Taking the time to do a little preventative maintenance on household items is far less costly than having to replace a soiled carpet, broken vacuum cleaner or scratched TV.

The October 2009 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, has tricks to make 23 household products last.

APPLIANCES

Clothes washer — Don't overload it! That wears down the machine.

Dishwashers — Periodically remove any debris from the filter and the bottom of the machine.

Gas ranges — Inspect the burners regularly and clean the burner ports with a needle. But don't touch the igniter.

Refrigerators and freezers — Clean door gaskets with water and mild detergent periodically. Also vacuum the coils every few months. They tend to collect dust, which lowers efficiency and raises energy costs.

Vacuum cleaners — Small objects such as coins can damage the power head and even the motor on some uprights, and string can wind its way around the rotating brush. Unplug the machine and dislodge items ASAP.


ELECTRONICS

Digital cameras and camcorders — Use the strap to keep from dropping your camera, and stow the camera in a case when it's not in use. Clean dirty lenses gently with a microfiber lens cloth and lens-cleaning fluid.

Laptop computers — Use them on a flat surface. Soft surfaces can block airflow and lead to overheating.

LCD TVs — Clean the screen gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth, ideally a microfiber one. Avoid cleaners and paper towels, which can cause scratches.

CDs and DVDs — If you have to clean one (avoid cleaning it unless it's dirty), wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth from the center to the outer edge as if you were slicing a pie.


KITCHEN GEAR

Baking pans — Dry thoroughly after washing to prevent rust. Smearing a little vegetable oil onto the sides and bottom with a paper towel after each use will also work.

Knives — When they're not in use, store them in a wooden knife block or individual plastic shields. And keep them out of the dishwasher, which can pit blades and cause wooden handles to crack.

Nonstick pots — Hand-wash your pots, removing burned-on food with a plastic scrubber.

Stainless-steel flatware — Use a stainless cleaner to remove scratches and stains and restore shine. Scouring powder or steel wool can cause scratches and reduce stain resistance.

Teakettles — Remove mineral deposits from the interior by filling the kettle with equal parts white vinegar and water, bringing it to a boil, and allowing it to stand overnight.