Household appliances are the most expensive tools that most people have in their households, and without proper maintenance, you will live to see how your money gets wasted. Purchasing house appliances may be simple, but the problem comes in when repair and support are needed. Appliances cleaning can save you much cost and extend your appliance’s durability. But how do you maintain your machines? What procedure do you use? They are some simple questions that you should be able to have answers to before cleaning the appliance.
In the below article, we look at the easy ways to maintain machines which can be done by either professionals or by yourself. It includes;
Refrigerators
It is one of the most massive and expensive appliances you can possess in your household, and most people prefer employing professionals for maintenance. That is acceptable, but others do not require professional help as you can handle it yourself. For instance, the space behind the refrigerator is always the dirtiest place in people’s homes. It is due to the gunk and other stuff that fall behind the heavy appliance. To clean it, you have to pull out the refrigerator and mop. Also, to prevent the fridge from overworking, you should vacuum beneath or behind your fridge to prevent dust from reaching the coils done monthly or after three to six months.
Another problem is when the door gaskets become loose from clogging. You may use a Lysol, a counter-type cleaner, and paper towels to remove any buildup. If the door gaskets are loose, you may check the manual for more guidelines about replacement parts and numbers, then replace it yourself.
To clean the inside and the outer part of the refrigerator, use one to one ratio solution of water and vinegar to wipe down the shelves weekly or whenever anything splits. Also, to maintain a proper thermal mass, place a case of soda or large water bottles to balance.
Dishwashers
Most people do not find it necessary to clean dishwashers because they clean themselves every time after use. But, to increase its life expectancy, you must use various cleaning methods to last. For instance, to avoid clogging, always check the drain located at the bottom of the machine, and clean the gaskets near the door to prevent leakages. You should also consider using a rinse aid and high heat to minimize the calcium spotting and deposits from water.
Moreover, you should use your hand or spoon to clean the remaining particles from the drain to maintain water flow and avoid bad smells. To prevent rust from forming in the dishwasher, use the heavy-duty caulk for maintenance.
Microwave
Filling a microwave-safe container with water is the best way to remove baked-on food. You have to microwave it to boil the water, then leave it for some minutes to release the steam that will loosen the gunk. Afterwards, you can wipe your microwave with a towel to keep it clean. Moreover, their doors are flimsy and lightweight, so you should handle them carefully. If you slam the door, the microwave will not turn on again as it has a safety mechanism that protects it. Also, some microwaves have removable filters; clean them with your hands or in the dishwasher, then reinstall the filter again.
Air conditioner
The best way to maintain it is by marking when to clean or replace the filter on the calendar. They tend to work too hard and reduce their efficiency if not managed correctly. Use the hose to keep leaves and dirt away from the coil to maintain airflow. Some air conditioners get clogged at the drain for condensation, which is beyond your capability to handle the situation. But, with aircon servicing, drain clogging doesn’t mean your appliance is totally destroyed. It can be replaced, undergo general services and cleaned to work again. Whatever the case, you have to find professionals to help, which can be costly but also accessible. To avoid this, weekly or monthly maintenance of the aircon is essential.
Washers
You should use a new hose with the new washer, then check them for bare spots or bulges periodically.
You should also shut off the water running in the washer when it is not in use to avoid any holes or leaks that may occur due to constant pressure. Clean the rim to prevent being gummed up with residue and soap to prevent a costly budget for its maintenance.
Dryers
Like the washer machine, clean the lint trap after every load of clothing to maintain proper heating and ventilation. You should also keep the outside exhaust clean to avoid clogging, which may increase energy usage and drying time. The vent line pipe may be full of lint, thus increasing the time for drying clothes. To prevent that, you should clean the vent pipe every six months to avoid more damage.
Stovetop and oven
It is good to let the oven do the work for you, but there are options that its self-clean option doesn’t reach, like the frames, hinges and gunk around its door. Use vinegar or soapy water to clean them. For the stovetop, fill the sink with hot soapy water, soak the hood vents, burners, and knobs for some time, then scrub them thoroughly. If they are beyond the help of steel wool, consider replacing the stained metal. Also, you can use sofa attachments on the vacuum to remove the vacuum crumbs that fell between the counter and the stovetop.
Toaster
Food particles may block the crumb catcher. To avoid it, unplug it, pull it out then wash the crumb catcher. Shake the machine to remove the food particle, then dry it thoroughly before you plug it in.
The article above describes the most straightforward ways you can maintain your house appliances without the help of a professional. But, if the situation requires more knowledge, finding a professional company to handle your machines is a suitable option.