Preventive Maintenance Of Home Appliances
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure they say. We easily take some of these appliances for granted until they break down. Regular self-maintenance can however help them to remain efficient through the years of their life expectancy.
Refrigerator/Freezer
- Newly purchased refrigerator or freezer should be allowed to sit for a few hours before plugging it in. This allows the oil in the compressor to settle before the pump starts.
- Ensure the door seals are tight to obstruct air from the outside; otherwise, it will not be able to maintain a cooling temperature. Clean the seal with old toothbrush. Leave a currency note on the edge while you close to test the seal. If the note falls, then replace the seal.
- Keep the freezer or refrigerator on a level ground.
- Defrost by turning it off for some time and remove ice-turned water in the water pan.
- Change the water filter possibly every six months.
- Clean the condenser coils i.e. the component that helps the appliance to control its temperature.
- Make sure the refrigerator is set to the right temperature of between 37-40 degrees Fahrenheit. That of freezer should be set to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Having stuffs inside the refrigerator helps the cooling. So, get it full.
Air Conditioner
- Clean the Air Conditioner filters, coils and coil fins and replace when necessary.
- Also clean the condensate drains by passing stick or stiff wire through the drain channel to free it of clogs.
- In cold season (winter/harmattan) when the air conditioner is barely used, covering the front panel will protect the unit from winter weather and debris.
Washing Machine
- Check seals to be sure there are no leaks.
- Do not overfill the clothes washer with clothing as this is hard on the motor, transmission and balancers.
- Do not add excess detergent as it will cause a build-up in the machine. If your area has hard water, you should also run some vinegar through the cycle every once in a while with hot water to prevent calcium build-up.
- Inspect and remove clogs from the drain.
- Ensure the legs stand level to help a balanced posture while the machine spins during washing.
- Keep the machine as close to the floor as possible.
- Clean the inside of the machine once in a while with hot water. Add about two cups of chlorine for bleaching, directly to the washtub and not through the bleach dispenser.
- Check and replace water fill hoses to avoid extra damage or bursting.
Dryer
- Dryers produce a lot of lint, and that lint builds up in more places than just the lint trap. Clean the lint trap often.
- The dryer vents that send steam and heat to the outside may get clogged with lint as well. Clean them too.
- The dryer itself can get filled with lint. Pay attention to it as well and clean appropriately.
Cooking Machine
- Verify oven temperature.
- Check burner and fan operation from high to low.
- Clean or replace burners, filters and lights as necessary.
- Check oven and ventilation fans for circulation.
Dishwasher
- Clean air gap, filters, garbage disposal, spray arms and soap dispenser.
- Inspect and adjust door springs and cables.
- If left unused too long, the seals in your dishwasher can dry out and crack, letting water escape. So, use it always.
- Pour some mineral oil and water into the bottom of the dishwasher. Keep those seals well moisturized if you must leave it unused for some time.