If you own a home and have a lot of appliances, then you know the pains of having to deal with your old and worn-down home appliances and all the troubles that come along with them. (Sometimes it may seem like it’s easier just to buy a new one than fix what you already have). But here are some handy tips for keeping your home appliances in good working order.
When your appliances break down, it’s a pain. It can be expensive to fix appliances, and you don’t want to go down the path of repairing them again and again. However, if you take a little time to properly maintain them, they’ll last you longer before breaking down, saving you money in the long run.
1. Disassemble and clean the machine
When you regularly disassemble, clean, and lubricate your home appliances, they’ll last longer and run more efficiently. This is particularly important for high-use appliances responsible for heating and cooling the air (such as a refrigerator or air conditioner), and for power tools that you rely on to get work done (like a drill or food processor).
2. Check for any damage and replace if needed
Before you turn on your washer, dryer or dishwasher, take a moment to check the exterior of your appliance. Inspect the door seal and make sure there are no clogs or holes in it. Check the washer’s interior hose and the dryer’s venting system for holes, clogs or rust. Also check that all screws are tight and that any door hinges aren’t loose. If you notice any damage or worn parts, contact a professional repair service as soon as possible to avoid further problems down the line.
If any parts of your home appliance are broken or damaged, replace them as soon as possible. For example, if the door seal is torn on your washing machine, not only will that tear cause water to spill out of the machine when it’s in use (and perhaps leak onto your floor), but that tear can also let mold grow inside it. In general, if a part is broken or missing on your appliance, you should replace it right away.
3. Test the connections and replace any worn parts
Every once in a while, take an inventory of your home appliances and make sure that everything is plugged in correctly, that all wires are protected, and that there aren’t any bare spots where dust and other debris could get in. If anything looks suspicious, examine it closely. If you’re not sure about something, consult a professional for advice. You might also want to contact an appliance professional if you have appliances that haven’t been updated recently or if you’ve just moved into a new place and need help getting acquainted with the layout of the wiring.
4. Understand the manual and follow it accordingly
The most important thing you can do is to make sure you understand how your appliances work and how to operate them properly. For example, every appliance comes with a manual that has usage and maintenance information. With it, you can learn the correct ways to use the machine and clean it to prevent breakdowns. Take some time to read through it before attempting to use the appliance, and if you have any questions, contact the manufacturer or an experienced repair person.
It can be easy to forget about the appliances in your home. We rely on them every day, but then we just leave them alone and expect them to continue working properly. This isn’t a particularly reasonable assumption, as no machine lasts forever. Even if you take care of your appliances well and consistently maintain them, they could still break down eventually. To prevent this from happening, here are four maintenance tips to keep in mind for your fridge, freezer, washing machine and dryer.
