It’s important to keep appliances clean to make them last longer (Image: Getty)
We rely on appliances such as washing machines, fridge freezers and ovens every day, so when they stop working properly it can be frustrating, especially as replacements can sometimes be costly.
Prolonging the lifespan of our household appliances has never been so important, as such, Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance expert at Domestic & General, has shared his top tips for making your appliances work better, for longer.
Washing machine
A common issue that many find with washing machines over time, is laundry not being cleaned effectively leading to stains and smelly clothes.
Ian says: “This is likely a result of overloading the appliance, which makes it difficult for the water and detergent to work effectively. Additionally, using too much detergent can also clog the machine further impacting the lifespan of the machine.”
Ian’s top tips: “Aim to fill your machine to around 80% capacity, you should be able to fit your hand in the drum on top of your clothes. Also, reduce the amount of detergent you use and be sure to give your washing machine a deep clean every few months to remove any residue left from detergent or clothes.”
Dishwasher
When your dishwasher isn’t cleaning your pots and pans properly, it can be really tempting to wash them before putting them into the dishwasher. However, this uses a lot of water which can be costly; keeping up with dishwasher maintenance can will ensure your dishes come out clean.
Ian says: “If you’re finding that your dishes are just not coming out clean, the first place to look is the filter. Bad smells, dirty dishes and gurgling noises are all warning signs of a clogged filter.”
Ian’s top tips: “To clean the filter simply remove it from the appliance, empty it, rinse it off and then scrub with an old toothbrush. This will help it trap food residue and leave your plates sparkling clean every time!”
(Image: Getty)
Tumble Dryer
A common issue with tumble dryers is that over time they may struggle to get hot enough or not heat up at all. However, this doesn’t always mean it is in need of a repair, but more likely just needs to be cleaned out.
Ian says: “Poor circulation can results in tumble dryers not heating up properly, which is often caused by a buildupbuild-up of soggy lint from fluff and fibres which come off your clothes when they’re being thrown around inside the drum of the appliance.”
Ian’s top tips: “Make sure you clean your filter after every cycle as this will help the air fully circulate inside the dryer and help to dry your clothes effectively. Furthermore, if you have a condenser dryer it is essential that the condenser box is cleaned out, this can be done by removing the box and pouring all the water out of it into your sink.”
Oven
Most of us use our oven every day, so seeing smoke arise from it can be worrying! More often than not, the appliance just needs a clean or a re-clean.
Ian says: “It can be quite common for an oven to smoke when you turn it on due to food and grease residue. If this is the case, make sure to give your oven a thorough cleaning. If a clean has recently been carried out, the smoke may be a result of excess cleaner left in the oven. In this case, the best thing to do is to use a vinegar and water solution to remove the excess cleaner.”
Ian’s top tips: “Once your oven has been cleaned thoroughly and the smoking has stopped, be sure to keep at least 3 inches of space between food and heating elements. Also, don’t put food directly on the oven racks as this speeds up the time needed between deep cleans.”
(Image: Getty)
Fridge freezer
Fridge freezers often have a long lifespan, so if yours stops being as cold as it should be, there may be a problem. it can be worrying. Thankfully there are a few easy-to-solve issues as to why this could be happening.
Ian says: “The first thing to do is check that nothing is preventing the door from closing properly. For example, is there any food stuck in the seal? Is there a frost build-up in the freezer? Is the fridge freezer too full?
“Once you have identified the issue you can work to remove the issue. Food can be removed with a quick clean, but frost build-up will mean that you need to defrost the appliance.”
Ian’s top tips: “Avoid overfilling the appliance as this can reduce the circulation in the fridge freezer, causing a temperature change. Also, be sure to defrost the appliance twice a year to keep up with regular maintenance and avoid the need for repair.”
Microwave
Despite only being small, microwaves need cleaning more often than other appliances to prevent stubborn stains and bad odours from occurring.
Ian says: “After using your microwave, it is best to give it a wipe down with a microfibre cloth to prevent any splashes or spillages from drying and becoming more stubborn to remove. You can also use small amounts of vinegar to help get rid of food spillages.”
Ian’s top tips: “Using baking soda is a great way to remove odours from your microwave. Simply mix a solution of water and baking soda, put it in a large microwave-safe bowl and heat on full power for 5 minutes making sure to not boil the solution.”
