Is your stove looking grimier than usual? Is your fridge starting to smell – and not because of the leftovers? Household appliances can literally gather dust and rust if ignored for long periods of time, which is why you might end up getting rid of them sooner than you anticipated when you first purchased them.
So the big question becomes, why not keep them properly maintained to extend their lifespan?
Yes, cleaning and maintaining the health of an appliance can be cumbersome but it NEEDS to be done since it will save you a lot in the long run, especially when you consider that many appliances directly affect the value of your home. Think about it like this: if or when you would ever decide to sell your home, the sight of a poorly maintained stove or oven can send a potential buyer careening out the door.
The good news is that proper care can increase the life of your appliances. Here are a few tips to help you when it’s time to clean-up.
Save the Stove, and the Oven too!
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Although electric stoves are consumer-friendly, many people still prefer gas ranges, which is why gas models are surging in popularity. Gas stoves, if cleaned regularly, are low maintenance. As for the burner drip pans, it’s recommended that they be replaced regularly, especially if you want your stovetop to look as new as it did when you first got it. Cleaning the bowls is no easy task, which is why replacing them is a good option if you want to retain the “new” look and feel that a sparkly stovetop brings to your kitchen.
What’s more, cleaning an oven can be mission impossible if left unattended. Make it a habit to clean out crumbs, as well as wipe down the interior sidewalls after it has cooled down. If you use your oven and clean it immediately afterwards, instead of a week later, you’ll save yourself time and a few headaches.
Refrigerator Maintenance
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Who doesn’t have a refrigerator? Heck, these days, having two or three is quite normal. The great thing about refrigerators is that they require minimal maintenance when compared to other major appliances in your home. At the back of the fridge is a coil that is essential to the proper functioning of your refrigerator. Dirt and dust can settle on this coil, making it difficult for the appliance to work properly, which in turn can drastically affect the cooling mechanisms inside the refrigerator. Cleaning and vacuuming the coil every so often will keep it in top working order.
Also, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for water leakage from the drain pan. If this problem is not addressed, chances are that your fridge will become a petri dish for all kinds of bacteria and fungus. Make sure you clean the pan when you see water – don’t wait for a flood.
Dryer, Oh Dryer
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A dryer is hardly a complex machine and thankfully, maintaining it is not rocket science: the main thing is to clean the lint trap regularly. After you remove your clothes, always make a mental note to clean the lint filter. If you don’t, the lint will begin to block air, since it will become trapped elsewhere in the dryer. In addition, always check the dryer vents since they too might get clogged, which can lead to very serious accidents.
Properly caring for major household appliances doesn’t have to be a tedious and cumbersome process. In fact, by reminding yourself to take small steps here and there, maintenance will be a cinch and you’ll minimize costs incurred for major repairs – and possibly even replacements.
References
http://gimme-shelter.com/maintain/home-appliance-maintenance-tips-40004/
