Advice

How to Make Home Appliances Last Longer

Written by Do I Editorial

Most of the home appliances don’t only have costly repair charges but are expensive to replace. With the price of good quality appliances as they are, it makes sense to get as many years of use out of them as possible. Though the actual lifespan of the appliance will depend on the company, model and a variety of other factors, a little care from our side could go a long way.  You don’t need to be an expert in electronics to be good at it; all you need is some common sense and the tips listed below.

  1. Refrigerator

Never Overload: This is the one mantra you should live by when it comes to taking care of your refrigerator. Overloading your fridge will not only impact its cooling but it will also impact its performance in the long run.

Dust off the compressor: This is that one thing that we all get lazy about. Dust off the compressor at least once a year to help the coil release heat properly. Skipping this will make your electricity bill higher and also affect the life of your refrigerator. Clean the condenser coils with a brush or vacuum. And remember to unplug the refrigerator when cleaning the coils.

Defrost:  Once every month, defrost your fridge to clean completely in order to maintain efficiency. Over time, the ice may get in the freezer and it’s important to clean it all and start afresh.

Clean: Clean the inside of your refrigerator (including shelves and drawers) using a sponge and warm soapy water. Rinse with clean water and then dry with a clean cloth.

Removing odours: Eliminate odours by placing an open box of baking soda in the back of the fridge. Change the box every three months. Make it a habit to wipe up spills immediately. Keep the front grill free of dust to allow free airflow to the condenser for best cooling and efficiency.

  1. Microwave

Clean inside out:  Always keep the microwave clean inside and out. Use a damp cloth to clean it but make sure it’s not too wet. One effective way of cleaning the inside of a microwave is to add a little white vinegar (just about a tablespoon) and add it to half a bowl (microwave-proof) of water. Put the bowl in the microwave and turn it on for about five minutes. The inside walls of the microwave would have steamed; take a dry, clean piece of cloth and clean the inside of the microwave.

Close the door: Keep the door always closed and open it just when you need it. Keeping the door open could be an invitation to all the insects around, thus comprising with your health and hygiene.

  1. Gas Stove

Regular Cleaning:  Take the burners apart first and then clean the top as well as the burners. Stubborn spills can be removed with a paste of baking soda and water. Make sure to dry all the parts for at least a good 15 minutes before putting them back together.

Maintenance of the burners: It is important to take special care of the burners – wipe clean in case of a spill and make sure they are kept in the correct position for the gas stove to function properly.

Keep a check on gas: Sometimes the LPG gas may start leaking from the stove if not handled properly. If you ever suspect a strange smell in your kitchen, make sure to open all windows and doors and never touch any electric switch. Call for a repairman immediately.

  1. Food Processor

Take it all apart properly:  A food processor has several different components in it and needs to be taken apart properly to be able to clean it.

Wash the parts:  All the parts of the processor can be easily cleaned with lukewarm water and mild dish soap. Make sure to never soak the blades and they should always be wiped clean.

Wipe the motor: The same goes for the motor of the food processor – always wipe it clean with a damp cloth instead of submerging it in water. 

  1. Washing Machine

Use suitable detergent: Only use detergents that are stated suitable for washing machines and use only the required amount recommended. Do remember that front loading washing machines need a low-suds detergent. At the same time, make sure to use very little fabric softeners and bleaches. This is because the high efficiency machines in the market these days, especially front loaders, use less water; hence they need less supplementary products.

Remove clothes when done: Never leave damp clothes in your washing machine after they are done. Never let them sit in.

Choose the right settings: Ensure that the settings you are keeping are suitable for the type and amount of clothes you are putting in the washing machine.

Monthly cleaning: Clean your machine at least once a month for proper maintenance. Instead of using detergent, you could use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the machine. Also make sure you clean the drain pipe as well.

  1. Vacuum Cleaner

Check the cord: Handle the vacuum cleaner cord with care and check for any issues every time before switching it on. Avoid suddenly pulling out the cord and make sure it is not tangled or obstructed by anything.

Check bags at regular intervals: The bags need to be checked regularly to make sure they are not full. This is because vacuum cleaners decrease their suction power when their bags are more than half full. If you are planning to buy a new vacuum cleaner, opt for the bagless variety that Dyson innovated. You may not get a Dyson in India but there are other brands available.

Remove any large objects before cleaning: Check the surroundings for any large objects that could easily get sucked by the vacuum cleaner – these may be socks or even some kids’ toys. Make sure to remove them beforehand. 

  1. Iron

Keep it upright: The most important thing about maintaining an iron is that it needs to be stored and placed in the correct position. It should always be kept upright so as to keep the iron plate clean and scratch proof.

Clean it well: Use a damp cloth to clean the iron plate and make sure you don’t use too much water.

Check for electrical issues: Regularly check your iron for any frayed wires or if it’s heating too much or too less. If there is some issue with power consumption and the iron is heating more than usual, it might end up ruining your precious clothes.

These may seem like basic tips but most us forget to implement them out of sheer laziness and negligence. Our home appliances make our work easier; the good ones are also expensive so it is important to maintain them in the right way to make them last longer. The one important thing to keep in mind is to clean them at regular intervals and to keep a check on their performance. In case they are performing below par, call an expert and get them checked.

Visual courtesy: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sunlitrain/