Make do and MEND

Repairing household goods isn't just great news for the planet, it can be easier on your pocket too

- RACHEL OGDEN 

Saucepan sprucer

Broken lids, knobs or handles don't mean your cookware is out of service - just replace the parts. Le Creuset sells replacement knobs from £24; lecreuset.co.uk, while Brabantia offers a range of bits for its products; brabantia.com/uk. You can even have cookware refurbished: for example, Samuel Groves will resurface its pans for about a third of the cost of new; samuelgroves.com

Blade runners

Blunt scissors and knives aren't just frustrating, they can be dangerous. While there are professional sharpening services, the cheapest way to keep blades in good condition is to sharpen them yourself. Honing steels are popular but you'll need to get your technique right or it can damage the blade. A safer bet is to opt for a knife sharpener: draw the blade through the wheels and you're ready to slice in seconds. Try ProCook's Twin Wheel Sharpener, £29; procook.co.uk

Vacuum revamp

Belt broken or brush bar beyond help? Most vacuum manufacturers offer replacement parts so you can carry on dust busting without having to fork out for a new machine. Examples include Shark; sharkclean.co.uk, where new floorheads cost around £50-£70, and Henry, where you can buy a whole new kit of hoses and head for £44.99; myhenry.com

Toast for life

Every year, an estimated two million tonnes of electrical items are discarded in the UK*. Yet good-quality small appliances can often be repairable. For example, Dualit's Classic Toaster is built with repairable or replaceable parts, from knobs (£3.60) to elements (£7.80) and timers (£21.60) - although these will need to be fitted by a qualified electrician; dualit.com

Mattress revival