Repair or replace? A quick guide
Fixing what you own often costs less than replacing it, and keeps it out of the trash. Here's a quick guide for common household items. A common rule of thumb: if a repair costs more than half the price of a new one and the item is past the middle of its life, replacing may make more sense.
| Item | Usually repair if | Often replace if |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes | A button, seam, hem or small hole. A tailor can replace zippers. | Fabric is worn thin all over. |
| Shoes and boots | Good uppers with worn soles or heels; a cobbler can resole many. | Uppers are cracked or the sole is molded on and worn through. |
| Vacuum cleaner | Lost suction (check filter, belt, hose) or a worn brush roll. | Motor failure on an older, cheaper model. |
| Phone | Battery that won't last a day, or a cracked screen on a phone that still gets updates. | No more security updates, or repair costs near the price of a newer used phone. |
| Laptop | Battery, charger, keyboard, or more memory or storage. | Main board failure on an older model. |
| Bike | Brakes, chain, tires, cables; most are cheap parts. | Cracked or bent frame. |
| Small appliances | A simple part like a cord, blade or gasket, if parts are available. | Inexpensive items with no replacement parts. |
| Large appliances | Common parts like belts, seals, filters or pumps on a newer machine. | Repair costs more than half the price of new on an older machine. |
| Furniture | Loose joints, wobbly legs, worn finish or drawer slides. | Broken particleboard or structural damage. |
General information. Unplug appliances before looking at them, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and use a qualified professional for electrical, gas or major repairs. Check warranties first.
Before you decide
A repair might be free.
Many fixes are a cheap part and a short video.
Volunteers help fix things, often for free.
Compare it with the cost of new, or good used.
Read the full repair or replace guide and basic mending, or see what reusable swaps save with the reusable vs. disposable calculator.