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You might think household appliances can be used continously without any attention, but if you'd like to avoid costly repairs and save money give them some regular TLC. Your washing machine, tumble dryer, and other appliances will thank you by lasting longer and working more effectively. Some need regular attention, while other appliances will do with a yearly check.

 

We are all well aware of that a car needs regular servicing, but for some reason we don't expect our domestic appliances, to require any attention at all. We are all lured in by comforting sentences of “self cleaning”, “self defrosting”, and so on. We hope that they are magical machines that will mind themselves.

Washing machine

Your washing machine is probably one of the more complex domestic appliances you own, starting from sorting the laundry by colour, choosing the correct programme and detergent, and so on. You have your system for washing, but take a few minutes to consider alternatives which might save you money.

Mind your washing machine by not overloading it. You should be able to fit an open vertical hand above the clothing in the drum. In and overloaded machine detergents will not be able to reach the clothes properly because clothes will not have the space to move around. Your machine will also have to struggle harder, which will wear it out faster.

While the only thing a washing machine does is wash, the appliance needs a wash as well. The best way to do a maintenance wash, which will rinse out any detergent residue, remove lime scale and generally clean the machine. Do this by running an empty wash, no clothes, with a biological detergent on the highest temperature, without a pre-wash cycle. Make sure to do it once a month. Also wipe down your soap and softener drawers, keep them clean.

Always use the correct dosage of detergent. Detergents are a tricky business to figure out. Biological detergents have enzymes that target and removes certain types of organic based stains. There is no point of using non-bio detergent and then adding a scoop of Vanish or similar stain remover. You will then just be adding to the non-bio what the bio already contains. Powder detergents are usually best type of detergents for machines, they dissolve easier than tablets and liquid detergents do not contain any bacteria killing bleaching agent.

If possible leave the machine door open after use. It will dry out any moisture in the drum of the machine. Be aware that this might be a safety risk if you have small children in the house.

Tumble dryer

An average tumble dryer will often not be able to manage a full load from the washing machine. An overloaded dryer will strain the belt that turns the drum. In reality two smaller loads will dry faster than one big load, due to the improved circulation of the hot air in the tumble dryer.

Do not dry your clothes more than they need to, and when buying a dryer look for one with a moisture sensor that will stop the cycle once it has reached the right dryness. By over drying your clothes you are making the machine work needlessly, wasting power and usage.

As with all domestic appliances clean the machine filters regularly. The lint filter should be emptied and cleaned after every use. Clean any lint from the back of the dryer as well. Make sure the tumble dryer is properly vented, preferable with a solid metal duct. Flexible vents will often have a build up of lint over time.

Vacuum cleaner

Steady airflow is the most important aspect of any vacuum cleaner. If you feel there is any change in suction or an obstruction in your machine see to it immediately.

Vacuum bags can be very expensive, and unfortunately a machine will only work at full capacity until the bag is as little as 1/3 full. Change or empty your bag regularly and frequently. Even disposable bags can be emptied, by putting the bag inside a plastic bag and trying to empty the contents into the bag through the hole. Do this kind of job outdoors, you will not be able to fully avoid the dust coming out. If you have a bag free vacuum, clean out the dispenser with a wet sponge and dry it properly before use.

Filters should be cleaned or replaced often. Plastic of foam filters can be rinsed with water, but make sure they are properly dried before inserting them into the vacuum cleaner again. Paper or fabric filters can be shaken or pounded a bit to clean out the dust and debris.

Be careful with the power cord, it is easily damaged. Do not pull your machine over it or dislodge it from the socket by pulling at the machine.

Dish washer

A maintenance wash is also great for keeping your dish washer clean and working well. Take time to read the manual, particularly on how to load the machine as this will give you the optimal wash. If you have a lot of lime scale, run a programme with a descaler product once or twice a year.

While washing tablets are a great way of keeping the dosage correct, they will not work as well in “eco” or short programmes. If your tablet does not dissolve fully, consider switching to powders or longer washing programmes. Use a detergent with enzymes (a bio detergent), which helps clean out any decomposed food residues in the machine.

Salt is extremely important in areas with “hard” water that leaves a lot of lime scale. Dishwasher salt should be added to machines in most counties in Ireland, as the salt in the detergents or tablets is not enough  to cope with the hard water. The manual will tell you where to add the salt and always use dishwasher salt and never any other.

Other maintenance includes regular cleaning of filters with hot water and washing up liquid. Always rinse or scrape your tableware properly, food scraps will decompose in the machine or clog up filters. Make sure to clean and rinse the spray arms of the washing machine, as these can be blocked with small bits of food or build up of grease. In most machines these can usually be clipped off easily. Do not forget to keep the door seals clean, to avoid water dripping or mould growing.

Fridge and freezer

A fridge that is not working properly will waste both food and power. Place your fridge or freezer away from sunlight or any other heat source, as these will make it work harder to keep the lower temperatures.

Keep a loose fridge thermometer inside the fridge or freezer to check the actual temperature. The Food Safety Authority recommends that fridge temperature be between 0º-5º, ideally 4º, while a freezer should be kept at -18º or less. Keep an eye out for more than usual condensation inside the fridge, it might be an indication that the door seals are not working correctly.

The seals are one of the most important parts of your fridge or freezer, make sure they have a vacuum effect after closing the door. Keep your seals clean all through, not just where the seal touches the door. Dirty seals will not only seep the cold, but are an ideal place for mould to grow.

Your fridge should be level or slightly tilted back, so that the door always closes fully and swings shut easily. Keep your fridge clean and tidy inside, get rid of foods you don't need. Even with modern self cleaning fridges, it is advisable to once a year vacuum the metal condensers at the back or bottom.

A good idea is to defrost your foods in the fridge you help it maintain the low temperatures and keeping your food safe while defrosting.