When it comes to household appliances, a little preventive
maintenance can go a long way. In order to get the most mileage out of your
appliances, here are some cleaning and repair tips to help keep everything running
smoothly.
Refrigerator- A
refrigerator is one of those appliances we never really think about until they
stop working. While the average lifespan of a refrigerator is 13 years, they
can break down long before that without proper care.
What Should I Do?
Once every 3 months, set a recurring reminder on your smartphone or computer to
clean the fridge coils. Use a long-handled refrigerator coil brush ($8.98,
Amazon.com) to clean around the condenser coils located underneath the fridge.
You can also use the crevice tool of your vacuum cleaner if you prefer. This
will remove the buildup of dust, crumbs and pet hair that accumulates. Make
sure to wipe down the door seals and gaskets that keep the fridge door securely
shut at this time; even small amounts of gunk can cut down on the fridge’s
effectiveness to keep the cold air inside.
If your fridge model produces filtered water from a
dispenser, it is recommended that you replace the filter once every 12 months.
This will keep water tasting fresh.
Range- While a
range typically has a 13-year lifespan, taking good care of it can boost its
performance and cut down on costly repairs, giving it a longer life.
What Should I Do?
For gas ranges or electric ranges with burner plates, soak the burner caps and
rings in soapy water to remove residue, and use a thin sewing needle or paper
clip to poke through the little holes where the gas comes through the burner to
clear them of any debris.
If you have a smoothtop range, make sure to wipe down the
glass cooktop regularly, using a damp rag or, in the case of dried-on food, a
non-abrasive cleanser specially formulated for glass cooktops. Smoothtop ranges
generally require less maintenance than their gas counterparts, but leaving
spills behind can cause pitting or damage to the surface if not cleaned
regularly.
Dishwasher- A
dishwasher has an average lifespan of 9 years, but many dishwashers find
themselves in need of repair or replacement long before that if they are not
cared for properly.
What Should I Do?
A thorough wipe-down of the dishwasher door gaskets, doorframe and hinge will
keep the seal nice and tight, avoiding common problems like water leaks during
wash cycles. Also, if your model has a removable filter, it is a good idea to
rinse it out regularly to avoid nasty buildup which can affect performance, not
to mention make your dishwasher stink.
Microwave Oven-
With an average 9-year lifespan, the microwave is an appliance that doesn’t
seem to need much maintenance at first glance, but can definitely benefit from
a few performance-boosting, life-extending tips.
What Should I Do?
Cleaning the interior of the microwave regularly with a damp cloth can help
prevent buildup of food particles, keeping the microwave in good working order.
If you have an over-the-range type microwave, make sure to clean the grease
filters from the vent hood once a month by removing them, soaking them in soapy
water, rinsing and drying before replacing. Some vent hoods have charcoal
filters, which need to be replaced every 6-12 months.
Garbage Disposal-
Though we typically don’t think of our garbage disposals when we think of our
household appliances, they are definitely a very important part of our kitchen,
and can be quite costly to repair. The average lifespan of a garbage disposal is
12 years.
What Should I Do?
To keep the blades sharp and free of buildup, grind up a couple of ice cubes
periodically. To reduce odors, throw lemon or orange peels in there and grind
them up at least once a month. Never put large quantities of rice, noodles or
grease down your disposal, and always use cold water when running the disposal,
and for a couple minutes afterward, so fat and grease deposits get washed away.
Washing Machine-
With an average lifespan of 10 years, your washing machine can last you a long
time if you pay attention to it and take good care of it.
What Should I Do? Make
sure your washing machine is hooked up to stainless steel mesh drain hoses,
which last much longer than rubber ones. Also, wipe out the detergent dispenser
drawer regularly to ensure that the detergent flows out as intended without any
clogging or buildup. If your machine is a front-loader, wipe the door gasket
seal dry after each use, which will prevent odor-causing mold and mildew from
forming.
Dryer- Your
clothes dryer is made to last 13 years on average, and the importance of
keeping it clean is essential for not only extending the life of the appliance,
but for basic safety as well.
What Should I Do?
Clean out the dryer lint filter before or after every single load without
exception. Once a year, use the same long-handled brush you use to clean your
refrigerator coils to clean out your dryer vent, or use the crevice tool on
your vacuum cleaner. If you are unable or unwilling to clean out the dryer vent
yourself, you can hire a pro to take care of it, but beware- prices generally
start around $200. Not only does lint buildup reduce the efficiency of your
dryer, but it can also cause the dryer to overheat and catch on fire.
Vacuum Cleaner-
On a personal note, this is the appliance that breaks down most often for me.
The average lifespan of a vacuum varies based on the model, but I find myself
having to buy a new vacuum once every 1-2 years. That can’t be right!
What Should I Do?
Not many models have vacuum bags anymore, but if you are in possession of a bag
model, the bag should be changed once a month, more frequently if you have a
pet. You should clean or replace your filters once every 6 months (many models
can be rinsed clean), and every 8 weeks the HEPA filter should be cleaned out
as well. This will improve the airflow for maximum performance. Once a year, or
sooner if the brush roll is making a vibrating noise, belts should be replaced.
If your belts are too loose, they can make the brush roll turn too slowly,
causing less dirt to be captured. Too-tight belts can
cause excessive wear on the motor, though, so make sure they fit just right!
