How to Maintain Household Appliances: Pro Tips for Longevity

Household appliances are significant investments. Knowing how to maintain household appliances not only prevents expensive repair bills but also ensures your machines run at peak efficiency, saving you money on energy costs.

By following a simple seasonal maintenance schedule, you can add years to the life of your fridge, dishwasher, and washing machine.

1. The Refrigerator: Keep It Cool and Clean

The fridge is the hardest-working appliance in your home.

• Vacuum the Coils: Twice a year, pull the fridge out and vacuum the condenser coils at the back or bottom. Dust buildup makes the motor work harder.
• Check the Gaskets: Wipe the rubber door seals with soapy water. If the seal isn’t tight, cold air escapes, wasting energy.
• Replace Water Filters: If your fridge has a dispenser, change the filter every 6 months to prevent mineral buildup.

2. The Dishwasher: Prevent Clogs and Odors

If your dishes aren’t coming out sparkling, the machine likely needs a deep clean.

• Clean the Filter: Most modern dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom. Rinse it under hot water to remove trapped food particles.
• Clear the Spray Arms: Use a toothpick to clear any debris from the tiny holes in the rotating spray arms.
• Vinegar Rinse: Once a month, run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack to dissolve lime scale.

3. The Washing Machine: Avoid Mold and Leaks

High-efficiency washers are prone to mold and “musty” smells.

• Leave the Door Open: After every wash, leave the door or lid open to allow the drum to dry out completely.
• Clean the Gasket: Wipe the rubber seal (especially in front-loaders) to remove trapped hair and detergent residue.
• Check the Hoses: Inspect the water supply hoses for cracks or bulges every year. Replacing a $20 hose can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage.

4. The Oven and Stove: Safety First

Grease buildup is a major fire hazard and affects cooking temperature accuracy.

• Avoid the “Self-Clean” Cycle: Many technicians recommend avoiding the high-heat self-clean feature as it can damage electronic components. Instead, use a mix of baking soda and water to scrub the interior.
• Clean Range Hood Filters: Soak the metal grease filters in hot, soapy water once a month to keep your kitchen ventilation working properly.

5. The Dryer: Fire Prevention

Lint is the leading cause of dryer-related house fires.

• Clean the Lint Screen: Do this after every load.
• Vacuum the Vent: Once a year, disconnect the duct from the back of the dryer and vacuum out the lint that has accumulated inside the pipe.

How to Maintain Household Appliances

Refrigerators Vacuum the condenser coils at the bottom or back of the unit every six months. Dust buildup makes the fridge work harder and consume more energy. Also, check the door seals to ensure cold air isn’t escaping.

Washing Machines To prevent mold and odors, leave the door open after every wash to let the drum dry. Clean the rubber gasket regularly to remove detergent residue and lint.

Dishwashers Check and clean the filter at the bottom of the machine weekly. Clogged filters prevent proper drainage and leave debris on dishes. Running an empty cycle with a cup of vinegar once a month helps remove limescale.

Dryers Clean the lint screen after every single load. Once a year, inspect the exhaust vent at the back to ensure there is no dangerous lint buildup inside the pipe, which can be a fire hazard.

Appliance	Action	Frequency
Fridge	Vacuum Coils	Every 6 Months
Dishwasher	Clean Filter	Monthly
Washing Machine	Wipe Gasket / Air Dry	After Each Use
Dryer	Inspect Exhaust Vent	Yearly