Useful Hacks To Maintain Your Home Appliances The Right Way
The hustle and bustle of modern life have urged us to always look for new ways to simplify our life streamline while tackling a multitude of tasks. There should be no surprise that home appliances maintenance is one of the most time-consuming and pricey conventional tasks. Hence, some preventative maintenance done regularly will not only optimize the appliance functions and extend its lifespan but also save you a fortune in the long run.
If you are already aware of the importance of preventative maintenance and browsing for tips and tricks. Then this article may come in handy.
Helpful Hacks To Properly Maintain Your Home Appliances
1. Heating And Cooling
Inefficient heating and cooling systems consume incredibly much energy and also cause disastrous problems for your sweet home. Thus, drain the water heater frequently at least once a year to minimize minerals building up over time. It’s also a good idea to cover your water heater to insulate the appliance and keep it from losing as much energy to the surrounding air.
However, if you find your current system still costs you a fortune, there are now more sustainable alternatives that you may want to consider such as tankless water heaters. You can click here to find out more about this optimal solution. Not only does saving water and energy solutions work wonders for your budget but also make your appliance usage more environmentally friendly. A thick layer of dust and buildup will make your air conditioner work far less effectively. Use a hose to wash off the outdoor AC unit and change the AC filter annually or whenever you notice the filter gets clogged.
2. Fridge And Freezer
● Reposition
Your fridge operates more efficiently with enough airflow behind it. Thus, make sure your fridge is not too close to the wall. Reposition the refrigerator if necessary, an inch or two is an ideal distance away from the wall.
● Clean
Technically, your fridge can not work efficiently with the door gaskets and the condenser coil filled with dust, so wipe them down and vacuum regularly to maintain their efficiency. Line the shelves with plastic placemats to make the cleaning process effortless. For example, when a spill happens, you just need to remove the mats and rinse them in the sink. About the freezer, empty the ice bin every month for fresh, odorless ice. To deal with those stubborn odors that can’t be eliminated by cleaning up the whole fridge, an open box of either baking soda, coffee grounds, silica gel, or activated charcoal is an eco-friendly option.
● Re-magnetize refrigerator doors
You can strengthen the magnets of your fridge door by running a powerful magnet along with the gasket in the same direction about 50 times for the best results. Also, make sure the rubber seal is tight to prevent the cold air from escaping. Check the seal every few months and replace it if there are any cracks or tears.
3. Kitchen
Most stubborn stains can be loosened by vinegar, so dilute with the same portion of water to clean your microwave, coffee machine, oven, dishwasher, and more. Use a damp cloth to easily wipe all the loosened stains down at the end. The cleaning step not only keeps your machines clean and optimizes their efficiency but also removes mineral buildup that may trigger adverse impacts on your health. For stainless steel appliances, polishing them with WD-40 will give them a nice smooth shine and extend their lifespan.
4. Washer And Dryer
Just like any other electric appliance, the usage of inefficient clothes washers or washing machines can drastically hurt your wallet. To ensure they don’t consume too much water or electricity, regular repair and maintenance play a vital role. Since the appliance uses soap, a film of soap builds up after some time, providing the right condition for mold and bacteria to grow. But don’t be fretting as periodically wiping down the inside of the machine can help.
Besides, it’s necessary to routinely inspect the gap between the rubber seal on the door of front loading washing machines and remove any dirt or soap residue that is caught in the fold. Check the connector pipe quarterly and make sure to clean out the sieve that filters the water before it enters the machine. Drain out and clean the chamber that traps dirt, lint, hair, and other particles monthly to keep the washing machine working efficiently. It’s important to clean out the lint trap on your dryer after every load of laundry and the accordion hose that comes off of the machine to prevent it from becoming clogged, causing a fire hazard.
It’s Worth Your Effort
Many assume that such maintenance is unnecessary or even time-consuming. However, periodical maintenance can come up with in-time remedies that save you vast money and time later.
Home appliances bring us undeniable comfort and convenience. A day without these helping hands is quite annoying and troublesome. Therefore, pay a little more attention to prevent them from breaking down or going out of function so that you will ultimately enjoy a more sustainable life. Although domestic appliances are an investment for your home and are typically long-lasting and durable to the day-to-day stress that it is put under, by simply following some of these home appliance maintenance tips, you can look to prolong your appliances for years to come, making the most out of your initial purchase.