Unfortunately, items at home do not last forever. Even with regular cleaning and maintenance, household objects do have an expiration date and there is nothing that can be done about that. However, something you can take action for is prolonging their life expectancy. By properly taking care of your belongings you will be able to maintain their good condition for longer. Here is how to prolong the life of a few common household items.
Make your paint last longer
If you have been renovating and painting, you probably got some leftover paint. If you are not going to be using this straight away, you want to store it upside down. This will make your paint last longer. Make sure your lid is properly closed before attempting this trick.
Repairing scratched glasses
If you have been cleaning your glasses for a while but they remain looking dirty, there might be a scratch. If your glasses don’t have an anti glare protective coating on them, you may need to fix minor scratches yourself. Here is how to do that. Put a drop of Brasso on a small cotton ball, apply to the scratched area and let it dry. Once the product is completely dry, polish the whole surface with a soft cloth.
How to reuse vacuum cleaner bags
Did you know you can actually reuse your vacuum cleaner bags? The bottom end of the bag is usually folded multiple times and glued shut. To reuse it, unfold the bottom edge (be careful not to tear it), empty the contents, and fold the edge back. You can staple it and reuse it once more.
Make your paint roller last longer
Washing a paint roller cover in between layers is a waste of time and paint. So a can of crisps, preferably a plastic one, is a painting essential. Eat the crisps and then empty the can before you begin painting. You don’t want unintentional texture on your walls! To keep the wet roller from drying off between applications, place it in an empty can and close the lid.
Make your garden hose last longer
Sunlight may destroy the plastic on your garden hose and make it fragile. To protect it, apply a sealant or protective spray on it. Do this in spring, and in the middle of summer. If you are not using the hose, bring it back. Also, do not let it sit outside during the cold winter months.
Make sure your glasses are not falling apart
Have screws that won’t stay in your favourite glasses? To protect screws from becoming loose, apply a thin coat of nail paint to them. Remove the screw, paint it with nail polish, and replace it. As it goes into all the cracks and gaps, the nail polish holds it in place.
Make your roof last longer
Cleaning your roof twice a year is a must. That way you will prevent leaves, mould, and other grime from causing damage to it. A leaf blower can be used to blast leaves off a low-pitched roof. On steeper rooftops, use a broom on an extension pole to pull them off. It’s also a good idea to prune any branches that are close to or touching the tiles.
Mould should be chemically treated before being swept away with a soft broom. A diluted bleach solution will kill mould but may also destroy plants on the ground below, so only spray enough to wet the surface of the roof. Fungicide-containing roof cleaners are also available. Mould can be kept at bay by installing zinc strips at the top of the roof.
Extra tip:You may always use cleaning services provided by professionals for cleaning task like these.
Keep your winter boots safe during the cold months
During the winter, your shoes can suffer a lot. The salt used to melt ice and snow on driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots can help keep you safe, but it can also leave an unsightly white film on your footwear. You can quickly remove the residue with a simple solution that you may manufacture at home. Fill a spray bottle halfway with water and top it off with a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar. Shake it up a little and spritz it on a clean paper towel. Wipe your shoes gently to remove the salt residue. Keep the spray bottle beside your shoe collection so you can clean off your shoes throughout the season.
Make wood putty last longer
If you keep buying wood putty and only use it once, put an end to this cycle right now. The best way to prevent your wood putty from drying is to fill a large paint can or a sealable container with water and keep your putty in there. If it is fully submerged and no air can enter the container, it will not dry and you will be able to use it more than once.