How to Make Your Household Appliances Last Longer
A chief master of the home appliances repair service Adam Cornea shared with us how to take care of home appliances, that make our life easier every day, and why it is important to use them properly.
General recommendations
The first general rule: please, read device instructions carefully and completely.
They say everything you need to know about the maintenance and use of each device. I think this obvious truth should be announced, as we daily witness results of improper reading the device instructions, doing something wrong and thus, damaging it.
If it is a large and complex household appliance, such as a washing or dishwashing machine, I recommend entrusting its installation to professionals. Because a person, who sees the system of connection to the water supply for the first time, has little chance to install it properly.
Make sure that the equipment is installed on a flat surface: even a slightest angle may result in damage.
Washing machine
Taking care of a washing machine is simple. First, try not to overload it.
It is better to run it several times than try to wash as many things as possible in one cycle: this may result in damage and things will not be washed properly.
Try to unload a washing machine immediately – when it finished washing, as heavy wet clothes can damage the drum.
Many modern washing machines have a self-cleaning program, a special signal will inform you about the need start it. If your washing machine does not have such function, this does not mean that its drum does not require cleaning.
I recommend running an empty washing machine at the maximum hot water program about once a month and add the lemon juice, vinegar or a special descaling agent in the detergent drawer. A detergent drawer should be also periodically pulled out and thoroughly cleaned.
Clothes with buttons and zippers are better washed buttoned and zipped, turned inside out not to scratch the drum. Thus, the clothes will not be damaged as well.
Be sure to check all pockets and put out small items. Do not use anything, but a special detergent and fabric softener for washing. Hand washing powder gives too much foam and can damage a washing machine. Use recommended amount of detergent per washload, not too much.
And, finally, try not to put any objects on the washing machine. It must be clean and dry.
Refrigerator
Proper maintenance of a refrigerator starts when it has not even reached your home.
Refrigerators should be transported vertically. The maximum tilt angle is 40 degrees.
Otherwise, the compressor oil may leak and damage the entire system, responsible for the device operation.
The oil may also get in the compressor if you turn a refrigerator immediately after it is brought to you. Wait for about four, better six hours, if you are sure that a refrigerator was not tilted during the transportation. If you are not sure about this, wait for about 15 hours.
Earlier, fridges had to be defrosted every six months. Current models with technologies without freezing do not need such often defrosting any more. However, a fridge should be periodically cleaned completely, after unplugging it. Do not forget about the back of the fridge – it must be periodically cleaned of dust with a vacuum cleaner. Once again, it is very important to unplug it first.
Do not put hot dishes in the refrigerator, let them cool down first. And try not to store products in the fridge, that are not intended for this.
Dishwasher
We often go to repair dishwashers. The common reason of fault is careless use of the device. Before loading it, remove any residues of food and fat from the dishes – better rinse them in the sink. Do not wash dishes with paper labels, as they can completely clutter up filters.
When loading a dishwasher, make sure that dishes do not block rotation of the water sprayer and do not touch each other.
Also carefully check small items and cutlery. They must not fall and do not block rotating parts as well. Do not overload a dishwasher and place dishes properly – upside down.
Always add all the required detergents: salt and rinse aid not only improve the quality of washing, but also extend the dishwasher service life. Use only a special powder and tablets. Usual dishwashing soap, pulled in a dishwasher, will damage it.
Microwave oven
Watch the cord: do not put anything on the microwave oven and do not block the air vent not to damage it, keep a microwave away from hot appliances.
Never turn on an empty microwave oven – this can be fatal for the magnetron (device emitting electromagnetic waves). Do not put too heavy dishes in (maximum allowed weight is specified in the instructions for each device). Light products are better not reheated alone. If you need to reheat, for example, a sandwich, add a glass of water to take over part of the waves.
Do not reheat products longer than it is necessary and do not use dishes not adapted for a microwave oven – this can cause a fire. Do not reheat sealed products (eggs) or foods in sealed dishes and packaging. Food is reheated better in round or oval dishes, rather than square ones.
And, of course, do not neglect maintenance and cleaning. Timely remove food remains and grease from the walls of the device with soft non-abrasive cleaners.
Steam iron
If you have a steam iron, and you probably do, make sure that there is always water in its special compartment. Use filtered or drinking water. The best option is distilled water or special liquid for irons (in fact, the same distilled water, just in a more convenient package and with flavorings).
If something is burnt to the iron, never remove it with sharp objects, use special tools instead. Wipe the iron soleplate from moisture before putting it into place. Never use iron, if the cable is damaged.
Vacuum cleaner
Taking care of a vacuum cleaner is simple: watch the condition of its filters and timely empty a dust tank.
Avoid large and solid objects getting in – they not only clog the system and reduce power, but can also cause overheating of the device. Also, ensure that a vacuum cleaner is not jammed with small solid particles, such as washing powder, as they instantly clog the filter.
