12 Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Appliances Running Smoothly
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Home appliances are the unsung heroes of modern life. They keep our clothes clean, our food fresh, and our homes running smoothly—often without much recognition. It’s easy to forget that there were no fridges or washing machines just a few generations ago—only pantries, larders, mangles, and clotheslines, which some of us still use.
The truth is, just like anything that works hard day in and day out, your appliances need a bit of TLC to stay in top form. However, taking care of your appliances doesn't have to be a big ordeal. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or renting with your own appliances, a few simple habits can save you from costly repairs—or worse, full replacements. Keep reading to discover 12 easy ways to keep your appliances running like new.
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12 Easy Home Appliance Care Tips
01) Clean them
It may sound obvious, but regular cleaning is one of the most effective ways to extend the life of your appliances. Dirt, grime, and food residue can build up quickly, especially in high-use appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. A quick wipe-down can prevent odors, bacteria, and long-term damage.
For example, wiping out and cleaning out the fridge and freezer before you load it with new food each week will keep any bugs away and make sure that your food stays fresh and that your fridge and freezer smell good for longer. Use some washing machine cleaner tablets once a month to sanitize the drum and keep the washing machine smelling great. These tablets are designed to dissolve grime and neutralize odors, leaving your washer and, therefore, your clothes smelling fresher.
2) Don't forget your dryer
It takes two to tango in the laundry world, and when you've used your washing machine cleaner tablets, you then need to turn to your dryer. If you have an electric dryer set up in your laundry room, you need to ensure you're cleaning out the lint trap. But did you know that there are usually two? You have an obvious lint trap that's marked inside the door of the dryer, And then you have the vent at the foot of the dryer.
Both need to be clear of lint for your dryer to work effectively. When you use your dryer, lint builds up. If you don't remove it, your dryer has to work harder, which not only guzzles energy but also means you spend more time trying to dry your clothes, making it less efficient. Instead of spending all that money on a dryer, make sure to clean out the lint trap every time you use it. It's a simple move, but it will keep your dryer running for longer.
3) Don't forget the back of the refrigerator
We already talked about giving the fridge and the freezer a wipe down when you have new food going in, but did you ever think to pull the fridge out and look behind it? Behind the fridge, there are coils that help to release heat from the cooling process.
If these coils get dusty, which they do, the fridge has to work overtime to stay cooler. That means more energy and more strain are put on the motor. Pull your fridge away from the wall twice a year and give those coils a good vacuum. It may sound like a hassle, but it doesn't take very long. Just be sure not to put anything wet on them because you don't want to burn the fridge out.
4) Deep clean your dishwasher
Even though it constantly cleans your dishes, your dishwasher needs a good clean. Over time, bits of food, grease, and hard water deposits can accumulate, affecting how well it works—and how your dishes smell when they come out.
To keep it in good shape, remove and rinse the filter at the bottom and wipe down the door seals. You should also run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar once a month. This will keep your dishwasher sparkling and keep it working the right way to keep your dishes clean. If your dishwasher breaks down, it's you who's going to be standing at the sink having to wash, dry, and put away all of the dishes. So, try to save yourself the hassle.
5) Inspect Appliance Hoses Regularly
Your washing machine and dishwasher are connected to water sources via rubber or braided hoses. Over time, these hoses can develop cracks, bulges, or leaks, especially if they’re over five years old.
Set a reminder to check them monthly. Look for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice moisture, rust, or bulging, it’s time to replace the hose. Investing in a quality hose now can save you from a flood and expensive repairs later. Don’t forget to check under the sink where your dishwasher connects—it’s an easy spot to overlook.
6) Run the self cleaning function.
Does your oven have a self cleaning option? If it does, use it a few times a year to burn off grease and food spills, but try not to go overboard. Doing it too often can wear down the components of it. Between deep cleans, you can wipe up any fresh spills with a mixture of baking soda and water. Keeping the interior clean not only helps your food taste better, but you'll prevent it from smoking out and smelling during cooking, as well as setting off the fire alarms.
7) Forget the Mini Appliances
Mini appliances like your microwave, kettle, and toaster often go unnoticed in maintenance routines, but they benefit from care too. Microwaves are notorious for messy explosions, so letting food splatter and harden inside can lead to stains, smells, and even uneven heating.
You should wipe it immediately if you notice any spills, but it can get busy in the kitchen, so it's easy to forget. You could fill a microwave bowl with water and a few slices of lemon and microwave for three minutes. The steam will loosen the gunk built up inside the microwave, and the lemon cuts through the smell. Then you have to make everything clean by wiping it down.
8) Maintain Your HVAC Filters
If you have central heating or air conditioning, then there's usually a filter inside the HVAC that traps the dust and debris in the room. When that filter becomes clogged, your system has to work a lot harder to push through clear, filtered air, which leads to higher energy costs and possible wear and tear. By replacing or cleaning your filters every couple of months, you'll breathe easier, quite literally, and your HVAC system will run more efficiently.
9) Deodorise The Garbage Disposal
If your kitchen sink is starting to smell, your garbage disposal may need cleaning. Food particles can get trapped and start to rot, which leads to some pretty unpleasant odors. To freshen things up, toss some ice cubes and lemon peels down the disposal and run it with cold water. The ice will sharpen the blades, and the lemon will make things smell fresher. You can also sprinkle a little baking soda for a deodorant boost without resorting to chemicals.
10) Empty The Toaster Crumbs
If you don't want your toaster to go up in smoke, it's important to take out the trays and empty the toaster crumbs every month. Toasters are the smallest kitchen heroes but don't always get the attention they deserve. You can wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any crumbs, splashes, and grease, and if you use them daily, you could consider storing them with a cover to prevent dust buildup. Check the cords and plugs every now and then to make sure that nothing is frayed or damaged.
11) Check Your Appliances Are Level
If your washer is sounding like it's going to take off during a spin cycle then it's probably because it's not level. If it's rocking or wobbling, you can end up with excess vibration and noise, as well as damage over time. Adjusting the legs so that the machine sits flat is important, and if you notice a change in how it sounds or moves, it's time to get it leveled out.
12) Read the Manual—Seriously
Yes, it’s tempting to toss that instruction manual in a drawer and never look at it again, but manufacturer guides are full of helpful tips. They outline recommended maintenance schedules, cleaning instructions, and troubleshooting advice specific to your appliance.
Take 15 minutes to flip through each manual. You might discover features you never knew existed—or realize you’ve been using the appliance wrong the whole time. Most are available online on the manufacturer’s website if you've lost the physical copy.
Final Thoughts
A little care goes a long way when it comes to home appliances. By adopting these habits, you’ll boost energy efficiency, extend the life of your machines, and avoid surprise repair bills. You don’t need to be a professional technician—just someone willing to spend a few minutes here and there looking after the tools that make daily life a lot easier.
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