Taking the time to do a little preventive maintenance -- before things get stained, scratched, frayed, worn out or broken -- is like buying an insurance policy for everything in your house.

And it doesn't have to take a lot of effort. "Being a smart shopper isn't just about what you buy; it's also about what you don't buy," said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart, Consumer Reports' magazine. "If you get into the habit of maintaining your household items -- and we'll show you how -- you can save on costly replacements or extravagant professional repairs."

Clothes Washer. Don't overload it! That wears down the machine.

Dishwashers. Periodically remove any debris from the filter and the bottom of the machine.

Gas Ranges. Inspect the burners regularly and clean the burner ports with a needle. But don't touch the igniter.

Refrigerators and freezers. 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.

Vacuum cleaners. Small objects such as coins can damage the power head and even the motor on some uprights, and string can wind its way around the rotating brush. Unplug the machine and dislodge items.

Digital cameras and camcorders. Use the strap to keep from dropping your camera, and stow the camera in a case when it's not in use. Clean dirty lenses gently with a microfiber lens cloth and lens-cleaning fluid.

Laptop 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.

Baking pans. Dry thoroughly after washing to prevent rust. Smearing a little vegetable oil onto the sides and bottom with a paper towel after each use will also work.

Knives. 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.

Nonstick pots. ShopSmart experts suggest hand-washing your pots and removing burned-on food with a plastic scrubber.

Stainless-steel flatware. Use a stainless cleaner to remove scratches and stains and restore shine. Scouring powder or steel wool can cause scratches and reduce stain resistance.

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.

Clothes. Wash clothes in cold water, using a cold-water detergent, and hang them to dry.

Jeans. Wash them inside out to protect the color.

Lingerie. If the label recommends machine washing, use a lingerie bag and the delicate cycle. Also, always wash garments unbuttoned and hang or lay them flat to dry.

Down comforters and pillows. ShopSmart experts recommend spot cleaning whenever possible because goose down loses a bit of its airiness with each washing or dry cleaning. Protect down comforters with a removable cover. Shake and fluff bedding and jackets often to keep the feathers from becoming permanently squashed.

Mattresses. Use a protective pad (which should be laundered occasionally). And pull back the sheets and blankets to air out the bed for 20 minutes each morning.

Slipcovers. Rotate cushions with slipcovers so they all get regular wear and maintain a uniform appearance.

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