Whether you’re a homeowner or tenant, it’s likely you’ll have a number of large appliances you use daily. Just like you would your car, cleaning and maintaining these large home appliances is vital to helping their lifespan.
Your washing machine, oven, fridge and dryer all require a little TLC from time to time. It’ll ensure they’re not only running more efficiently, but that you’re not putting any unnecessary strain on them.
How does caring for and cleaning your appliances improve their lifespan?
Whether they’re working tirelessly to wash our laundry, keep our dishes clean or make sure our house is running smoothly, our home appliances are really put through their paces! The best way you can extend their lifespan and reduce energy costs is to clean and look after them properly.
One of the main advantages to a well-kept piece of equipment is that it will be less likely to need costly repairs or replacements. Whether they’re machines you use day in, day out like your fridge or ones you use weekly like the dryer, keeping on top of their care will only benefit you in the long run.
How to clean your appliances
Fridge and freezer – Take a gentle approach when cleaning your fridge and freezer. Take out all the shelving and make sure you get in and around the rubber seals. Those pesky shelves can be cleaned simply with hot soapy water.
Dishwasher – Unfortunately, a dirty dishwasher means dirty dishes, even after a wash. After each cycle, pull out the bottom rack to look for any small bits of food that have gotten stuck. At least once a month, you can wash your dishwasher with a wash of cleaning solution. This will keep it spick and span.
Oven – These are a little more tricky and often cause a lot of frustration! The best way to keep your oven clean is to do it as you go, but we appreciate with busy lives this can be tough. For cleaning the racks, use a bin bag or even your bath. Soak them in hot, soapy water overnight, or spray on oven degreaser and leave them in the bag overnight. Then simply wipe away the grime and dirt with a cloth!
To keep the glass clean, a homemade paste made from baking soda and water does the trick. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously so you don’t damage the glass.
Washing Machine – Once a month, set your machine to the hottest water cycle and add ½ a cup of baking soda (without clothes, of course!). This is an inexpensive way to keep it clean and running smoothly.
What to do if an appliance breaks?
If an appliance breaks, you have a couple of options. You could either instruct a handyperson or repair professional to come and take a look or simply invest in a new one.
We know that replacing an essential appliance in an emergency can be costly, so you could explore a payday loan to cover the costs. You’ll have to ensure you can afford the repayments before you take one out, but it could help you split the cost of a new appliance over a number of months.
