appliances-2
04 Jul

Extending the Life of your Appliances

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We have become so dependent on our appliances over the last century, that most of us would not know how to function without them. We use them every day, and over time they keep getting smarter and more capable of serving our needs. It seems that, as technology gets better, our appliances need more TLC to make sure their delicate components continue to function properly. Small mistakes can result in huge problems with costly repairs, not only to your machines but to your home as well.

Here are some tips that can help extend the life of your appliances, keep your electricity bills down, and avoid putting your family at risk from potential hazards.

 

WASHING MACHINE:

  • Empty all pockets, zip up zippers and remove heavy buckles. Your washing machine was designed to wash clothes not metal. Heavy and metallic objects can jam or damage the drum.
  • Don’t stuff your machine. Heavy loads put stress on the machine’s bearings and can throw the drum out of alignment.
  • Too much laundry detergent can leave residue that can damage the control panel, and the wrong kind of soap can cause mayhem in your machine. Follow the directions on the machine and the bottle, and pay attention to how concentrated the soap is. High Efficiency (HE) washers will need HE-compatible soap, and homes with softer water require less soap.

 

DRYER:

  • Build-up of lint can become a serious fire hazard. Make sure that you clean out your lint trap after every load, and clean the vent hose at the back of the dryer at least once every six months. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 92% of home fires in the U.S. between 2010 and 2014 involve dryers. (NFPA Research Paper: Home Fires Involving Clothes Dryers and Washing Machines, March 2017)

 

DISHWASHER:

  • Avoid loading sharp knives into your dishwasher. These edges can scrape the vinyl coating on your machine, which can lead to rusting.
  • This next tip is often the subject of heated debate in many households, believe it or not, but you should always rinse before loading. This is because food left on dishes can cause clogs which can be unsanitary and lead to a hefty repair bill.
  • Use proper dishwasher soap. The wrong soap can flood your kitchen with bubbles, damaging both the machine and your floors.

 

GARBAGE DISPOSAL:

  • Keep the blades free of clogs. Grease, oil, fibrous veggies like celery or corn husks, shells, bones, coffee grounds can all cause nasty clogs which are difficult to remove and can damage both the blades and the motor.
  • Avoid hot water as well. This can melt solid fats, allowing them to travel freely into your plumbing system where they can re-solidify and cause major issues.

 

FRIDGE:

  • As if there wasn’t enough to dust – do we really need to dust the refrigerator? Sadly, yes. Dust builds up on the coils of the refrigerator, which causes your fridge to work harder. Seasonal cleaning of the coils is suggested to keep your refrigerator operating at its best.
  • Many newer refrigerators have built-in thermometers, but if you don’t have one of those, keeping a simple thermometer in your fridge can save your family from potential food poisoning. The internal temperature of the fridge should be between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit in order for your food to remain safe for consumption.

 

FREEZER:

  • Overfilling the freezer leads to blocked air vents and restricted air flow, leaving your freezer unable to operate at peak performance. This can lead to higher energy bills and soggy, half-frozen food.
  • A thermometer in your freezer should read zero degrees Fahrenheit.

 

STOVE AND OVEN:

  • Avoid using soap on your gas range, as this can lead to corrosion and soap residue can clog the lighting holes.
  • Rough use and cast iron pots and pans can scrape the surface of your ceramic range. Use pots and pans that have a coated base and treat them gently.
  • Oven spills can lead to damaged heating coils. Make sure you clean your oven regularly especially after a spill occurs.

 

MICROWAVE:

  • Keep your microwave clean to avoid bacterial contamination. Use a cover on your food to avoid spitting and splashing and it will be easier to clean up afterward. (If you’ve had a nasty accident in the microwave recently, nuke a half a lemon in some water for a couple of minutes to help remove the scent.)

 

VACUUM CLEANER:

  • Make sure you regularly empty the bag and clear out the filter on your vacuum; a full bag can lead to sluggish performance and is hard on the motor.

 

ALL APPLIANCES:

  • Save manuals and warranty receipts where you can find them.
  • Unplug or cut power when working on sensitive parts and areas where power can cause injury.
  • Use a surge protector where possible; power issues can knock out the digital display rendering expensive appliance useless.
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