Appliances tend to be expensive, so you’ll want to keep them in top working order for as long as possible. Regular appliance maintenance will help prolong their lives and delay the need to replace them.
Refrigerator Maintenance
- Change the water filter on your refrigerator. If you have an automatic ice maker and water dispenser, you’ll need to change the water filter cartridge periodically to keep contaminants out of the water and ice you consume.
- Keep door gaskets clean and routinely check that they are sealing properly and not damaged. The door gaskets on your refrigerator provide a necessary seal to prevent cool air from escaping. Damaged or worn gaskets can allow cool air to escape, therefore causing your refrigerator to have to work harder to stay cool.
- Clean the coils on your refrigerator. The refrigerator uses the coils to remove heat from the fridge and freezer space. If the coils are covered with dust, it is harder for the exchange to happen, which makes the refrigerator run less efficiently, causing more wear and tear, as well as raising your energy costs. Clean the coils once or twice a month for optimal performance.
Oven Maintenance Tips
- Regularly clean the oven’s interior, especially if spills happen, as this can quickly lead to tougher stains and grime that are much harder to get rid of. Avoid using the self-clean function before big cooking events, such as the holidays.
- Calibrate your oven if food is cooking unevenly or you notice other temperature issues. Follow the instructions in your Owner’s Manual for calibrating your specific oven.
- Routinely inspect the gas lines on your gas oven to check for leaks and replace them as needed.
- Routinely check burners and bake elements for any signs of damage. If damage is present on either component, it could cause further issues if left unchecked. Remember that regular maintenance of your oven can help ensure that it operates properly and efficiently, so taking extra care with cleaning up spills right away and regularly checking the gas lines will go a long way in maintaining optimal performance.
Dishwasher Maintenance Tips
- Clean the filter to remove the build-up of food particles and other debris. Regularly cleaning the filter will prevent issues with dirty dishes after a cycle and draining.
- Clean the spray arm every month or so to remove the build-up of hard water minerals, food, and other particles. A clean spray arm allows the water to flow through the dishwasher sufficiently to clean the dishes.
- Clean the inside of the dishwasher every month or so with vinegar or dishwasher cleaning tablets.
Washing Machine Maintenance
- Clean your washing machine once a month using washing machine cleaning tablets or liquid bleach. Routinely cleaning your washing machine will remove residue from soap, dirt, and other particles and help your washer maintain its best performance.
Dryer Maintenance Tips
- Clean the lint filter before or after each use to allow proper airflow to dry your laundry.
- Dryer vents should also be cleaned at least once a year to remove lint buildup and prevent fire risk. Clean the lint filter and dryer vents to prevent fire risk and allow your clothes to dry properly.
Applying these basic appliance maintenance tips is not difficult, and they will help to prolong the life of your appliances. If you need help with appliance maintenance or repair, call the professionals at A-Tech Appliance Parts & Service today.
