Your major appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and oven, have daily uses. However, you might take these workhorses for granted and misuse them in ways that cause damage. Here are five ways you could be damaging your major appliances.
Overloading Your Washing Machine
It is tempting to cram as many clothes as you can into your washing machine to save time. However, overloading your washing machine can lead to serious problems. The excessive weight can cause the machine’s drum to become unbalanced, leading to inefficient cleaning and potentially damaging the machine’s inner workings. To prevent this, load your washing machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and use the proper water level setting for the load size.
Not Cleaning Your Oven Regularly
While cleaning your oven may seem daunting, neglecting to do so can cause a buildup of food particles and grease. This not only affects the efficiency of your oven but also poses a fire risk.
Make it a habit to clean your oven regularly, following the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. A good rule of thumb is to schedule an oven cleaning on the first or last day of the month so you can follow a schedule.
Ignoring Your Refrigerator Coils
The coils at the back of your refrigerator are responsible for expelling heat. When these coils become covered in dust, your refrigerator has to work harder to keep your food cool.
Dirty refrigerator coils can shorten the lifespan of your refrigerator. Regularly clean the coils using a vacuum or a coil-cleaning brush. If you’re worried about this process or struggling to move the fridge, consider partnering with an appliance repair specialist who can lend a hand and offer professional services.
Using Too Much Detergent in Your Dishwasher
More detergent does not necessarily mean cleaner dishes. In fact, using too much detergent can leave residue on your dishes and can cause a buildup within your dishwasher. Accumulated dish soap can damage the pump and drain line. Then, you’ll have to handle costly repairs. Always measure your detergent according to the machine’s guidelines or use dish detergent pods containing a premeasured soap volume.
Neglecting Your Dryer’s Lint Filter
One of the most common ways you could be damaging your major appliances is failing to clean the dryer’s lint filter. This reduces the machine’s efficiency and poses a fire risk. We recommend cleaning the lint filter after removing your clothes from the dryer.
Maintaining your major appliances is about prolonging their lifespan and avoiding costly repairs. Your appliances work hard for you, so you should do your part to take care of them.
Our team at Gulfcoast Appliance Repair has been offering trusted and reputable appliance repair services for over 20 years. When you’re ready to get your appliances worked on by experts, give our team a call. We service Lee County, Collier County, and the surrounding villages.
