Updated June 22, 2021 . AmFam Team
You rely on your appliances, like your refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine every day. In fact, you probably don't even realize how important they are to you until they break down. Often, sticking to good maintenance habits is the key to avoiding the headache and expense of appliance failure. So what do you need to know about keeping your appliances in tip-top condition? Let's take a look.
It's easy to plug them in and forget about them, but following these general guidelines will get you headed in the right direction with appliance maintenance. Make it a habit and you'll be happy you did!
Read the instruction manual. While it's not the most exciting read, it is very informative. Going through the entire manual ensures you're using the appliance correctly from the get go. Improper use decreases an appliance's effectiveness and lifespan, so this is a key first step.
Set up a maintenance schedule. As you read the manual, you'll see the manufacturer has suggested some maintenance tips. Keep a household calendar and schedule dates for those projects. Whether you plan one day to do several projects or you tackle one at a time, you'll keep your appliances in great working condition by following maintenance procedures.
Regular and spring cleaning. Dusting your appliances when you're doing your routine household cleaning will prevent the build-up of dust, hair and gunk.
When it's time for more thorough spring cleaning, you should pay some serious attention to your appliances. Vacuum out ducts and clear filters and pull out and clean behind appliances. This is a great time to make everything sparkle like new again.
Check the filters. If your appliance has a filter, the owner's manual will include a suggested filter replacement cycle. But each home is different and the more dirt, dust, people and pets you have, the dirtier your filters get. Make it a habit to inspect them regularly so you can gauge your home's replacement schedule. Then stay on top of it. Dirty and clogged filters can quickly decrease the life and effectiveness of your appliances.
Turn it off. When you're not using an appliance, turn it off and unplug it to conserve energy and preserve the appliance.
Now let's dig a little deeper and look at regular maintenance for the appliances you use most often. Because you rely on them to manage your day-to-day activities, a break-down can interrupt your household. It's well worth the extra effort to keep these appliances in the best condition possible.
An unexpected trip to the laundromat is probably not part of your plan for the week. Keeping this pair of appliances in good working order is a priority in your busy life.
Waiting even one day for refrigerator repairs can cost you a lot in spoiled food. This hard-working appliance doesn't require a lot of maintenance but it still needs some attention.
Whether you're a home gourmand or just an occasional cook, your oven and stove need regular attention. These tips will help you stay on top of regular cleanings and more involved ones.
This appliance is such a convenience but, too often, it's tasked with doing more than it can. Follow these tips to keep it working at its highest potential for longer.
It doesn't take a lot of effort to stick to a routine maintenance schedule with your appliances. And it's so worth the effort! If you'd like to be proactive about everything in your home, connect with your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) to review your homeowners insurance and make sure your policy is up to date with Equipment Breakdown coverage, which offers protection should your appliances, home systems or smart home devices be damaged due to mechanical, electrical or pressure systems breakdown.
As you're finding ways to take care of your appliances, make sure you're thinking about the rest of your home, too! Head to our home maintenance hub for more resources on taking care of your home throughout the year.