Appliances are a part of our daily lives, and malfunctions can cause significant disruption. While our fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and ranges are designed to deliver consistent performance, they can falter sometimes. You can avoid most serious malfunctions by carrying out regular appliance maintenance.
Daily or Weekly Steps to Maintaining Your Appliances
Regular DIY maintenance doesn’t require a lot of time and effort. It can increase your appliance’s lifespan significantly and help you save money on repair costs. Most of these maintenance tips are mentioned in the user manuals. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind:
- Don’t Overload – Don’t overload your appliances, especially your fridge. Too many items may force the appliance to work harder and place a burden on the machinery. Keep the appliance’s usage capacity in mind to get the best performance out of it.
- Clean Regularly – Clean all of your appliances regularly according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Remove lint from washing machines and dryers, clean up food residue in the oven or microwave. Defrost refrigerators if they need it and clear out any expired food. It is also important to clean refrigerator coils regularly to maintain proper circulation and temperature regulation.
- Avoid Using Unsafe Utensils – Don’t use utensils and dishes that aren’t oven, microwave, or dishwasher safe in these appliances. They can damage the unit and require expensive repairs. Sometimes unsafe materials can ruin an appliance entirely.
Regular professional appliance maintenance can also increase the unit’s overall lifespan. Ask a trusted professional to inspect and repair your unit if it has performance problems.
Signs it’s Time to Hire a Pro to Repair Your Appliances
DIY appliance maintenance and repairs can help with minor issues, but you need a professional if there are major concerns. Here’s a look at some signs that indicate you need a professional repair:
- Your appliance is malfunctioning regularly.
- The utility bills are higher than normal for the season.
- There are water leaks around appliances like fridges, washing machines, and dishwashers.
- The dryer doesn’t dry the clothes efficiently.
- The appliance doesn’t start, or stops unexpectedly.
- Your oven doesn’t reach the right temperature and has strange odors.
- Appliances produce strange noises.
Hire an experienced professional for regular appliance repair and maintenance. They will follow established industry standards and use high-quality spare products to get the best results. Professionals will also provide more guidelines on how to maintain your appliances.