The kitchen is supposed to be a part of the home that allows us to take part in the household chores that maintain a healthy home, keeping us fed, in clean clothes, and protected from foodborne health issues. However, to do that, it needs to have the right appliances, in the right working order. The more you use them, the more likely it is that your appliances may need a helping hand. Here, we’re going to look at how to take away the stress of having to live with misbehaving kitchen appliances, and how to keep things working in the best order for longer.
Here, we’re going to look at some of the preventative care tasks that you can invest some time into. None of these tasks should take you that long, and most of them don’t need to be done too often, but they can each prevent a lot of stress down the line.
Clean the Washing Machine
Maintaining your washing machine is essential for its longevity and performance. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of detergent residue, mold, and mildew, which can affect the machine’s efficiency and the cleanliness of your clothes. To clean your washing machine, run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of white vinegar. This helps dissolve any buildup and kills bacteria. Additionally, wiping down the rubber seal and detergent dispenser with a damp cloth will remove grime and prevent mold growth. Keeping the door open between uses allows the interior to dry out, reducing the chance of mildew formation.
Rinse the Dishwasher with Salt
Dishwashers benefit greatly from regular maintenance, particularly the addition of salt to soften the water. Hard water can leave mineral deposits inside the dishwasher, affecting its performance and leaving spots on your dishes. The benefits of dishwasher salt can specifically combat these issues. Add the salt to the designated compartment, usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher. This helps to regenerate the water softener built into the machine, ensuring that your dishwasher operates efficiently and your dishes come out sparkling clean. Regularly checking and refilling the salt compartment can prevent limescale buildup and prolong the appliance’s life.
Clear Your Refrigerator Coils
The coils on the back or bottom of your refrigerator play a crucial role in keeping it cool. Over time, these coils can accumulate dust and debris, causing the refrigerator to work harder and use more energy. To maintain your refrigerator’s efficiency, it’s important to clean the coils at least twice a year. Unplug the refrigerator and use a coil brush or vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt from the coils. This simple maintenance step can enhance the appliance’s performance, reduce energy consumption, and extend its lifespan.
Empty Your Filters
Both washing machines and tumble dryers have filters that need regular cleaning. In washing machines, the filter traps lint, debris, and small objects from the laundry, preventing them from clogging the drain. For tumble dryers, the lint filter captures fibers released from clothes during drying. Failing to clean these filters can lead to reduced efficiency and potential malfunctions. After every few cycles, remove and rinse the washing machine filter to keep it clear. For tumble dryers, clean the lint filter after every use by removing the trapped lint. Keeping these filters clean ensures that your appliances run smoothly and reduces the risk of overheating or other issues.
Leave Some Space for Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial for the optimal performance and safety of household appliances. Ensuring that there is adequate space around your appliances, especially at the back and above, allows for better airflow and prevents overheating. For refrigerators and freezers, this means leaving at least an inch of space behind and on top to ensure the coils can release heat efficiently. Similarly, tumble dryers and washing machines should have sufficient space around them to prevent the motors from overheating. Good ventilation not only improves the efficiency of the appliances but also helps in extending their operational life by reducing the risk of breakdowns due to heat buildup.
If you fail to give your kitchen appliances the kind of care that they really need, then you’re going to find them becoming less effective at their jobs as time goes on, and even more prone to failing entirety. Investing some time and effort into cleaning and maintaining them now will keep them in much better condition for longer, and may prevent you from having to pay for more extensive repairs, or even a replacement, in the long run.
