It hadn’t really crossed my mind to write about some of the household ‘fixes’ we have achieved over the last year. However, reading this morning about the ‘Right to repair’ law which is to come in this summer, had me thinking about our washing machine door, the downstairs loo seat, and our ancient fridge freezer drawers. All of which between us, we have repaired with the aid of a few spare parts, and youtube tutorials!

I wasn’t forward thinking enough to take photos or videos of Paul fixing the washing machine door when it jammed full of wet washing, or when he repaired it, and then replaced the washing machine door! And I didn’t think to take photos of the toilet seat maintenance either (nobody wants to see that surely? I’ve added a link to the YouTube post that saved my life, later in this article).
Fridge Freezer broken drawers
However – I did manage to get some snaps of the fridge freezer drawers. We have had this giant fridge freezer for about 15 years, and the drawers have cracked and broken one by one, from heavy handed use, and general ‘old age’.
I tried to replace them, however the cost was exhorbitant and there was no real way of knowing if they would fit as the model is now obsolete.
My neighbour had some out of date Sugru in her fridge, so I thought I’d try it – and so far six months later – they are still holding fast – I’ve told the kids to be gentle with the drawers and use two hands to open and close them (should have suggested this same method years ago!) and so far so good.

So – a quick post to share this, and add the links to the EU’s rules for cutting energy and bills, and reducing the new need for replacing fridges, washing machines and televisions. From 2021, firms will have to make appliances longer-lasting, and they will have to supply spare parts for machines for up to 10 years.
Right to repair updated

Appliances such as fridges, washing machines & TVs should last longer and be cheaper to run under new rules. Implementing EU rules aimed at cutting energy and bills – and reducing the need for new materials. https://bbc.co.uk/news/business-
The move could directly save €20bn on energy bills per year in Europe from 2030 onwards – equivalent to 5% of EU electricity consumption.
Chloe Fayole of environmental group Ecos said: “From the US to Europe, people are demanding their right to repair things they own because they’re tired of products that are designed to break prematurely.”
The UK Green Alliance‘s Libby Peake told BBC News: “These new standards are a massive step in the right direction and could result in nearly 50 million tonnes of CO2 emissions savings.”

The UK government says that after Brexit the UK will continue to “match and even exceed EU eco product regulations” as part of its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
If you enjoyed this post – check out Caroline ‘Kittie Kipper”s Affordable Upcycled Home Ideas.
External helpful links
How To Install Soft Closing Toilet Seats.
How to Release a Stuck Washing Machine Door
Click here for The European Parliament details on the “right to repair” rules, making it easier to fix broken devices and reduce e-waste. “To be sustainable, products must be repairable, so that they can remain on the market for as long as possible. It is time to stamp out practices which prevent or hinder product repairs”.
If you want to get your fridge or freezer repaired you can visit ACR Repairs
that’s good to know John, do you sell spare parts like freezer drawers??