Taking care of your appliances will help them work more efficiently, last longer, and in many cases, will help keep any warranties valid. Here’s what you need to know about basic care and maintenance for common household appliances.
Refrigerators (lifespan = 10-20 years)
A well-maintained fridge can function more efficiently, saving electricity costs and helping your food stay fresher longer. Here’s an essential cleaning checklist to care for your fridge:
Weekly
- Wipe spills and crumbs right away (to avoid drying, staining, and smells)
- Check the fridge for expired food and dispose of it before it begins spoiling
- Cycle items around your fridge, so things that expire soon are moved to the front.
A fridge can run more efficiently when full (but not overstuffed because it will hinder airflow around your food, making them spoil faster). If your fridge is getting empty and you’re not ready for a grocery run yet, throw a few jugs of water inside to fill the space.
Monthly to bi-monthly
- Wipe down all inside surfaces with a warm soapy cloth (no chemicals)
- Organize and check all condiment bottles for expiration dates. Cycle items close to the expiration date closer to the front of your fridge.
- Check the temperature (your fridge should be at or below 4oC and your freezer at -18oC)
Every 2-3 months
- Vacuum any intake vents to ensure proper ventilation and airflow
- Empty and clean door gaskets
- Empty and clean the drip pan below your fridge
Bi-annually
- Check condenser and evaporator coils. If dirty, clean them so your fridge can run more efficiently and use less energy to maintain its operations.
- If you have water or air filters, also replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually every 4-6 months)
Stove/Oven (Lifespan = 10-15 years)
Your stove and oven is likely one of the easiest large kitchen appliances to get dirty. The key to maintaining the proper function (and lifespan) of a stovetop and oven is to keep them clean.
Here are tips for maintaining your oven:
- Wipe spills immediately (wait for the surface to cool before wiping spills)
- Use the self-cleaning function (twice a year with average use or more frequently if you use it more often)
- Give your wire racks a good cleaning every few months or when dirty.
- Inspect door gaskets to ensure a tight seal (this will provide more even cooking and temperature retention in the oven).
- Vacuum any dust or debris that accumulates under and around your oven.
- Inspect the gas lines to the oven to make sure it is tight and not leaking (if in doubt, hire an inspector to check for you).
When baking, try to use an oversized sheet or baking dish to help minimize any spills during cooking. If spills do occur. Clean them up as soon as possible after the oven has cooled. The burned food will become harder to clean, and over time its smell can seep into your food while cooking.
Here are tips for maintaining your stovetop:
- Wipe spills immediately (again, wait for the surface to cool)
- Wipe the surface daily to prevent any build-up
- If you have any protective coverings under your burners, replace or clean them regularly
- Only use cleaning solutions specifically formulated for your stovetops.
- If you have grills on your stovetop, periodically wash them with warm soapy water.
- For gas stoves, ensure the gas ignition is clear of debris and build-up (gunk build-up can prevent lighting)
Dishwasher (Lifespan = 10 years)
Have you ever opened your dishwasher to discover a filmy layer (or even leftover food) on your dishes? This can often be avoided with regular care and maintenance.
Here are a few dishwasher cleaning tips to keep it running smoothly and maximize its lifespan:
Clean the filter. At the bottom of your dishwasher, look for a small basket. This contains a filter to catch food particles during the wash cycle. Take this out, dump the food, and give it a gentle rinse under the tap. Do this weekly or more frequently if you see build-up.
Check door seals. Depending on its age and model, a dishwasher can use between 4 to 15 gallons of water per load. A cracked or broken door seal could cause this water to leak onto your kitchen floors.
Run a cleaning cycle. If your dishwasher has a cleaning cycle, run it once a month. You can also buy special dishwasher tabs or cleaners to clean the inside surfaces.
Run it regularly: Likely you’re running it every 1-2 days already, but if not, ensure you run a cycle at least once a week. This will ensure motors and seals run smoothly.
Washer/Dryer (Lifespan = 10-13 years)
Your washer and dryer work hard to clean your clothes. Help them out by ensuring you’re maintaining and cleaning these appliances regularly. Due to the moist environment in your washer/dryer, it can become a breeding ground for mould and bacteria if not regularly cleaned.
For both washers and dryers, here are some regular maintenance and cleaning tips:
- Inspect the doors regularly to ensure seals are tight and not cracked.
- Wipe down the glass doors when you see build-up
- Wipe the inside of the drums with warm soapy water regularly.
- Ensure appliances are level (uneven appliances put strain and excess wear and tear on the drum as it spins).
- Always follow the manufacturer's suggestions for washing detergent, fabric softener, and anti-static sheets.
For your washer, it’s also important to:
- Empty wet clothes right away (before mould, mildew, and stench build up in your machine)
- Don’t overload your washer. This can damage your clothes and the drum. Pack items in loosely or per manufacturers instructions.
- Inspect water lines to ensure they are tight and not leaking.
Here are a few dryer specific care and maintenance tips:
- Empty the lint trap with every load. This can become a fire hazard if not cleaned. Make a habit of emptying it as you empty each load of clothes.
- Inspect the dryer vent to remove any built-up lint or debris that may have slipped through the lint trap. This includes checking outside vents and clearing dust and debris to ensure smooth airflow.
- Never put dirty items directly in the dryer. Always run them through the washer, even if they’re just wet.
Are you in the market to get a new home appliance? Visit us in Victoria today, and we can help you pick the right one for your home. We can also provide some additional care and maintenance tips to help you care for your home appliances and extend their useful life.