While it's expected
that appliances do wear down and need replacing after an average
lifecycle, a little care can in some circumstances, keep them running
longer than expected. A lack of cleaning or care can force an appliance
to work harder and that can put a strain on the motor which in turn,
can shorten its life. Since replacing appliances can be a strain on the
family budget, even small steps to extend their life by a year or even
only a few months, is well worth the effort. Look for ways to reduce
operating time and apply basic care to help your appliances work better
and hopefully, longer.
Air Quality
Appliance Care
Air cleaners, purifiers and humidifiers often operate for extended
periods of time and since the function of these appliances is to
efficiently improve indoor air quality, care and maintenance is very
important. It can also help to extend their lifecycle. Care should
include filter changes and routine cleaning of the appliances, as well
as cleaning for seasonal storage.
Coffeemaker Care
Coffeemakers tend to have a shorter lifecycle than most other small
kitchen appliances. It's no wonder since they are used the most and
left on for long periods of time. To get the best life from a
coffeemaker, give it a routine cleaning by processing a solution of
equal parts of white vinegar and water, followed by a couple of clear
water rinses. This will help to remove mineral build-up that can hamper
efficient operation.
When a coffeemaker is equipped with a variable auto shut-off, shorten
that period if you can. There's no sense keeping the coffee hot and the
heating element working for four hours, if you have no intention of
drinking coffee that has been sitting for that long.
Dishwasher Care
While some dishwashers have built-in garberators that break down food
particles left on the dishes, some do not and it's easier on those
appliances if food scraps are removed before loading.
You should inspect the condition of the door seal periodically and keep
it clean. When water or dirt builds up on the seal, it can cause mold
which is difficult to get rid of. A loose or broken seal should be
replaced as it can lead to unwanted leaks.
Dishwashers benefit from a routine interior wash with special
scale-reducing solutions sold for this purpose. It keeps all parts
working properly.
Dryer Care
We have a tendency to overstuff a dryer with larger-than-recommended
loads. Not all dryer tubs handle the same capacity of laundry. Check
your manual if unsure how much you can dry in it. When a dryer is
overloaded, it puts a strain on the belt that turns the drum and that
can lead to repair costs.
A larger load can take much longer to dry than two smaller loads, due
to better air and heat circulation. You can also save energy and
operating time by using reasonable time settings. There's no need to
run a dryer for thirty minutes if twenty is sufficient.
Restricted air flow can tax the motor, but keeping the lint filter and
the area below it clean, keeps the dryer operating more efficiently.
Freezer Care
Freezers should be located away from streaming sunlight or heat
sources. Otherwise, they work much harder than necessary. Removing
interior ice build-up improves air flow and helps to maintain proper
freezer temperature.
Refrigerator Care
Several things can help a refrigerator to work more efficiently:
Vacuum the compressor coils located at the back.
Inspect and replace loose or moldy door seals.
Maintain recommended interior temperatures in both the refrigerated and
freezer compartments.
Leave the door open only as long as required. Avoid extended browsing
or menu planning with the door open.
Vacuum Care
Anything that restricts proper air flow can affect a vacuum motor and
efficiency. Check hose and attachments for trapped debris; change or
clean filters; and empty or change dirt bag/bin when full. Reduce the
risk of dirt filtering through to the motor by ensuring the bag is
clean and inserted properly, and that the filter is clean.
Washer Care
As with dryers, avoid oversized loads unless your washer model can
accommodate them. Check and remove clothing pocket debris that can
become trapped within the washer. Front-load models require extra care
to prevent a build-up of mold within the washer. High-efficiency
washers require HE detergents and models equipped with a cleaning cycle
should be routinely cleaned.
