How to Make Your Appliances Last Longer

Why Appliance Care Matters

Home appliances make our lives easier, but they are definitely an investment. No one wants to have to replace these items frequently, and most people want to avoid appliance repair as much as possible, too. Fortunately, being proactive about caring for your appliances can prolong their lifespans and save you money.

Clean and Maintain Appliances Regularly to Avoid Appliance Repair

Let’s be honest: many of us don’t really give our appliances much thought, until something goes wrong. It’s a much better idea to keep up with them before an issue arises. Wipe up spills, clean filters, and pay attention to your appliances, and you’ll find that they stay in much better condition.

Appliance Specific Cleaning Tips

What appliances do you have in your home? Your needs may vary from those of your neighbors, but in general, here are some tips for keeping your appliances clean.

• Keep up with your stovetop and oven. Don’t ignore cooking spills, but wipe them up quickly, before they have a chance to stick. Left on the stovetop or in the oven, food debris, grease, and general grime can create a safety hazard, making a fire more likely. When you keep them clean, you’ll also help your stovetop and oven to work more efficiently.
• Don’t neglect the refrigerator coils and fan. Sure, you wipe out the refrigerator when something spills or goes bad, but do you pay attention to the back of bottom of your refrigerator? At least twice a year, unplug the refrigerator and then use a vacuum to clean away dust and dirt. Wipe the coils with a cloth dampened by a dish soap solution, and allow the coils and fan to dry completely before plugging it back in.
• Clean your dishwasher’s filter. Many people don’t even know that their dishwasher has a filter, but it’s important to keep it clean. If the filter isn’t clean, the dishwasher won’t be able to clean the dishes effectively. You can learn about your dishwasher filter by reading your appliance manual, but it’s generally on the bottom of the dishwasher. To clean it, take it out of the dishwasher and scrub it with hot, soapy water.
• Remember to clean your dryer filter, but don’t forget the vent, either. After every load, clean the filter. Every six months, or more often if your dryer isn’t working effectively or the room seems humid, clean the vent that leads to the outdoors. Take care to vacuum it from inside and outside, and make sure the hose is clear of debris and is not crimped or crushed. While you’re at it, wipe the moisture sensor with rubbing alcohol once a year.
• It may seem like a strange thing to do, but clean your washing machine. About every 40 washes, clean it thoroughly. Use a vinegar solution or all-purpose cleaner to wipe out the interior and around the seal. If your machine has an agitator, take it apart and soak it in a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda. Then drop in a washing machine cleaning tablet and run the machine on a hot cycle. Note: if your washer has rubber parts, don’t use vinegar, as this can cause them to degrade over time.

Overloading Appliances Can Result in a Need for Home Appliance Repair

No matter the appliance, don’t overload it. Overloading the dishwasher reduces its efficiency and can result in broken dishes. Packing the washing machine means the clothes don’t have room to circulate, and they don’t get clean. Overloading the dryer traps moisture and slows the drying process. Most importantly, overloading appliances makes them work harder, and this shortens their lifespan.

Replace Filters and Components on Time

Regularly inspect your appliances, checking things like gaskets and filters, to make sure everything is in good working order. If something is starting to look worn, replace it before it loses its effectiveness. This is where an occasional inspection by a professional can be very helpful — the experts can catch problems before you even realize they exist, and prevent them from becoming major issues.

When is Appliance Repair Service Enough, and When Should You Replace an Appliance?

Taking care of your appliances will go a long way towards extending their lifespans, and you can do more by having them regularly serviced by a professional. Sometimes, though, despite your best efforts, appliances will break. Don’t be quick to replace them, but call in a repair technician to determine if the appliance can be repaired. An appliance should be replaced if it can’t be repaired, or if you decide you’d be better off with a newer, more energy efficient model. Otherwise, timely repairs can delay replacement and help you make the most of your appliance budget.

When You Need Reliable Appliance Repair, Call an Appliance Repair Company with a Reputation for Excellence

Whenever you need appliance maintenance or repair in Chicago or the surrounding areas, trust Appliance Repair Doctor. Our local, family-owned business was built on honesty, trust, and high-quality service, and our reputation in the community earned us the #1 Best Rated Quality Business Award of 2023. You can count on our comprehensive repair process to resolve your appliance issues, and we’ll work to exceed your expectations every time. The team of technicians at Appliance Repair Doctor has the knowledge and expertise to service nearly all major appliance brands, backed by over two decades of industry experience. If you need appliance repair, contact us today.