Trying to avoid waste as much as possible is just one way we can help our environment and reduce the effects of climate change. Reducing the amount of stuff we buy and reusing what we can are two ways we can aspire towards zero avoidable waste, and repair is often the gateway to both of these behaviours!
In true Repair Week spirit, we’ve rounded up just a few tips which can help you make the most of the things which you already own….
Electricals
How to fix a blocked headphone port
Don’t give up hope on being able to listen with headphones! Try this quick repair tip to remove trapped dirt and dust. Alternatively, you can get a good pair of wireless headphones or earphones for reasonable money. You may also try taking your mobile phone to a repair shop. Just remember to recycle your old electricals if your headphones or mobile phone are no longer fit for use.
How to fix a fuzzy TV picture
Think twice before buying a new TV… This handy hack has saved many a TV set, and can save you a lot of money! Just remember, if this trick doesn’t work, there may be a local repair shop that can help fix the issue. If your TV is no longer fit for use, just remember to recycle your old electricals.
Textiles
How to bring faded clothes back to life
We all have our favourite items of clothing which we can wear again and again… More often than not, this leads to colour fading. Why not try this hack for a simple, low-maintenance way to restore your faded clothes back to their best? In the meantime, you can donate your unwanted but still wearable clothes to local charity shops which are open for donations (you can find a few of these under the ‘Reuse Organisations’ category of our Zero Waste Map). Alternatively, unwearable (i.e. torn or stained) textiles can be recycled at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre – find your nearest one here.
How to remove foundation makeup stains from clothing
Whether you’ve taken off your t-shirt before removing your makeup, or your foundation has rubbed off on a loved one mid-hug, this quick and easy hack can remove stains effectively… A quick rinse and repeat will produce better results for particularly tough stains! Remember, if this tip doesn’t fix your problem, unwearable (i.e. stained) textiles can be recycled at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre – find your nearest one here.
How to get suede shoes looking good as new
Are your suede shoes looking old and battered? This quick fix can get them looking good as new… Same old shoes, brand new feeling! If you don’t like the end result, but your shoes are still wearable, maybe somebody else could benefit from them… Local charity shops which are open for donations could take them off your hands (you can find a few of these under the ‘Reuse Organisations’ category of our Zero Waste Map). Alternatively, your local supermarket may have a clothes and shoes bank you could donate to. Unwearable shoes can be recycled in the shoe banks at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre – find your nearest one here.
How to remove grease marks from clothes
Grease marks are notoriously tough to get out… There’s no worse feeling than washing your clothes only to notice that particular unsightly blotch remaining firmly intact! Thankfully, the above method is an excellent pre-treatment that has been known to tackle even the most difficult of stains. Remember, if this tip doesn’t fix your problem, unwearable (i.e. stained) textiles can be recycled at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre – find your nearest one here.
Homeware
How to patch small wall holes without filler
Do you have no filler and nail holes in your wall? This quick fix using an everyday essential item which you already have to hand may just help!
How to hide scratches on wooden furniture
If your wooden furniture has unsightly scratches, we have a quick trick which may just avoid the need for sanding down and re-varnishing… Less mess, less fuss!
How to stop loose screws from wiggling free
Do your cabinet knobs, door handles or eyeglasses screws keep coming loose? The above hack can help relieve this everyday annoyance with minimal fuss.
How to sharpen up scissor blades
Scissors are an everyday essential item… Whether you’re using them for cutting open packaged goods or you’re getting creative with crafts, the above tip is a must-try for if your scissor blades are becoming dull and blunted.
That’s a wrap!
We hope the above tips come in handy for you. Even if they don’t directly help right now, they may help you in future… And they can even get you thinking about other cheap, time-saving hacks which may help (there are tons to explore online).