Make a New Years resolution to treat your appliances better in 2016. You could save money and the hassle of a broken appliance by performing a few easy maintenance tips.

REFRIGERATORS: The easiest way to maintain your refrigerator is simply to keep it clean, inside and out!

1. Clean under and behind your refrigerator regularly. It’s important to remove and clean your refrigerator’s base grill often to improve air flow to the appliance’s cooling components. Pay special attention to the coils at the bottom or behind your refrigerator! They need regular cleaning so the coils can efficiently cool the unit.
2. Wash the door seals. If the seals in your refrigerator doors are sticky, it’s time to clean them! Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to wash the seal. Once clean, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to make the seals last longer.
3. Don’t forget the ice dispenser! If your refrigerator has a built-in ice/water dispenser, you will need to clean that, too! The drip tray should be removed and cleaned at least every two to three months. Wash the ice bucket assembly once a month as well, so your ice doesn’t pick up refrigerator odors. Replace your fridge’s water filter at least every six months.

DISHWASHERS: A dishwasher can only clean your dishes well IF it is clean itself!

1. Fix the filter. Dishwashers that use a filter system are quieter and more energy efficient, but they also easily trap food and residue from your dirty dishes. Check and clean your filter regularly to prevent a buildup of food, pits, seeds and anything else that may be trapped in there.
2. Rinse out mineral deposits. Hard water is tough on dishwashers as mineral deposits can build up in the water holes in you dishwasher’s spray arm. An easy solution is to clean out the water jets with a toothpick. The water inlet valve can also clog, which prevents your dishwasher from getting the proper amount of hot water. Use a dishwasher cleaner such as Affresh to help remove some of the hard water deposits!

WASHING MACHINES: Top-loading washers require little (if any) home maintenance, but front-loading washers need more care!

1. Leave the washing machine door open. After you’ve completed a load of laundry, allow your unit to air out rather than trap in moisture, which could lead to mold and mildew problems. Using a washing machine cleaner, like Affresh, once a month will also help to keep your washing machine mold and mildew free!
2. Don’t overload it. Overloading your washer can wear out and break some of the machine’s components quicker than with typical usage. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maximum capacity so your washer will last longer!

DRYERS: You know you should empty the lint trap after every load… but there are several other  tips to follow to keep your dryer going strong.

1. Keep the exhaust vent clean. Clean your dryer’s exhaust vent at least once per year. Also check the outside air vent, too, to be sure your dryer vent is not clogged (the #1 cause of house fires in the U.S.!).
2. Make sure your dryer is level. If your dryer is tilting or hopping around while it works, then the components in your dryer’s drum will wear out quickly. By leveling your dryer, it will also sound a lot quieter than before!

Keep your appliances running longer in 2016! By giving them a little TLC, your appliances could even ring in 2017 with you. If you are starting the year off with a broken appliance, call Westside today at 515-276-8899!