Repair, maintain, and make it last

A rip, bump, or scratch doesn't mean something's trash

You might be surprised what can be repaired or maintained for less than the cost of buying new.

Whether you fix it yourself or get help from someone else, repairing what you already own reduces waste and helps you get more life out of the things you use every day.

You don't have to be handy to get started — you just need to know where to begin.

Before you replace something, ask yourself...

• Could a simple repair solve the problem?
• Is it still useful if it's repaired?
• Is it worth repairing based on its quality or replacement cost?
• Could regular maintenance help it last longer?
• Would I rather fix it myself or get help from someone else?

Sometimes a five-minute repair is all it takes to keep something useful for years to come!

Fix something myself 

You don't need to be an expert to make simple repairs or take better care of the things you own. Learning a few basic skills can save money, build confidence, and help your belongings last longer.

Around the house

Many everyday repairs are easier than they look. You might be able to:

• Tighten loose hardware.
• Patch a small hole.
• Glue a loose chair leg.
• Replace weatherstripping.
• Sharpen worn-down kitchen knives and garden tools.
• Oil a dried-out cutting board to restore the wood.

Don't have the right tools? Borrowing them is often easier and less expensive than buying them. 

Learn more about borrowing tools and equipment at a local tool library.

Bike maintenance

Regular maintenance helps keep your bike safe, comfortable, and ready to ride.

Simple tasks like checking tire pressure, lubricating the chain, cleaning your bike, and adjusting the brakes help keep your bike safe, comfortable, and ready to ride.

Want to learn how? Search for "bike maintenance classes in Portland" to find local options or "bike maintenance tutorials" for videos.

Explore the City's free bike maintenance classes.

Clothing care

A few simple sewing skills can help your favorite clothes last much longer.

Try learning how to:

• Sew on a button.
• Repair a small tear.
• Replace a zipper pull.
• Patch worn areas.
• Wash and store clothing according to the care label.

Taking care of your clothes helps them last longer and keeps them looking their best. There are great tutorials online and many local fabric and sewing shops offer classes.

Learn new repair skills

Everyone starts somewhere.

Whether you prefer step-by-step videos, hands-on workshops, or community classes, there are plenty of opportunities to build your confidence and learn practical repair skills.

Local organizations offer classes on home repair, sewing, bicycle maintenance, woodworking, and other everyday skills.

Find upcoming classes

Get help fixing something

Not every repair needs to be a DIY project.

Portland has repair professionals who can help repair clothing, shoes, furniture, electronics, jewelry, small appliances, bikes, and many other everyday items. 

Visit a Repair Café

Repair Cafés are free community events where volunteer fixers work alongside you to troubleshoot and repair everyday items while sharing practical skills.

Whether your favorite lamp stopped working or your backpack needs a quick repair, Repair Cafés are a welcoming place to learn, meet neighbors, and give well-loved items another chance.

Learn about Repair Cafés

Find a repair professional

Some repairs are best left to the experts.

Browse local repair businesses to find help with electronics, clothing, shoes, furniture, bikes, jewelry, sharpening services, household items, and more.

Browse repair businesses and services in the Resource Directory

Quick tips

• Start small. Your first repair doesn't have to be complicated. Sewing on a button, tightening a loose screw, or patching a small tear are great places to begin.
• Fix small problems early. A loose handle or tiny hole is usually much easier and less expensive to repair before it gets worse.
• Look for replacement parts. Sometimes replacing one part is all it takes to keep something working.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions. Repair professionals and Repair Café volunteers are often happy to tell you whether something is worth repairing.
• Keep care instructions. Owner's manuals and care labels can help you maintain items properly and prevent future repairs.
• Sometimes replacing an item is the better choice. If a repair would cost more than replacing it, the item can't be repaired safely, or replacement parts are no longer available, it may be time to look for another option. If you do replace it, consider buying secondhand first or recycle or dispose of the old item responsibly.

Find local resources

Ready to get started?

Browse the Resource Directory and Resourceful PDX map to find repair businesses and other local resources near you.

Browse repair resources in the Resource Directory