Home appliance maintenance is vital for keeping costs down and reducing the chance of an incident. So many of us rely on appliances these days, and they are a standard part of life. Just think where we would be without washing machines, dryers and fridges! So why neglect them?
Most appliances are pretty expensive, and with modern costs, you may not be able to replace one that dies. However, you can prolong their lives and keep them running efficiently. All it takes is some forethought, product knowledge and safety. So, here are some handy suggestions.
Keep the Cleaners Clean!
The things that clean for us, themselves need to be cleaned. It’s easy to forget this, but many people don’t think that cleaning devices require cleaning. Washing machines are a perfect example. They accumulate all the dirt and grime from us and pets when we use them. However, all it really takes is washing machine cleaner tablets and loading the machine correctly to ensure it has done its job well for years. Oh, and don’t forget about the vacuum cleaner!
Don’t Open Up an Appliance
Never open an appliance to try to fix it! Unless you are an expert in the field, this is dangerous and is more likely to cost more money. How? Well, you aren’t a professional! Messing with something you know nothing about will end in disaster, typically in more ways than one:
- There is a very real risk of danger to yourself and others if you open an appliance.
- You will lose money because the manufacturer or third-party warranty will be void.
- If you don’t know what you are doing, you can cause further damage to the product.
Many electrical appliances hold an electric charge. If you touch this it can pass on to you. This can cause injury or even an electrical fire. If you don’t know, call an expert repair service. An expert repair service is cheaper than a replacement and could potentially save your life.
Google Home Appliance Maintenance Tips
Okay, so you shouldn’t open an appliance. But that doesn’t mean you can’t fix things yourself. We all rely on appliances, and even a single person has, on average, 11 appliances in the home. So it makes sense to fix what you can to save money. Two little tips: make sure it’s plugged in! If it is, unplug it for 10 minutes. In most cases, that little trick works! However, Google is your best friend for troubleshooting minor issues that don’t need an expert.
Always Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Certain appliances and devices are designed to be used in a specific way. This includes how you use them, where they are placed and even their environment. For example, electronics such as video games consoles and media players should never be in direct sunlight. And the microwave isn’t for drying socks! All jokes aside, using an appliance in a manner different than it is designed for can be extremely dangerous. Familiarize yourself with the manual beforehand.
Position Appliances as Intended
As mentioned, the position of appliances plays a role in how well they work. For instance, an off-balance washer/dryer will eventually become damaged as the drum is knocked off kilter. If you are ever unsure as to how an appliance must be positioned, read the manual or search the web. There are tons of excellent websites and forums with advice for installing and looking after popular appliances. The positioning could be the reason a device doesn’t work correctly.
Call the Experts for Home Appliance Maintenance
Home appliance maintenance isn’t something that comes easily to most people. Beyond general cleaning, a device might need some extra work. For some appliances, there are even laws around who can repair them. Here are some reasons to consider experts for your appliances:
- Plumbers are excellent at what they do and can solve an issue pretty quickly.
- An electrician is essential for products and appliances connected to mains power.
- Proper maintenance of appliances can potentially reduce allergens in the home.
- Gas safety engineers are required by law for anything that burns gas in the home.
- Expert installers can help with products such as washers, fridges, and even TVs.
- It can be cheaper to book professional repair people instead of replacing a product.
Household items like gas boilers and electrical ovens must be installed by qualified engineers. You could be breaking the law in some countries without professional installation and maintenance. Don’t take the risk, as the results can harm you and harm other people too.
Switch Off When Not In Use
There are some appliances and devices that must be left on for convenience. But if you look around, almost everything can be turned off. Don’t worry; if you leave them plugged in, it is unlikely you will lose any settings. Devices like the washer can safely be switched off. Of course, the fridge cannot! Switching off appliances ensures they don’t use electricity as they will when on standby. This is an easy way to reduce energy bills and prolong the life of an appliance.
Use Certified Cleaning Gadgets
It is safe to clean most appliances yourself as long as you do it as instructed by the manufacturer. However, some are very tedious. Have you ever tried cleaning the back of an over or even the microwave? It can be frustrating to say the least. However, almost all manufacturers upsell cleaning products designed for their appliances. However, you can buy gadgets like automated microwave cleaners, fridge odor eaters and washing machine balls.
Home Appliance Maintenance and Electricity
A survey in the UK found that faulty appliances caused over 12,000 fires in three years, according to the Which? consumer research group. Pretty much every appliance we use needs electricity. But electricity can be dangerous. Ensure there is no chance of water interfering with an electrical appliance, or it might cause shorts. Additionally, electrical surges can cause appliance death and malfunction. So, install surge strips for expensive devices like consoles.
Act Quickly for Certain Incidents
It’s always a good idea to have a maintenance routine. Perhaps you clean certain products weekly, monthly, or annually. However, some incidents must be addressed immediately to ensure safety and that the device keeps on working. Here are some quick examples:
- Clean up stove spills as soon as they are safe, as water minerals can cause problems.
- Balance an uneven washer/dryer, or it can damage the drum when it spins.
- Keep filters clean and replace them as needed, or it can become a fire hazard.
Cleaning certain appliances as soon as an issue arises prevents it from getting worse. It also means your device can work as intended, reducing the chance of harm or expensive repairs. Leaving issues like these will only increase the problem to the point of needing a replacement.
Clean Common Debris and Build-Up
Cleaning up certain things immediately is a massive help for some appliances. However, there are also things that are prone to debris and build-up. For example, limescale and sludge build-up in washers and dryers. If you have a HVAC system, then you are also probably aware that dust gets caught in the filters. And of course, pesky toast crumbs get everywhere! These might sound trivial. But they can pose a significant problem if you leave them untreated for long.
Summary
Cleaning the products that clean for us is a critical part of home appliance maintenance. If you are ever unsure about anything, it is probably best to call an expert to fix an issue. But in most cases, all it takes is regular attention and cleaning to remove harmful debris and build-up.
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