Buying all the necessary home appliances is a significant investment in the first place. However, not taking proper care of them could make an even more severe dent in your wallet. By performing regular check-ups and repairs, you’ll ensure that your machines live longer and live up to their potential.
Here are some home appliance maintenance tips you should consider:
Air conditioner filters
Clogged air conditioner filters lead to a couple of unwanted situations. First, it will become energy inefficient, thus making your electricity bills much higher. Second, restricted airflow shortens this appliance's lifespan, and prevents it from working at it’s fullest capacity. So, once a month, take the filter out and vacuum it, or rinse it in your sink to remove the dust. If you have a disposable filter, just replace it with a new one.
Washing machine hoses
Number one malfunction when it comes to washing machines is leakage, which mostly happens due to cracks in the hose. You’d be surprised what a problem a simple deformity on a hose can make for you. So, regular check-ups are recommended, preferably twice a year. Luckily, this appliance spare parts are easily obtainable, so you should think about replacing the hose after four to five years.
Dryer filters
If you have noticed that your dryer doesn’t heat your clothes the way it should be, chances are the problem is with the clogged filter and the excess lint. To figure out if this is the case, run some water over the filter, and if it holds it, then you should clean it immediately. You could remove some of the lint with your hands, while the rest you can get rid of by using a brush and a bit of detergent and hot water. Try to do this as often as possible.
Dirty microwaves
Microwaves get messy in no time. Sometimes after using them only a couple of times, they start to look like they’ve never been cleaned. Simply scrubbing them with a sponge and detergent can be hard sometimes. Steaming the microwave makes this process a breeze, as the steam softens the stains inside, making it much easier to wipe everything with a cloth or a paper towel. Put a bowl of water with a couple of lemon slices inside and heat it. You’ll be surprised at the results!
Refrigerator coils
When you find your refrigerator not working correctly or not working at all, in many cases, you should suspect clogged coils, which reduce the airflow, thus preventing the fridge from cooling. So, to prevent this from happening or to solve a problem, get out vacuum cleaner and get the dust out. Coils are usually located at the back of the fridge, but sometimes they are located in the front. After you have vacuumed, you’ll notice that the fridge is cooling much faster and that your electricity bills are smaller.
Dishwashers
Like with any other appliance, dishwashers need to be cleaned occasionally to remove the excess food and other particles. When a food filter gets clogged, the water can’t reach the top shelves of the washer, thus leaving your dishes dirty, or unevenly cleaned after. But, don’t worry there’s a simple solution for that. First, take off the filter cover in the washer, and vacuum it. Second, every couple of weeks, or once a month, use white vinegar, pour it in a mug, and put it on the top of the dishwasher. After that, simply run the program. This will soften and loosen all the food leftovers which will now smoothly go down the drain.
Fridge gaskets
If the rubber gaskets don’t seal the way they should, your fridge won’t work correctly. Any food or residue can make the door stuck, which eventually lead to tearing off the gaskets. So, it is necessary to keep the gaskets clean to extend the lifetime of a refrigerator, and to prevent the air from coming in or out. Once a month, or two months, use warm water and a soft sponge to clean the door. Just make sure not to use detergents, as they can damage the door.
Being a responsible homeowner means dealing with different situations and problems even before they occur. Since home appliances probably work around the clock in your household, chances are they will malfunction sooner than later. So, check them regularly for any signs of trouble. You’ll be amazed at how much money you’ll save on repairs and bills!
