Making our money stretch further is a natural ambition – particularly when it comes to replenishing weekly grocery supplies or having to replace those items that help our lives run smoothly. You will be amazed at how much money you can save just by making some everyday things last longer.
Get the longest lifespan possible out of some of your goods with these useful tips:
Carpet capers
Cheap carpets will typically last from 3 to 5 years while good quality carpeting may have a life lasting 10 to 20 years, if you take good care of it, that is. Add some life to your carpeting with these tips:
- Rearrange your furniture, so that one are of the carpet is not constantly subject to wear.
- Vacuum regularly.
- Avoid tracking in dirt.
- Shampoo your carpets and rugs.
- Snip loose threads.
- Treat spills and stains quickly.
- Designate eating areas.
Nibbly bits
Do you often find yourself throwing out food because of spoilage? Well here are some tricks to keep your food fresher for longer:
- Store fruits and vegetables separately to slow down the “ripening” process.
- Store food at correct temperatures.
- Vacuum seal foods in zip lock bags to preserve them.
- Protect dry goods from insects and pests.
- Chill bananas after they ripen. The peel darkens but the fruit lasts longer.
- Store leftovers in airtight food containers.
Make your bed and lie in it
Mattresses are expensive —a good quality mattress can cost several thousand rands. To maintain your mattress, try this:
It’s important to redistribute the mattress wear – in other words if you always lie on one side, the mattress will develop a dent in that area. The solution is to flip your mattress every other week or month. You can also try rotating it without having to flip it. Use a mattress protector to keep the mattress clean and stain free — a great idea because mattress protectors can be washed.
Keep your costume in the swim
Bought a new swimsuit before the holiday or just invested in an expensive chlorine- resistant one to swim in the gym pool with? Make your swimsuit last longer by following these 2 easy tips:
The key to caring for your swimsuit is what happens after you’ve hit the surf or sand. Whether you’ve been swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean, always rinse your suit out immediately with cool water to remove all the salt or chemicals. Don’t put your swimsuit in the washing machine, rather wash it by hand with a gentle cleanser like Woolite. You can of course use specially- designed swimsuit cleaner, but regular rinsing and hand-washing is just as effective.
After washing your suit, squeeze – don’t wring – the water out, then allow it to air dry by hanging it upside down, away from the sun’s damaging rays. Make sure to give your suit time to dry completely; otherwise odour-causing bacteria and mold will have a party in the damp fabric.
Look after man’s best friend
Look after your dog’s teeth: It’s important to brush your furry friend’s teeth at least a couple of times every week. Don’t use your own toothpaste, use special toothpaste made for dogs. You can also visit your veterinarian to have your dog’s teeth cleaned.
Keep your dog at a healthy weight: Ensure your dog gets enough exercise and eats a healthy diet. Avoid feeding your dog snacks and unhealthy tidbits. Excess weight is as bad for dogs as it is for humans.
Provide your dog with regular exercise: Your dog should get at least an hour of exercise every day – take him for a nice long walk and let him run and sniff and enjoy.
Get regular checkups, vaccinations and de-worming: Visit the veterinarian at least once a year when dogs are fully grown and two to four times per year while they are puppies.
Give your dog time to relax: Allow your dog to rest for at least an hour every day and do not force him to do activities if he is not interested. Your dog will need a shady area to relax in. Always keep a big bowl of cool water nearby.
Fabulous footwear
Buy good quality shoes. Natural materials like leather and suede will last longer than man-made materials, and so are worth paying more for.
Untie your shoes each time you take them off to maintain their shape.
If you wear your shoes in the rain, allow them to dry completely before wearing them again. Newspaper stuffed inside the shoes will help to hold their shape while they dry.
Sprinkle baking soda in your shoes nightly, or as needed, to remove lingering odours and moisture. Remember to throw the baking soda out before wearing the shoes again.
Soles often wear out before the rest of the shoe, so have your shoes resoled once wear and tear starts.
Care for cars
Under pressure Keep your tyres at the right inflation pressure to ensure your safety and to save on fuel and tyre maintenance.
Warning signs Most vehicles, and certainly the newer models, will alert you to any problems, such as oil pressure, cooling system or tyre pressure. When a warning light goes on, immediately have the issue checked out.
Drive smart You not only save wear and tear by having good driving habits, but also fuel. Accelerating rapidly and braking just as rapidly can negatively affect the engine, brakes and other parts.
Good and clean – Take care of the exterior of your car by regularly washing and waxing it. Also spend time keeping it clean and odour-free by regularly vacuuming the interior. Tackle spills immediately otherwise they will be more difficult to remove.
Get it covered – Store your car in a garage or under a carport or cover to keep it out of the sun and away from bird droppings and tree sap. Also be careful where you park to avoid dings. Shopping trolleys are a typical culprit.
Keeping your car maintained will not only make it last longer but will also increase the resale value. Just as the old real estate mantra goes – location, location, location, the car sale mantra is condition, condition, condition.
Talk to Indwe Risk Services today about the right insurance cover for the things you love. Call 0860 13 13 14 or visit www.indwerisk.co.za for more information.