Performing maintenance around the house isn’t my favorite thing to do. But it’s still necessary. I like a DIY project, but checking up on all my appliances isn’t my idea of fun! However, I have to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re all in working condition. If I do regular checks, I can catch any small problems before they become more significant issues. There are several appliances around the house that I’m always sure to check on at least a couple of times a year. Here are my tips for keeping your appliances in excellent shape so you can avoid any unexpected disasters.
Washing Machine and Dryer
Having a working washing machine and dryer is essential to me. I don’t ever want to go back to my student days of using the local laundromat! If either of them broke down, it would be a struggle to keep the family in clean clothes. The dryer breaking might not be as much of a disaster, but we would struggle if we couldn’t wash anything. These two appliances should last a good decade, but there are a few jobs to do. I always check the hoses to see if they’re in good shape, as well as regularly cleaning out the lint filter. But a lot of the maintenance involved is small things, like making sure not to slam the door or go over the recommended weight.
Dishwasher
Not every family needs a dishwasher, but I find they make life so much easier. There are still a few things that need to be washed by hand, but I can put the items we use daily straight into the dishwasher. Checking the door gaskets and around the edges is an essential task, to ensure that everything is clean and seals well. I also check the pump and spray arms to clean out any debris. The most important thing with a dishwasher is that it drains properly. I occasionally check the latch on the door too. If it doesn’t lock properly, the dishwasher won’t start, so it needs to be in the right position.
Air Conditioner
I couldn’t survive without our air conditioning in the summer. And it’s one of the appliances I have to check up on regularly. If you have your AC on constantly during the summer, you should clear the filters every nine to fifteen days. And you should do it even more often if you have allergies or own pets. AC units can last a long time, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need repairing sometimes. I always have an AC repair service on hand so that we can get any problems fixed right away. We don’t want to have to suffer through the heat for any longer than necessary!
Refrigerator and Stove
Of course, we need to eat, so I check up on my kitchen appliances regularly too. The primary maintenance task for my stove is to clean it regularly. Built-up debris and dirt can stop it working to its full potential. When it comes to the fridge, I make sure to clean it out often and dust the compressor coils a couple of times a year. Like with a dishwasher, the rubber gaskets are important to keep clean too.
It doesn’t take much work to keep our appliances going. I can do a lot of it myself, and if any major problems appear, I can call in an expert.
