Our homes are the place where we spend most of our time with our loved ones. Every person wants their abode to be a comfortable one and therefore investing in certain appliances that make life easy has become the norm. Certain electrical appliances that were unheard of in the past have become a necessity today. However, these appliances need regular servicing and maintenance so that they can last longer. Since we all have appliances at home, here are some tips for the maintenance of large appliances that we can all use.
- To ensure the optimal performance of your fridge, it necessary to get the condenser coils cleaned periodically. These are located behind the fridge so you will need to move the fridge a bit to get access to them. Do not forget to unplug the refrigerator before you move it and begin cleaning. Use a brush to clean the condenser coils effectively and safely.
- Always check the rubber seal of the refrigerator that runs along its door. Ensure that it remains tight so that it prevents cold air from escaping. Replace the seal if you notice tears and cracks. You can use a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the rubber seal to prevent it from excessive drying.
- An important tip for the maintenance of large appliance is to clean the filters. This applies for most large appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and air conditioners. The ice dispenser’s water filter in the refrigerator should be cleaned and changed every six months. The dishwasher filter should also be cleaned in order to prevent the build-up of residual food and to keep it running at its best.
- If you get the supply of hard water in the place that you stay, then your dishwasher may develop mineral deposits in the inlet valve or the water holes. You should periodically remove this build up by using a toothpick to clean the water holes in the spray arm. You may need to replace you inlet valve if it gets clogged with mineral deposits.
- When it comes to air conditioners, the annual servicing and the local appliance repair should be done by professionals because they are trained in the cleaning and maintenance of electrical appliances and may need to dismantle the appliance for doing so. Vacuuming the vents of the air conditioner should be done once a month to prevent the dust build up.
- Washing machines can harbour mold and mildew due to the presence of excessive moisture. Therefore, one should always leave the door of the washer open after completing a load cycle to allow air circulation that will prevent the growth of mold. The rubber gasket of the machine should be checked to ensure that it is clean and intact.
- Dryers should be checked and the lint trap should be cleaned after every load. The exhaust vent of the dryer should be clean and the cleaning should be done at least once per year.
- The stove in your kitchen should be cleaned every day in order to prevent the build-up. Wait for the stove top to cool down before you begin cleaning. Soak the grids and burners after detaching them in warm soapy water for an hour before scrubbing them clean.
- Most ovens come with a self-cleansing feature that you can use from time to time in order to keep you oven clean. If your oven does not have this feature then you can use steam and lemon to loosen the grime and wipe it down with a cleansing agent.
- The other electrical appliances in your house such as the water heater, microwave oven and water purifiers should also be wiped down regularly to keep them clean and working for a long time.