Your appliances are vital to your daily life, but they don’t last forever. Taking care of them properly can help extend their lifespan and keep you from costly replacements.
1. Clean Your Refrigerator Coils
Why it matters: Dust and dirt buildup on coils can cause your fridge to overheat, making it work harder and shortening its lifespan.
How to do it: Unplug the fridge and vacuum the coils every six months to keep it running efficiently.
2. Descale Your Dishwasher
Why it matters: Hard water deposits can damage your dishwasher’s spray arms and clog its filters.
How to do it: Run a dishwasher-safe cup of vinegar through a hot cycle once a month to prevent buildup.
3. Maintain Your Washing Machine
Why it matters: Mold and mildew can grow in your washing machine due to excess moisture.
How to do it: Leave the door open after each cycle to let it dry out, and run a cleaning cycle with vinegar once a month.
4. Check Your Dryer Vents
Why it matters: Clogged vents increase drying time and can even become a fire hazard.
How to do it: Clean out the vent every few months and replace the vent hose if it’s cracked or worn.
5. Replace Air Conditioner Filters Regularly
Why it matters: Dirty filters reduce airflow, causing your AC unit to work harder and wear out faster.
How to do it: Change your filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage, to keep your unit running smoothly.
By maintaining your appliances with these simple steps, you’ll not only extend their lifespan but also keep your energy bills down and save money on replacements.