We rely on our home appliances to make our lives more enjoyable and convenient. While it is a good idea to have a professional service your appliances regularly, there are some DIY maintenance tips to keep your appliances in good shape.
Dishwasher Maintenance Tips
It is not overly difficult to ensure your dishwasher keeps running, but it does require a little care and attention.
Run it Regularly:
The first thing you should do is to ensure that you run your dishwasher regularly. Allowing it to sit for days on end can allow food and other build up to settle and become more difficult to clear later. You should also run a cleaning cycle regularly. You can add a cup or two of vinegar into the dishwasher and run a low cycle to clean and freshen the interior of the machine. Don’t worry about the vinegar smell as it will dissipate if you leave the door open for a few minutes at the end of the cycle.
Clean the Arms:
Another simple task that can keep your dishwasher running properly is to clean the spinning arms under the racks. Food and other debris can get caught up in the arms and compromise performance. If the arm holes become completely blocked, it could also increase the water pressure in the arm, putting it at risk of damage. If you see any debris in the holes, use your fingers or a small item, such as a needle to poke it out. Just take care not to use something that may break off and cause a further obstruction.
Washer Maintenance Tips
Washers tend to have a fairly long lifespan, but if you want to keep your whites bright, there are some simple things you can do.
Measure Your Detergent:
Many of us eyeball the amount of detergent we put into a laundry load, but this can be a bad idea. Modern washers are energy and water efficient, so if you use too much detergent, it can cause excessive suds that can create problems. This is particularly important if you have a High Efficiency machine which requires a detergent that produces less suds.
Don’t Allow Laundry to Sit:
When you’re busy, it can be very easy to put on a laundry load and then forget about it. Unfortunately, allowing wet laundry to sit inside the washer can encourage mold and mildew to develop. Not only will this leave your laundry smelling less than fresh, but it can also create problems inside your washer. It is also a good idea to leave the door of your washer ajar after each load to allow the machine to properly air.
Clean Your Washer:
Just like with your dishwasher, you can expect to get clean clothes out of your washer if the machine is dirty. So, periodically give the gasket, drum, door and dispensers a clean. Wipe down with a damp cloth with a mild detergent or water and vinegar solution. You should also run a hot cycle on empty using either vinegar or detergent every month to help keep the interior clean.
Dryer Maintenance
Dryers can have a tough life, but improper maintenance can make them work even harder. So, it is important to perform DIY maintenance tasks regularly between servicing.
Ensure Proper Ventilation:
All dryers are designed to vent, but the white plastic tubing that is often supplied can be prone to cracking or melting. So, it is a good idea to replace this cheap tubing with proper aluminum vent tubes.
Clear the Lint:
After every cycle you should clear the lint trap, but you should also make sure that there is no lint around the vent and vent cap. This will not only ensure that your laundry dries more quickly, but also reduce the risk of fire. If you do notice that your drying cycle is taking longer than usual, be sure to check for lint you may have missed.
If your appliances are struggling to perform correctly, it may be time for an upgrade. You can explore your options with our online collection or speak to one of our home appliance specialists.