Americans Embrace DIY Repairs Amid Economic Pressures, Survey Reveals

With economic uncertainty still weighing on household budgets, a growing number of Americans are embracing a more practical approach to home care — choosing to repair, maintain and extend the life of their belongings rather than replace them.

A new national survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found that 80% believe taking better care of their possessions and performing more DIY or household repairs helps them feel more in control when finances feel unpredictable. Conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by Lemi Shine, the survey reveals a cultural shift: Americans are turning to repairs not for bragging rights but out of financial necessity and a desire for stability.

Respondents said they are prioritizing regular maintenance over replacement, with 61% citing saving money as their top motivator. Another 33% said they simply couldnt afford to replace items.

That motivation is manifesting in real effort. In the past year, 40% of Americans have fixed clothing or textiles, 38% repaired home décor or furniture, and 37% handled plumbing projects. Appliance upkeep is also on the rise: 59% said theyve maintained their stoves, 42% their refrigerators, 38% their dishwashers, and 32% their washing machines.

Small appliances arent being overlooked either — 69% reported cleaning their microwaves, 52% cleaned coffee makers, and 37% cleaned air fryers to help them last longer.

“What were seeing isnt just a trend; its 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. Its less about perfection and more about preservation and finding small victories in everyday fixes.”

Confidence in those skills varies by age group. While 81% of Gen Z and 75% of millennials said they feel confident fixing things around the house, just 53% of baby boomers felt the same. Regardless of generation, though, most Americans (55%) rely on YouTube videos for guidance.

Three in four people (75%) said they clean big-ticket items like dishwashers regularly to avoid buildup and improve performance. But many are still using familiar, if not optimal, tools: 45% use vinegar, 38% turn to baking soda, and only 8% reported using citric acid, a natural cleaner derived from fruits and vegetables. This is despite 62% saying citric acid is effective — and 71% of all respondents expressing a preference for natural or non-toxic cleaning products.

Among Gen Z and millennials, hesitancy about chemicals leads to less frequent cleaning, with 44% and 51% respectively citing concern over chemical exposure.

The reasons for choosing natural products vary: 34% say it’s to protect family and pets, while 23% said they simply prefer the scent.

Still, even with this rise in domestic competence — 65% feel confident in their abilities and 64% are passing on those skills — the tension of shared chores remains. More than half (53%) admit theyve redone a household chore someone else completed because it didnt meet their standards.

“In a world that moves fast and throws things away even faster, theres something quietly radical about taking the time to care for your home so its at its best,” said Jones. “This data shows its not just about saving money — its about reclaiming a sense of agency. Whether youre 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 thats something every generation can get behind.”