In this economy? Many choosing to repair over buying new

In the current economic climate, Americans are opting to repair and replace over buying new, according to new data.

That’s according to new research of 2,000 Americans that found 8 in 10 (80%) U.S. adults say that taking better care of their things and doing more DIY and household repair helps them feel more in control when their finances feel unpredictable.

Faced with rising prices, more than half of Americans are choosing repair and regular maintenance over replacing household items.

From sewing buttons to tightening furniture screws to deep-cleaning neglected appliances, many Americans are tackling repairs with one clear motivation. Sixty-one percent said they’re doing it to save money, while another 33% admit they simply can’t afford to replace the item.

The survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Lemi Shine, reveals a cultural shift taking place in kitchens, laundry rooms and garages across the country — one that’s less about DIY bragging rights and more about practicality.

It’s no surprise, then, that Americans are rolling up their sleeves.

Of those who’ve repaired in the last year, 40% have fixed clothing or textiles, 38% tackled home décor or furniture and 37% dove into plumbing projects.

Many are also putting effort toward maintaining their big-ticket items with the hope of extending their lifespan — from refrigerators (42%) and stoves (59%) to washing machines (32%) and dishwashers (38%). 

And, it’s not just the large appliances people are looking to preserve, respondents said they’ve cleaned microwaves (69%), coffee makers (52%) and air fryers (37%) in a bid to ensure they last longer.

“What we’re seeing isn’t just a trend; it’s a return to resourcefulness,” said Tim Jones, a Cleaning Expert at Lemi Shine. “People are realizing that caring for what they already have can offer a sense of control –– especially in uncertain economic times. It’s less about perfection and more about preservation and finding small victories in everyday fixes.”

Interestingly, the data shows the confidence in domestic ability varies by generation. While 81% of Gen Z and 75% of millennials said they feel confident fixing things around the house, that number drops to just 53% for baby boomers.

But no matter the age, YouTube reigns supreme as the go-to repair guide, with over half (55%) saying they rely on videos to figure it out.

And while social media may have us believing that “clean girl” aesthetics are effortless, the reality of appliance maintenance is far less glamorous — and far more important. In fact, three in four people (75%) agree they regularly clean big-ticket items like dishwashers to avoid buildup and boost performance.

Yet many still aren’t using the most effective ingredients. While 45% report cleaning with vinegar and 38% with baking soda, only 8% are using citric acid — a pantry staple found naturally in fruits and vegetables — despite 62% saying citric acid is an effective natural cleaner.

“Maintenance isn’t just about repairs; a proper clean is equally important to helping our home care items last as long as possible. Using naturally derived cleaning tools like citric acid can help clear out buildup gently and effectively — supporting regular upkeep without wearing down materials over time,” added Jones.

A majority (71%) said they actively look for natural or non-toxic cleaning products, especially among millennials and Gen Z, who are also more likely to clean less due to fears about chemicals (44% and 51%, respectively).

And they’re not just thinking about what they clean with, but why they clean in the first place. Reasons for using natural products range from protecting family and pets (34%) to simply liking a fresher, more pleasant scent (23%).

Still, tension lingers in households: 53% admit they’ve redone a chore someone else already completed because it didn’t meet their standards.

Despite the occasional redo, most people feel domestically competent (65%), and 64% are even passing their skills down, teaching children or younger people to repair instead of replace.

“In a world that moves fast and throws things away even faster, there’s something quietly radical about taking the time to care for your home so it’s at its best,” added Jones. “This data shows it’s not just about saving money — it’s about reclaiming a sense of agency. Whether you’re scrubbing your dishwasher or teaching your child to sew on a button, these everyday acts of maintenance are really about resilience and self-reliance –– and that’s something every generation can get behind.”

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans; the survey was commissioned by Lemi Shine and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 20–May 27.

We are sourcing from a non-probability frame and the two main sources we use are:

• Traditional online access panels — where respondents opt-in to take part in online market research for an incentive
• Programmatic — where respondents are online and are given the option to take part in a survey to receive a virtual incentive usually related to the online activity they are engaging in

Those who did not fit the specified sample were terminated from the survey. As the survey is fielded, dynamic online sampling is used, adjusting targeting to achieve the quotas specified as part of the sampling plan.

Regardless of which sources a respondent came from, they were directed to an Online Survey, where the survey was conducted in English; a link to the questionnaire can be shared upon request. Respondents were awarded points for completing the survey. These points have a small cash-equivalent monetary value.

Cells are only reported on for analysis if they have a minimum of 80 respondents, and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. Data is not weighted, but quotas and other parameters are put in place to reach the desired sample.

Interviews are excluded from the final analysis if they failed quality-checking measures. This includes:

• Speeders: Respondents who complete the survey in a time that is quicker than one-third of the median length of interview are disqualified as speeders
• Open ends: All verbatim responses (full open-ended questions as well as other please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant text
• Bots: Captcha is enabled on surveys, which allows the research team to identify and disqualify bots
• Duplicates: Survey software has “deduping” based on digital fingerprinting, which ensures nobody is allowed to take the survey more than once

It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access.