Appliances make our lives easier, but it should be a two-sided love affair. The key to not buying new appliances every decade can often be as simple as regular maintenance. It may sound like drudgery, but hey, it beats spending money on a new dishwasher or freezer.
Here are 10 helpful tips to ensure you get the longest life out of your appliances.
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1. Regularly clean behind and under your refrigerator
Keeping your fridge in good condition is obviously imperative, given that it temporarily houses the food you eat. To ensure it performs well over the long run, be sure to regularly clean behind and under the fridge to improve airflow. Don’t forget the coils – a quick dust-off can prevent overheating.
Got sticky door seals? A swipe with soapy water does the trick, making sure no cool air escapes.
If your fridge has an ice or water dispenser, remember to clean that, too. Also, it’s smart to avoid overloading your fridge to help keep down energy bills.
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2. Clean your dishwasher often
Cleaning the dishwasher might seem redundant—that is technically its job, right? However, the key to your dishwasher’s longevity is keeping it clean, especially the filter. The filter’s job is to trap food particles, so check frequently and clean it often to prevent clogs. Once a week is a good standard practice.
If you are dealing with a case of hard water, keep an eye on the spray arms; clearing any mineral buildup with something like a paperclip can work wonders.
Also, don’t forget about the racks — if the plastic coating is wearing off, it’s time for a repair or replacement to avoid rust.
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3. Avoid overloading your washing machine
While top-loading washing machines are pretty low maintenance, front-loaders need a bit more love. No matter the temptation, try not to overload it, as overstuffing can take a toll on its parts, so stick to what the manufacturer recommends.
Also, to get rid of any soapy leftovers, give the inside drum a good wipe every now and then. And don’t forget to clean the door, gasket, dispenser, and drum regularly. If your washer has a cleaning cycle, use it monthly to clear out any buildup.
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4. Clean the exhaust vent of your dryer frequently
Washers and dryers might function side-by-side, but they have very different maintenance needs. While we all know that emptying the lint trap after each load is a must-do, regularly cleaning the exhaust vent and air vents is also important for ensuring longevity. The key to a happy dryer? Keeping everything clear of lint.
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5. Avoid heating sealed food containers in your microwave
Microwaves can last 10 years or longer with proper maintenance, and fortunately, they’re not super high maintenance. Just stick to the basic rules: never use metal containers or utensils, and steer clear of flammable objects. It’s also important to avoid heating sealed food containers and packaged food. Make sure not to put anything on top of the microwave when it’s in use, and regularly clean any spills and stains. These simple habits can significantly extend the life of your microwave.
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6. Oven and stove burner maintenance
Regular cleaning of your oven and stove burners ensures better heating and safety, leading to perfectly cooked meals every time. Well, OK, maybe not every time if you’re not a very good cook.
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7. Cover water heaters for insulation
Wrapping up your electric water heater will not only prolong its longevity and efficiency, but it will help you save money as well. Also, when you are traveling for long periods, it’s smart to to drain your water heater to reduce mineral buildup.
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8. Change AC filters for improved efficiency
Indoor air quality is a thing; changing your AC filter regularly directly contributes to that. When not cleaned properly, air conditioners can seriously impact indoor air quality by accumulating bacteria and other pathogens. According to U.S. Department of Energy, you should clean or replace your filter every month or two.
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9. Descale your coffeemaker with vinegar
Keeping your coffee maker in top shape is easy with a bit of vinegar. Just remove the filters and grounds, then fill the reservoir with a mix of half water and half white distilled vinegar, up to the max line. Start a brew or cleaning cycle, and after emptying the carafe, run it through 2-3 more cycles with fresh, cool water. This simple descaling routine ensures your machine keeps performing its best.
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10. Unplug your TV when you’re not watching It
Yes. Simple as that. Turning off your TV is also a good start, but unplugging it when you are not around is a real game-changer. It’s not just about saving energy and cutting down on your electric bill; it’s like giving your TV a little rest, so it stays in good shape for those binge-watching sessions.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
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