Keeping your household appliances in top condition doesn’t have to be a chore. With just a few simple habits and minimal effort, you can extend the lifespan of your fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, and other essential devices—saving you time, money, and stress in the long run. From regular cleaning to small maintenance checks, this guide will show you the easiest ways to keep your appliances running efficiently for years to come.
When Your Frigidaire Fridge Needs a Little TLC
For those of us who are always on the go, the refrigerator can be a major lifesaver: it keeps our food fresh, our drinks cold, and our families fed. However, as with any appliance, sometimes things go wrong. Maybe your once-reliable Frigidaire ice maker is not making ice any longer, or the light inside your fridge is flickering—these minor annoyances might point to larger issues if left untreated.
Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your Frigidaire refrigerator:
- Check the door gaskets regularly for cracks or gaps and replace them if necessary—this can prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the compressor.
- If your Frigidaire ice maker is not making ice, check the water inlet valve and the ice maker itself. Sometimes the problem can be as simple as a clogged filter or a minor glitch that a reset can solve.
- Dust off the condenser coils every few months—this can increase the efficiency and longevity of the fridge.
These simple upkeep tasks can go a long way in making your fridge last for a long time.
Dishwasher Do’s and Don’ts
Running a dishwasher is easier and more eco-friendly than washing dishes by hand. But ensuring your dishwasher stays operational for years requires a little bit of maintenance.
- Run a hot wash cycle with a commercially available dishwasher cleaner every month: this prevents the buildup of grease and limescale that can affect performance and durability.
- Avoid pre-rinsing your dishes. Modern dishwashers are designed to handle food residue, and pre-rinsing can actually make the detergents less effective.
- Ensure that the dishwasher is loaded properly and that the spray arms can spin freely. This simple check can prevent wear and tear on the motor.
Keeping the Washing Machine Humming
Your washing machine is another workhorse that often gets overlooked until it stops working. Here’s how to make sure it keeps your laundry fresh for years to come.
- Don’t overload your washing machine. Overloading can cause your machine to work harder than necessary, leading to premature wear and tear.
- Use the right amount of detergent. Too much can lead to build-up and damage to the machine.
- Run a maintenance wash with hot water and a good washing machine cleaner at least once every month.
Microwave Maintenance
Your microwave helps with more than just reheating food—it can steam vegetables, melt chocolate, and even bake cupcakes. Ensure that it heats evenly and efficiently by giving it regular care.
- Clean the inside regularly. Food splatters can absorb some of the microwaves, making your appliance work harder.
- Check the door seals. If they’re not sealing properly, not only is your microwave losing power, it might also be leaking microwave radiation—better safe than sorry!
- Don’t run the microwave when it’s empty. This can cause serious damage to the appliance.
Showing Your Oven Some Love
Your oven needs regular care to make sure it keeps baking bread, roasting potatoes, and broiling steaks to perfection.
- Use the self-clean function only as needed. This feature is handy, but it can be hard on the oven’s components.
- Check the door seal. A bad seal can let heat escape, causing your oven to work harder.
- Don’t line the bottom with aluminum foil. This can mess with the heat distribution and possibly damage the oven.
Regular maintenance of your household appliances is a small price to pay for their improved performance, efficiency, and lifespan. So roll up your sleeves, dig out those user manuals, and give your appliances the love they deserve. You’ll thank yourself later!
Read Next: Home Renovation Tips for a More Peaceful Space
