Whether you’ve invested in new, state-of-the-art appliances throughout your home or your appliances have been doing a great job for years, you want to protect your investment and get the most out of your appliances as possible.
Unfortunately, there are many common mistakes homeowners make that are actually detrimental to the efficiency and lifespan of stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, and the other appliances throughout the home. Here are a few simple tips to help you extend the life of your appliances.
Extend the Life of Your Refrigerator
Your refrigerator plays a vital role in your kitchen by keeping food fresh. In some cases, you can force your refrigerator to work too hard to keep food cool. Here are a few ways you can help your refrigerator run more efficiently:
- Clean the condenser coils. Typically found at the bottom front or back of the fridge, the condenser should be cleaned with your vacuum’s hose or a damp cloth.
- Avoid overfilling the fridge and freezer. A packed fridge or freezer may not seal shut properly, which can allow warm air to leak into the unit.
- Install the refrigerator away from heat. The heat from a register, your oven, or even a dishwasher can impact the fridge’s efficiency.
Place your refrigerator in a place in your kitchen where the unit can receive adequate airflow.
Extend the Life of Your Dishwasher
The average dishwasher will last around 10 years, and depending on the brand, you might even have the same dishwasher for upwards of 13 years. Follow these tips to help ensure your dishwasher continues keep your dishes sparkly and sanitary as long as possible:
- Scrape the plates and bowls first. Rinse or scrub off any sticky, hard, or large food particles. This prevents these particles from getting rinsed off in the dishwasher and potentially clogging the filter or damaging any components.
- Examine and clean the filter weekly. Refer to the owner’s manual to locate the filter, which is typically on the dishwasher’s floor. Check on the filter and rinse it out at least once a week.
- Skip the drying cycle. Pull the dishes out and dry them off by hand, rather than running the dishes through the dryer cycle. This eliminates the natural wear and tear caused by repeated use of this cycle.
Clean the inside of the dishwasher, including the rubber gasket, periodically with a method recommended by the dishwasher’s manufacturer. Hard water buildup, mold, and other contaminants can slowly damage your dishwasher over time.
Extend the Life of Your Washer and Dryer
For many families, a functional washer and dryer is critical. Luckily, there are several things you can start doing today to ensure both the washer and the dryer always perform.
When it comes to the washing machine, one of the most crucial things you need to do is ensure the washer is level. A washer that is out of balance will often make loud banging noises during the spin cycle. Many top loading washing machines can be leveled by adjusting each of the four feet, one at a time.
Prevent an unpleasant odor and extend the life of a front-loading machine by using less detergent and fabric softener. This prevents these cleaning products from accumulating in the tray and on the walls, where the detergent and softener create an ideal place for mold growth.
The easiest way to protect your dryer is to avoid overloading the machine. Instead, dry two or three smaller loads. Clean the lint trap before each cycle. Periodically check the vent attached to the back of the dryer to ensure that it is not clogged with lint.
Extend the life of your appliances with these simple care tips. Contact the professionals at Capital City Appliance Service with all of your appliance care needs.
