Having the washing machine break down mid-cycle can turn an ordinary day into a waking nightmare. Home appliances like washer-dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers are seldom a one-time expense, due to the maintenance costs. Lucky for you, a little care goes a long way. Here are five easy tips and tricks to help your home appliances go the extra mile.
Clean Your Refrigerator Coils
Coils are located on either the front or the back of the refrigerator. If they’re on the front, remove the front grille carefully. Then, use a coil cleaning brush to remove accumulated dirt and grime. Once you pull the brush back, vacuum them for good measure. If your refrigerator has coils on the back, pull out your fridge to get to them. Doing this regularly will prevent sudden breakdowns and also cool your fridge more efficiently, saving you money on your utility bill.
Don’t Overload the Washer-Dryer
Your washer and dryer run on a medley of motors, belts, and delicate moving parts. When you overload the machine with laundry it can put a strain on the mechanism and cause it to break down suddenly. Washer-dryer repairs are usually quite expensive, leaving homeowners with no option but to buy new ones. Smaller loads will prevent this from happening to you and will save you a lot of stress.
Vacuum the Filter in Your Dishwasher
The filter cover is located at the bottom of the dishwasher. You’ll need to pull the lower rack out and take the filter cover off. You can use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to clear out food particles from the screen. A clogged filter prevents water from reaching the spray arms resulting in ineffective cleaning. Another maintenance tip for dishwashers is to clean out the float switch with water.
Clean the Filter in The Clothes Dryer
The lint filter in your clothes dryer often looks clean, but it could be the culprit if your dryer isn’t getting hot enough. A clogged filter shuts off airflow and causes the thermostat to shut off the heat. Remove the filter and pour some water into it. The water should run right through. If it doesn’t, scrub it with laundry detergent, hot water, and a kitchen brush.
