The kitchen appliances in your home need regular TLC to keep them in tip-top condition. Following the tips outlined below will save you money and increase their lifespan significantly. Routine maintenance also creates a healthier environment in your kitchen for food preparation. Interestingly, many food-borne illnesses are the result of poor hygiene in the kitchen.
Routinely wiping soiled surfaces is the first step. Warning Rubber Gloves Needed :)
Extend the Life of your Appliances with Minimal Effort
Extend the Life of Your Dishwasher
- Even though the manufacturer says there is no need to rinse your plates, it still is a good idea to do so to reduce and avoid drain clogs.
- Run hot water for a few minutes to preheat the water in the waterlines before starting the dishwasher, and dishes will clean better.
- Clean out the dishwasher trap regularly. It’s located at the bottom where debris or broken glass can get stuck there.
- Wash smaller loads, secure smaller pieces, and leave space between items to allow for better washing coverage.
- Select the correct washing cycle to match the contents of each load.
- Clean the inside of the dishwasher and the rubber seals regularly. A mild solution of detergent and a small toothbrush works wonders to clean out crevasses and steam vents.
- Never use dish soap – use a detergent that is dishwasher safe.
- Add an upright cup, filled with vinegar, on the top rack and run a regular cycle to clean your dishwasher regularly.
How to Extend the Life of Your Refrigerator
- Clean the condenser coils twice a year. A clean compressor is essential to keep your perishables fresh. Dust build-up on the coils shortens the life span significantly. Look at the bottom of the refrigerator, specifically the toe kick area, and gently remove the grill, the coils are hidden there. Vacuum all of the lint and debris away.
- Resist the temptation to stack items on top of the refrigerator; the airflow will be blocked, causing the fan to overwork.
- Run your ice-maker regularly or the pump will cease to work and the water lines can freeze. Dump the old ice to keep cubes in the tray fresh.
- Keep the gaskets clean and free of debris.
- Most importantly, regularly clean the inside of all the compartments. Clean compartments can prevent cross-contamination of food products, so you don’t get sick. Do you have the flu? It could be your dirty refrigerator making you sick. Think about what rolls down that check out line at the grocery store.
How to Extend the life of your Oven and Cooktop
- Clean the oven regularly, wipe up the spill immediately before they bake on.
- If the stove is free-standing, pull it out and wipe off drips that accumulate along the sides, vacuum behind the unit.
- Don’t use the self-cleaning cycle. The intense heat can cause glass micro-fissures, damage cabinets, countertops, and gaskets.
How to clean your oven the safest way:
- Remove the grates and remove all loose debris
- Put one of the oven grates on the lowest rack and place a metal baking pan filled with water and about ½ cup of vinegar
- Heat oven to 350° and let the stream do the work
- Wipe with a soft sponge to finish
How to Extend the Life of Your Microwave
- Keep the inside clean and wipe up spills immediately.
- Use a gentle cleanser to clean interior especially in stainless steel types.
- Stop the smells with a glass filled with water and lemon juice – run for a minute on high.
- Don’t run the microwave empty.
- Use the correct cooking material, glass is best, and avoid plastics that can melt and metals that cause arching.
- If the microwave is over the range type, remove the range top filter and clean away grease monthly.
Develop Good Habits to Extend the Life of Your Appliances
It is relatively easy to accomplish extending the life of most kitchen appliances.
Develop a routine schedule and try to stick to it. All you need is common sense and a little elbow grease. A little TLC goes a long way to help you avoid costly repairs.
If you live in an ACRI Community Realty managed property, we provide an Appliance Protection Service to help you.
