In brief: The easiest way to live more mindfully isn't to buy new things, but to look after what you already have. Sharpen your knives, treat enamelware properly, air wool instead of washing it, and ask about spare parts before you buy. That way, you won't need to replace things as often. Here are ten habits for the kitchen, living room and bathroom, each backed by the manufacturer's advice.
In the kitchen
1. Hone your knife before it goes blunt
A honing steel realigns the fine edge, which folds over during cutting. A few strokes before cooking will keep your knife sharp for much longer than waiting until it no longer cuts properly. Only when honing no longer helps is it time for a whetstone. One example is the Güde 26 cm Alpha Fasseiche honing steel.
2. Never put wooden handles in the dishwasher
Heat and moisture cause wood to swell and crack. Güde recommends cleaning every knife with a damp cloth immediately after use; knives with wooden handles should go neither in the dishwasher nor in water (Güde, care and storage).
3. Dry carbon steel immediately
Carbon steel blades become particularly sharp, but they will rust if left wet. Heritedge recommends washing them by hand, drying them straight away and rubbing them with a little vegetable oil before storing them for a longer period (Heritedge, care instructions). The dark patina that develops over time protects the blade.
4. Treat enamelware gently
Enamel is glass fused to steel, and glass doesn't like sudden changes in temperature. Riess advises never heating pots and pans when empty and letting hot cookware cool down first, as thermal shock can cause cracks. According to Riess, you don't need to use the boost function on an induction hob. Oil exposed enamel edges from time to time with cooking oil. According to Riess, the cookware is dishwasher-safe; for a lasting shine, Riess recommends washing it by hand (Riess, use and care). Find out more in our guide, Enamel or stainless steel.
In the living room
5. Air wool instead of washing it
Wool rarely needs wet cleaning if you look after it properly. According to myfelt, shake out a felt ball rug, beat it out or vacuum it without a brush attachment. Remove individual stains with soap, warm water and a sponge. For wool rugs, benuta recommends dabbing stains rather than rubbing them, working from the outside in. Find the selection in our range of rugs.
6. Replace the bulb, not the light fitting
A good light fitting will outlast many bulbs. When buying, look for a standard fitting such as E27, so you'll always be able to find a suitable replacement and can change the colour temperature whenever you like. Many of our lights specify the fitting in the product description.
In the bathroom and laundry room
7. Wash bed linen gently
Lower temperatures and no fabric softener help protect the fibres. hutch&putch recommends washing its muslin bed linen at 40 degrees, using no fabric softener and drying it in the air. Muslin is also crease-free. Find the selection in our range of bed linen.
8. Don't wash terry towelling hotter than necessary
Mary Rose recommends washing terry towelling gently at up to 60 degrees and tumble-drying it on a gentle setting. One example is the Mary Rose terry towel 30 x 50 cm.
9. Dry laundry in the air
A tumble dryer uses electricity; a washing line doesn't. A rotary airer for the garden or balcony, such as the Brabantia Lift-O-Matic Advance, offers 50 metres of line in a small space.
Before your next purchase
10. Ask about guarantees and spare parts
The best sign of a long-lasting product is a manufacturer that keeps it repairable. Brabantia offers up to ten years' guarantee and, according to its own information, keeps spare parts available for twenty years. KoMo voluntarily provides multi-year guarantees for its flakers and mills. If you find this kind of information on the manufacturer's website, it's a better indication than any marketing claim on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I hone my knife?
A few strokes before every longer cooking session is best. Sharpening is only necessary once honing no longer has an effect.
Can enamelware go in the dishwasher?
According to Riess, yes. For a lasting shine, Riess still recommends washing it by hand.
How do I clean a wool rug?
Vacuum it regularly, dab stains rather than rubbing them, and keep wool away from damp rooms such as the bathroom.
The things that last longest are the ones you enjoy looking after. Find our kitchen selection under Cooking.
