In the age of conscious consumerism and a buzzing circular economy, jazzing up your home appliances isn't just about aesthetics—it's a cool move for your space and a win for Mother Earth, too. And with Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and other online forums currently dominating the resale scene, elevating those everyday essentials is not only smart for the planet, but wallet-approved too.
In a world where tossing out anything with a hint of wear and tear is the norm, it's high time we shift gears, break the habit of instant disposal and embrace a culture of giving our appliances a fresh lease on life. We’ve teamed up with CLR Calcium, Limescale & Rust Remover to delve into the art of giving our everyday essentials a thoughtful facelift. From kettles and microwaves to washing machines and dishwashers, a touch of CLR can extend the longevity of those household favourites tenfold. And, help you score some extra cash at an expensive time of year.
Here are six tips for keeping those home appliances sparkling and ready to resell.
Shine Up Those Surfaces
Whether stainless steel or plastic, a quick rinse with a CLR-dampened microfibre cloth can add a gleaming finish to exterior surfaces so your second-hand goods look brand spankin' new in those snaps for Facebook Marketplace.
Clean Those Power Cords
Yellowed cords are a dead giveaway that your pre-loved iron may be a little older than you say, so make sure they’re getting a little love, too. It’s imperative to check for any sign of wear or fraying before popping the items up for sale, so always double and triple check for safety.
No Dirty Feet In The House
We can’t stand dirty feet on our freshly cleaned floors, so similarly before you sell make sure to double check those rubber feet under your toasters and blenders that are likely to lose grip thanks to pesky dust and grime. A splash of CLR Ready To Use Spray will freshen them up, restoring their stability and tackiness to hold them down on the counter. Too easy.
Keep The Packaging
Some say hoarding, we say just plain smart. Before you chuck out that warranty, take a breath. Selling products in their original packaging is a surefire method to attract prospective buyers and is more likely to grab you that higher price point you're reaching for. Cha-ching.
Bye Bye Bad Smells
Stubborn residues and lingering odours, it's a no from us. Removing unwanted smells from appliances like dishwashers is simple with the right product at your fingertips. Ensure to remove dishwashing rinse agent, then pour half a cup of CLR directly into the bottom of the empty dishwasher before running an normal cycle followed by an extra rinse. By repeating this process every so often, you'll ensure that stubborn build up disappears, and your cutlery is fresh and ready to serve up.
Make Someone Else’s Day
With interest rates in disarray and families struggling to financially keep their heads above water right now, local charities and op-shops are screaming out for more everyday household items to support those who can’t afford to buy new. For guaranteed warm fuzzies, spruce up those essentials and donate them to someone in need. You'll be contributing to the sustainable circular economy at the same time too. A total win-win in our books.
Available at all your local supermarkets and hardware stores, CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover is light on the environment but powerful on stains. Your go-to for keeping the house spick and span this summer, be sure to stock up on your next grocery shop.
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Image credits: Urban List Supplied