It’s a phrase you hear at the beginning of every new year: New Year, new you. And, sure, an overwhelming number of resolution-makers do make healthy resolutions for themselves. This year, consider pouring some love into your appliances to ensure they stay healthy and operational for years to come, too.
In the spirit of fresh starts, let’s take a quick look at some of the most simple yet beneficial appliance maintenance and care moves you can make to keep your home humming.
Refrigerator Revamp
The refrigerator is the unsung hero of kitchen appliances. It doesn’t do the active work like the dishwasher or oven, but it is absolutely an essential member of any kitchen appliance suite, dutifully preserving your food and beverages. Given that it’s tasked with protecting such a large investment—your family’s sustenance—it merits some TLC from time to time. Here are some simple, effective care and maintenance tips that will extend the life of your refrigerator.
Clean the condenser coils at least once per year. The condenser coils are essential for keeping the refrigerator and freezer cold. To access the coils, first unplug the appliance. Then remove the bottom grill on the front of the appliance and the rear access panel. Use a vacuum and, if available, a condenser coil brush to remove dust and debris from the coils and fan blade. While the refrigerator is pulled out to access the back panel, be sure to vacuum any dust or pet hair that has piled up behind it. Once everything is clean, replace the grill and panel, plug the refrigerator back in and put it back into place.
Clean out and clean up. At least twice a year, do a deep clean on your refrigerator. That means remove all food and discard expired or unused products. Carefully remove the shelves and clean them with warm, soapy water. Give the inside of the refrigerator and freezer a good wipe-down with a cloth and cleanser of your choice. Replace the shelves and return the food you’re keeping to the respective spaces in an organized fashion.
Range Renaissance
This workhorse deserves a solid deep clean more often than it likely gets. Give your oven and cooktop a once-over and make it shine like new again.
Give the cooktop a solid cleaning. The type of cooktop you have determines the appropriate cleaning approach. For example, if you have electric coils, remove them and either scrub or replace the drip pans. If you have an induction or ceramic cooktop, use a gentle but powerful appliance-approved cleaner and cloth to remove caked on food.
Don’t forget to clean inside. Many of today’s ovens have self-cleaning functionality. That makes it easier to clean the oven more frequently. Remove the racks and give them a good scrubbing in the sink while the auto-cleaning tackles the rest. When finished, give everything a good wipe-down, replace the racks, and you’re good to go.
Don’t Forget the Dishwasher
The dishwasher is the Robin to the range’s Batman. They go hand-in-hand, don’t they? Regular care and cleaning of the appropriate dishwasher apparatus will ensure this appliance upholds its end of the bargain. Here’s how to keep it in top form.
Keep the spray arm clean and clear. Using a scrub brush, give it a good cleaning to ensure it’s not clogged with food debris. A clean spray arm ensures consistent and strong water flow.
Clean the filter. If your dishwasher has a filter to capture food debris, remove it from time to time and give it a good soak in some vinegar or baking soda. When finished, scrub it well under warm water and inspect it for any tears. If it’s in great shape, return it to its original position.
In addition to your kitchen appliances, don’t forget the washer and dryer. Take a peek at the water supply hoses to ensure they’re hole- and leak-free. Also, run an empty cleaning cycle using a washing machine cleaning product, and reset the balancing feet if they’ve gotten off kilter. For the dryer, the most crucial care tip is ensuring your vent is clear and clean. Statistics show that each year, approximately 15,600 structures burn as a result of dryer fires.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your appliances or want professional advice on their proper care, we welcome you to come by the Friedman’s Appliances showroom, where one of our friendly professionals can help.
