Listen: Brits clueless at repairing goods

Despite 43% of Brits currently being in debt and also being expected to rack up debts worth a combined £6 billion over the next year because of COVID, many are still planning to scrap and replace a wide range of household items – simply because they don’t know how to repair them. The temptation of a good deal also proves too much for many, with clothing topping the list of products to get rid of (55%), followed by large and small domestic appliances (51%), toys (38%), and kitchen sets (31%).

Tis meant to be the season for giving, however a whopping third of Brits have said that the products they’re chucking away could have been saved but instead will be discarded rather than being fixed.  Brits are being encouraged to get thrifty with their worn-out goods and get fixing and mending to instead regift or repurpose to someone in need.

The recent study by the descaling solution Oust has revealed that Brits are expected to spend £2.5 billion scrapping and replacing household goods over the festive period. The study has also revealed that a quarter (25%) admitted that deals and discounts are the main motivation for buying new household items over the festive season, with another quarter buying new household goods to replace items they just don’t know how to repair. Some items are clearly not sparking any joy this year, as Brits are planning to replace 5 items from the household this Christmas.

Aston spoke to Claudia Berto, Oust spokesperson and innovations expert to offer useful tips to help Brits save at home this Christmas.