Here’s How to Make Everything You Buy Last Longer

For most people, buying items built to last a lifetime feels increasingly out of reach. Fast-fashion giants like Shein, Zara, and H&M have taken over the clothing market, providing an endless stream of $20 winter coats and $5 bathing suits to online shoppers. Quality, long-lasting furniture isn’t as prevalent on Facebook Marketplace as it once was, and even the most basic Ikea couch now runs upwards of $700. And while the blenders, microwaves, and refrigerators in the average American kitchen are more energy-efficient than ever, when these appliances break, they’re hard, if not impossible, to repair.

Rising prices have made the once-popular mantra of “buy once, cry once” all but obsolete, as more people buying everyday items are forced to opt for the cheapest option available. (Why would you spend half your paycheck on a Vitamix, after all, when you can buy a Temu knockoff for 30 bucks?)

It’s a vicious cycle that drains our time, demands endless research, and empties our wallets. But the solution is within reach.

The fact is, there’s a lot we can do to preserve and repair the stuff we already own — from our jeans to our leafy greens.

Here’s how.

Learn some laundry skills

Modern washing habits are incredibly hard on clothes and can significantly shorten their lifespan. Clothes dryers, for one, cause synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and elastane — materials that take up an increasing share of our wardrobe — to melt and degrade when subjected to heat. If you’ve ever purchased a pair of jeans that became wrinkly and saggy after just a few wears, the elastane in the denim and the hot dryer you threw it into are likely to blame.

Washing machines aren’t particularly gentle on fabric, either, especially if you own a top-loading machine. The good news is, just a few small changes will go a long way toward preserving your clothes.

First things first: If you have the space, start air drying on an outdoor clothesline. If you don’t, grab a $30 drying rack from a big box store (or a $10 renter-friendly retractable clothesline online) and use that instead.

If you use a top-loading washing machine, use a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate and stretchy fabrics from the center agitator inside. And no matter what type of machine you have, it’s best to steer clear of fabric softener, which builds up on, and eventually deteriorates, clothes and other textiles. (Towels, for instance, become waxy and less absorbent over time.)

“The easiest way to extend the life of your clothing is to consider how you wash it,” says Katrina Rodabaugh, author of “Mending Matters: Stitch, Patch, and Repair Your Favorite Denim & More.” “Washing on cool water, [using] full loads, and air-drying will prevent unnecessary aging.”

Clothing experts recommend a few other techniques to extend the lifespan of your garments. For starters, don’t throw out your white clothes if they start to develop that dreaded yellow hue. With a bit of color theory magic, you can return the fabric to its original glory with bluing liquid, a concentrated dye that’s been helping homemakers neutralize yellow-toned fabrics since the 1800s. All you have to do is dilute a few drops in a cup of water and pour the solution into your washer during a rinse cycle.

You should also learn how to treat stains properly, says Derek Guy, author of the Die Workwear! blog. An oil-based stain from salad dressing or pizza might require a stronger detergent and a longer soak time compared to a water-based stain like orange juice or sweat.

Water temperature also matters.

Hot water can be a lifesaver when it comes to removing oil or grease stains from clothing. However, it’s important to note that protein-based stains from substances like egg yolks, dairy, or blood should not be soaked in hot water. This is because hot water can actually cook the stain into the fabric, making it more difficult to remove.

Before attempting to remove a stain, it’s always a good idea to check the care labels on your clothes. If the garment can be washed at home, use lukewarm water and a gentle detergent. If the stain persists, you can try a stronger detergent, but be cautious not to damage the fabric.

For items labeled as “dry clean only,” consider the value of the garment before deciding whether to take it to a professional cleaner. While it may be worth it for expensive or sentimental items, it may not be necessary for more affordable pieces.

Proper storage of your clothes can also help preserve them. For example, if you have wool garments that need to be stored during the off-season, wrapping them in a clean cotton sheet and placing them in a sealed plastic tub can help prevent moth damage. Since insects that eat wool fibers typically do not eat cotton fibers, this method can protect your wool garments.

Master the Mend

Mending your own clothes is a skill that can save you money and reduce waste. If you’re new to mending, start with simple techniques like reinforcing weak seams with a needle and thread. Patching is another beginner-friendly method that can extend the life of your garments.

Visible mending is a popular trend that turns repairs into design elements. Whether you choose elaborate embroidery or simple patches, visible mending can add a unique touch to your clothing.

Additional Resources

• “Mending Matters: Stitch, Patch, and Repair Your Favorite Denim & More” by Katrina Rodabaugh
• Evelyn Wood’s Mending Clothes playlist
• Suay offers a mail-in “community dye bath” service for old garments
• Tanner Frost Bowen, founder of Garbie, a sustainable sewing platform
• Tatter hosts virtual embroidery workshops and events
• The Endery provides online mending classes and tutorials

Maximum Food, Minimum Waste

Our ancestors used various methods to preserve food, from salt-curing to canning to fermentation. Even burying vegetables in sand could keep them fresh for months. While these techniques may seem outdated, they can inspire us to find new ways to minimize food waste in our modern lives.

The invention of the refrigerator has revolutionized the way we store and preserve our food. This unassuming appliance has become a staple in every household, allowing us to keep our groceries fresh for longer periods of time. However, there are ways to further extend the life of your food and make the most out of your refrigerator.

First and foremost, it is essential to ensure that your fridge is running at the recommended temperature of 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while your freezer should be set to 0 degrees or lower. Investing in fridge/freezer thermometers can help you monitor these temperatures and make adjustments as needed.

When it comes to storing fresh fruits and vegetables, it is best to wash them only if you plan on using them within the next two days. Otherwise, store them unwashed in the refrigerator to prevent moisture from accelerating their wilting and rotting.

To optimize your food storage, consider implementing the following hacks:
– Store delicate leafy vegetables in a clear container or plastic bag with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and prevent wilting.
– Place cotton towels in the crisper drawer of your fridge to absorb moisture and keep your produce fresh.
– Invest in a vacuum sealer to repackage your food in airtight bags, protecting it from spoilage.

In the unfortunate event that your food does spoil, consider composting your food scraps. Composting is a sustainable way to dispose of food waste and can provide valuable nutrients for your garden. You can either compost food waste yourself if you have the space, or look into community composting programs in your area.

In addition to preserving food, it is also important to protect high-traffic household items such as carpets, mattresses, and furniture. Proper maintenance and protection can significantly extend the life of these items, regardless of their initial cost or design.

For carpets, consider applying a soil-repellent finish to repel water and oil, preventing dirt and stains from penetrating the fabric. Mattresses can benefit from regular rotation and the use of a waterproof protector to safeguard against spills and dust. Adding a mattress topper can also prolong the life of an older mattress and improve comfort.

By implementing these tips and tricks for food storage and household item protection, you can make the most out of your refrigerator and ensure that your belongings last longer.