17 Home Items That Lasted Longer in the Past
Many household items used to be built to last, but today's versions often wear out much faster.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
From appliances to furniture, older products were made to be durable. Over time, cost-cutting measures, mass production, and planned obsolescence have led to lower-quality goods that break or wear out quickly. Here are 17 home items that used to stand the test of time but now seem to fall apart much sooner.
1. Refrigerators
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Older refrigerators could last 30 years or more, while modern ones often fail within a decade. Thicker insulation, simple mechanics, and sturdy parts made older models nearly indestructible.
2. Washing Machines
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Vintage washers were built with heavy-duty metal drums and simple mechanical parts. Newer models rely on electronic controls and plastic components that wear out faster.
3. Ovens and Stoves
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Decades ago, ovens and stoves were made with cast iron and heavy-duty steel. Now, lightweight materials and complex digital components make them more prone to breakdowns.
4. Wooden Furniture
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Solid wood furniture was once a lifetime investment passed down through generations. Today, much of it is made from particle board or MDF, which warps, chips, or breaks within a few years.
5. Light Bulbs
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Incandescent bulbs used to last for years, while many modern LEDs fail well before their advertised lifespan. Quality control issues and cheaper manufacturing have made even energy-efficient bulbs less reliable.
6. Televisions
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Early TVs were bulky but built like tanks, lasting decades with minimal maintenance. Modern flatscreens boast high-resolution displays but are far more fragile, with screens that crack easily and internal components that fail within a few years.
7. Vacuum Cleaners
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Older vacuums were simple, with metal parts and reusable bags, often lasting decades. Many modern vacuums rely on plastic components and complicated designs that break quickly.
8. Mattresses
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A good mattress used to last 15–20 years, but many modern ones lose support within five years. Foam and pillow-top designs break down faster than traditional coil mattresses.
9. Toasters
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Vintage toasters were made with heavy stainless steel and basic heating elements. Today’s models have flimsy plastic parts and electronic controls that malfunction easily.
10. Microwaves
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Early microwaves were heavy-duty and built with solid mechanics. However, newer models often have faulty touch panels and weak internal components.
11. Clocks and Watches
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Mechanical clocks and wind-up watches were designed to last generations. However, many modern timepieces rely on cheap materials and digital parts that wear out quickly.
12. Coffee Makers
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Classic percolators and drip coffee makers could last decades with minimal upkeep. Today’s machines, especially pod-based models, often stop working within a few years.
13. Irons
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Older irons were built from solid metal and lasted for decades. Modern ones use lightweight plastics and electronic features that fail quickly.
14. Lawn Mowers
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Gas-powered mowers from decades ago were built with solid steel frames and simple engines. However, many modern versions have plastic housings and complex electronics that make repairs difficult.
15. Dishwashers
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Early dishwashers had simple, durable mechanics and fewer electronic parts. However, modern units have sensors and digital controls that break more easily.
16. Kitchen Knives
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Traditional knives were forged from high-quality steel that held an edge for years. Many modern knives are made with softer metals or cheaper alloys that dull quickly.
17. Sewing Machines
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Older sewing machines, especially mechanical ones, can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. Modern models, however, use plastic gears and digital components that wear out more quickly.