show you why regular care is worthwhile and which everyday items will benefit you the most if you specifically prevent wear and tear. Let's go!
Benefits: Why Regular Maintenance Pays Off in Everyday Life
We're probably all familiar with it: you ignored for years or the flashing indicator light in the car - and then "all of a sudden" faces major and expensive problems. 😉
In most cases, they can be avoided by simple maintenance. I know from my own experience that maintenance is often a bit of a nuisance because it costs money and you don't immediately see the benefits. A small Motivation boost should give you the following advantages:
- Extend service lifeWell-maintained items often last years longer and need to be replaced less often. This also minimizes the personal expense of repairs.
- Save moneyWear and tear does not cost a lot of money immediately, but in the medium to long term! Repairs and new purchases are usually more expensive than timely maintenance and repairs.
- Protect environmentLess wear and tear means less waste - which in turn Conserving resources be
- Promoting safetyMaintenance reduces the risk of defects that can be hazardous to health or even life-threatening in electronics or cars, for example.
- Improve functionalityTechnical devices, bicycles or items of clothing, for example, remain in good condition for longer and function more reliably. This makes the Life easier.
- Value receivedWell-maintained items exceed or retain their original value for longer and are easier to resell or give away.
10 Everyday Items That Last Longer with Proper Care
With little effort, you can protect your wallet, our environment and, ideally, your health. But what is it like in practice? Which things really need regular care?
Here are some examples that illustrate that maintenance instead of wear and tear is an important basic rule of everyday life.
1. Cars
Cars are expensive - especially if they are not serviced from time to time. The regular Changing oil and filters, the Checking the tire pressure and the Checking brakes and brake fluids not only increase safety, but also reduce fuel consumption so that you Traveling more sustainably by car are.
The oil change is particularly important, as Waste products from the oil wear out the engine leave. A new oil filter also ensures consistent oil quality. To save costs, you can buy the Buy oil filters online at a reasonable price and either change it yourself or have it replaced in the workshop.
2. Electronic Devices
Smartphones, laptops and tablets are expensive, but most people use them without taking care of their long-term maintenance. Dust in fans, for example, can lead to Overheating lead, incorrect loading minimize battery performance, and Outdated software slow down the device.
Regular Cleaning, Battery care (not always fully charged!) and Timely updates keep your electronics alive for longer. Even with a simple Compressed air spray can be used to and fan from dust.
3. Bicycles
Environmentally friendly, exciting, quiet, space-saving and healthy: there are so many Good reasons to get on your bike more often! But the bike only remains intactif it is serviced from time to time.
Oil the chain regularly, check the tire pressure and pull the brakes to ensure a safe and comfortable ride at all times. It is particularly worth checking the bike thoroughly after the winter break or long rides in the rain.
And if you don't want to do it yourself: Bicycle repair shops are happy to help you and often even offer affordable maintenance packages.
4. Household Appliances
Refrigerator, coffee machine, washing machine, oven and Dishwasher are in daily use - and most of these appliances suffer particularly from limescale, grease or dirt deposits.
A regular Decalcification with vinegar or special descaler prevents clogged pipes and extends the life of the appliances. Cleaning filters and seals also ensures that your household appliances wear out more slowly, work as efficiently as possible and remain hygienic.
Tip: It is also worthwhile to Defrosting the refrigerator! With this simple measure you can Reduce power consumption and save your household an average of around 240 euros per year!
5. Clothing
Fast Fashion means that clothes are often disposed of far too soon. But if you look after your favorite items properly, you can wear them for much longer. Washing at low temperatures, Natural detergents and the Air drying extend the shelf life, for example.
In addition, the Sewing small tears or the Removing pilling with a lint shaver so that your Garments last significantly longer and give you as much pleasure as possible forever.
6. Heating & Air Conditioning Systems
You can avoid expensive repairs due to wear and tear, especially when it comes to building services. For example, a Poorly maintained or not maintained heating unnecessary energy - and a Clogged air conditioning system blows dust and mold spores into the air.
Once a year you should Venting radiators, the Check thermostats and for the air conditioning the Change filter. It is best to draw on the years of experience of heating engineers and conclude a long-term maintenance contract.
Tip: This is also a good example of how you can save money through sustainability can. You can find out which other environmentally friendly measures are easy on your wallet in the linked article.
7. Tools
Whether it's a cylinder or lawn mower, cordless drill, shovel, spade, hedge trimmer, hammer or lawn edger - well-maintained tools work more precisely and last longer. Metal parts should be Oil regularlyto prevent rust - and sharpen the blades of scissors or axes from time to time.
It is also advisable that you use the Charge the batteries of electrical tools regularlyto avoid a deep discharge that reduces performance.
8. Furniture & Wooden Floors
Wood lives - and needs care. Untreated wooden furniture benefits from occasional oiling or waxing to prevent them from drying out or cracking.
And scratches on floors can often be repaired with special Repair pins conceal. And as a general rule, it is of course worth avoiding moisture on wooden furniture such as the dining or coffee table, as it can lead to swelling and warping.
DIY tip: Would you like to build your own dining table? I took the plunge and now it has been serving me faithfully for many years. You can find out everything you need to know about it in the linked article 🙂
9. Windows & Doors
"Maintenance instead of wear" is also the keyword for building openings. Leaky windows and jammed doors are not only annoying, but also reduce the Energy Efficiency and increase heating costs.
Once a year, you should therefore Check sealsIf necessary, apply silicone spray and Oiling hinges. Small cracks in window frames can be repaired with sealant before they develop into costly real problems.
Here, too, there is of course an alternative professional handymen from your region who can help you with window and door maintenance.
10. Shoes
Good shoes last for years - if you look after them properly. However, the social reality is different. Above all Sneakers cause a massive waste problembecause their service life is short (often due to a lack of appreciation on the part of consumers) and the emission of Microplastics is high.
Regular Fat or Impregnate for fabric shoes protects against moisture and tears. Worn soles can often be replaced cheaply at the cobbler's. Changing the insoles can also improve the lifespan and wearing comfort.
And it is always worthwhile to Clean shoes directlyonce they have become dirty. Because the longer they look good, the longer you wear them 🙂
Prevent Wear and Tear: Making Maintenance a Sustainable Habit
Now you know why you should regularly maintain everyday items that you use regularly - and which items are particularly worth maintaining.
Use this knowledge in the future to significantly extend the service life of your car, your technical devices, your fashion and your bike and to reduce the natural resources of our planet to protect it. Every little maintenance measure makes a difference - and you can really make a big difference with just a little effort.
"It is cheaper to protect the planet now than to fix it later."
José Manuel Barroso (more at Environmental protection quotes)
Do you have any questions or other maintenance tips that you would like to share with me and the readers? Then please write me a comment!
Stay sustainable,
PS: In the linked article you will find my best Zero Waste tips for everyday life. Make sure you use them to make even less waste and save even more money 🙂
