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Making our money stretch further is a natural ambition \u2013 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Get the longest lifespan possible out of some of your goods with these useful tips:<\/p>\n
Carpet capers<\/strong><\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n Nibbly bits<\/strong><\/p>\n Do you often find yourself throwing out food because of spoilage? Well here are some tricks to keep your food fresher for longer:<\/p>\n Make your bed and lie in it<\/strong><\/p>\n Mattresses are expensive \u2014a good quality mattress can cost several thousand rands. To maintain your mattress, try this:<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to redistribute the mattress wear \u2013 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 \u2014 a great idea because mattress protectors can be washed.<\/p>\n Keep your costume in the swim<\/strong><\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n The key to caring for your swimsuit is what happens after you\u2019ve hit the surf or sand. Whether you\u2019ve 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n After washing your suit, squeeze \u2013 don\u2019t wring \u2013 the water out, then allow it to air dry by hanging it upside down, away from the sun\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Look after man\u2019s best friend<\/strong><\/p>\n Look after your dog’s teeth: It\u2019s important to brush your furry friend\u2019s teeth at least a couple of times every week. Don\u2019t use your own toothpaste, use special toothpaste made for dogs. You can also visit your veterinarian to have your dog\u2019s teeth cleaned.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Provide your dog with regular exercise: Your dog should get at least an hour of exercise every day \u2013 take him for a nice long walk and let him run and sniff and enjoy.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Fabulous footwear<\/strong><\/p>\n Buy good quality shoes. Natural materials like leather and suede will last longer than man-made materials, and so are worth paying more for.<\/p>\n Untie your shoes each time you take them off to maintain their shape.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Soles often wear out before the rest of the shoe, so have your shoes resoled once wear and tear starts.<\/p>\n\n
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