Just a random thought that's been bouncing around my head lately: what if there was a whole open-source movement dedicated to white goods like refrigerators, washing machines, and other household appliances?

Imagine being able to quickly find freely available plans and part designs to fix it yourself. No more waiting for expensive replacement parts or dealing with manufacturers who would rather sell you a brand new device than help you repair your old one.

A collaborative effort by consumers fed up with planned obsolescence and the frustration of not being able to fix things themselves. Appliances designed to use by the community to use standardized parts with simplicity and reliability in mind, without unnecessary features. Just good, solid machines built to last.

People coming together to share, trade, and sell 3D-printed parts on a community marketplace, making repairability accessible to everyone.

I think it's a pretty cool idea, but I don't think it'll ever happen. Could an open-source movement for white goods be the solution to our throwaway culture and give the big manufacturers a wake up call?

How would it make money? I guess it'd be not for profit with plans available to anyone who wants to produce parts, frames, entire assemblies. What about quality control? People who decide to take shortcuts when producing parts?

I think it'd take a lot to get to a "critical mass" stage where it might take off.

Hi all,

Looking for any other suggestions on places/brands before I pull the trigger.

I know the main brands like Polywood out there, but I've been scouring google and other pages to find amish builders and other smaller/family owned companies that carry the poly lumber furniture without costing over $3.5k for a set.

Best I've been able to find is just under $300/chair and $1000k for a dining table for 6. (For reference my specs are two-tone color option which Polywood doesn't offer per piece and all chairs have arms)

Located in WI if that helps. I know there's some steals out in PA and TN but those places don't ship unfortunately.

Thanks.

Basically, i am looking for a one piece toilet. High water line, so no skid marks Siphon flushing? (I’m not even sure if that’s the name) - don’t like the toto ones bc they have these grooves for their tornado flush that is hard to clean.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. 😊😊😊

Bonus points for someone who can recommend me a way/tool to carry around a 100ft garden hose. 🙃

As an overall value, how does the Arhaus Kipton hold up? We’re looking at it because it’s deep and the cushions are softer. Is there any other options that are similar and a better value?

I was just wondered by if anyone had any suggestions for brands that produce durable clothing to use for yard work. I probably can’t afford to buy new, but it’d be helpful to know what brands to look for at thrift stores. Thanks in advance!

Any recommendations? Pros/cons? Health benefits?

I’m updating my TV setup in my private room—upgrading from a basic model I’ve had for the past 6 months ( Philips 5000 series LED-LCD model 40PFL5708/F7). I’m eyeing a 4K UHD TV to enhance my streaming experience with platforms like Netflix and YouTube, and for occasional sports viewing.

As a student, I need to stay mindful of my budget, so the premium stuff from LG or Sony is a bit out of reach. I’m not necessarily looking for the cheapest option, just something that offers good value. Ideally, I’m looking for something in the 50” to 55” range, with a preference for 50”.

Any recommendations on brands or models that strike a good balance between cost and quality?

Thanks in advance!

I wear 11 or 12 wide in Canada. Depending on the shoe. I'm tired of the 20$ Walmart sandals that are uncomfortable. Especially when I'm on vacation and get sore foot/blisters.

By running, I meant a proper heel strap.

You guys have recommendations?

Anyone have any suggestions on gusseted canvas pants, preferably MIUSA? I’m currently wearing Diamond Gusset Canvas Pants but they have been OOS forever. Thanks y’all.

I'm going to be setting up a tent at my local flea market and would like to have a TV/console setup for boredom. Are there any good power banks that won't require gas to have this setup?

No tags or identifying marks of origin or manufacturer. Only been through the wash maybe 3 times (that I'm aware of). Pretty impressive that it's still very soft and zero loss of fuzz.

The title says it all. Nothing crazy, just a good solid drill.

Hey guys. I have two pitbulls and there’s hair everywhere. Should I go with the bigger more powerful unit or with the smaller one that from my understanding, is designed to trap dog hair? Any advice would be appreciated.

Is there a version which has a screen of 13.5 inches diagonal, is black and has a high quality pen like the Xiaomi one and is not cheaply made?

The Xiaomi Mi LCD writing board is not available in black…

I want a pair of everyday boots, and Ariat makes some pretty stylish and comfortable cowboy boots. They also have a resole service. I want a pair, but I'm not spending $180 if they aren't going to last. Do any of you have experience with them?

I’m typically very hard on my boot soles. A pair of Carhartt Moc Toe wedge sole boots lasted somewhere in the neighborhood of 6 months for me before the majority of the tread was gone.

I’m considering buying a step up this time, as the ones I have should be thrown away due to chemical contamination in the leather.

I’ve not had a pair that expensive, would it be worth it for me to buy a step above this time? Work conditions/temperatures are about as varied at they get, I do my best to avoid having my boots actually covered in water or mud but can’t rule out the fact that it may happen on a bad day.

Been struggling with hoses for years. They all just seem to be awful. Last year I got a continental hose and it is so much easier to use and durable feeling. I assume it won’t last forever, and you’re going to pay about $1/ft, but the convenience is worth it. I also expect it to last far longer than other hoses I’ve used.

Edit: by ease of use I mean it doesn’t link as easily and it doesn’t hold the circle shape, just soft and tough and malleable.

I’m posting in BIFL because 1. I trust people’s judgement here and 2. if I can find what I’m looking for, I’d like to continue to buy it for life.

That said, I’m looking for people’s favourite deodorant sticks that don’t stain people’s white clothing yellow. I have and wear a pretty large rotations of white and light shirts, which I’m always looking to extend the life of.

I’m not picky about scents tbh, I like smells that smell good, but it doesn’t matter to me if it’s marketed to men or women.

Thanks y’all!

So just moved into an apartment it's last month and it already was getting hot and there's no AC. We're also not allowed to put anything in the windows so we can't use any air conditioners that require a window and needs to be portable. It's only for two bedrooms which are next to each other so I was looking for something that could stand in the hallway and perhaps cool both of the room since the doors are right next to each other if they're open. It's just super hard and confusing looking at portable ACs because the reviews are either great or terrible or both and I was set on one but now I'm not so sure. Our rooms aren't that big I would estimate 7x7 ft

Have had our Corelle set for years but just noticed this odd paint chipping look and feel around the bowl edges. Have any of you experienced this too? Is it still safe / should we replace with new Corelle?

I'm in the Pacific Northwest and have a walking commute. I would like a shoe that's the black passes for business casual slipons like Merrill and Ecco make. I got a pair of eccos and they were comfy but fail at the flex point. Stitching gives out and water will intrude.

That's the usual failure point for me with shoes. I'm also hard on socks and tend to get a hole at the ball of my foot.

I've seen arguments as to whether Ecco is still a good brand or not. They did have a sterling reputation previously.

Am I asking for the impossible?