Taking the time to do a little preventive 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 common household products last.

APPLIANCESClothes washer — Don't overload it! That wears down the machine.Dishwasher — Periodically remove any debris from the filter and the bottom of the machine.Gas range — Inspect the burners regularly and clean the burner ports with a needle. Don't touch the igniter.Refrigerator and freezer — 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.

KITCHEN GEARKnives — 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.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.

ELECTRONICSLaptop 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.