As a specialist in appliance repairs and maintenance our practice has proofed that many of the faults occurring with our beloved kitchen and washing appliances are due to facts, which we have build up in time by ignoring simple maintenance rules.
Sometimes, bringing back our appliance to normal operation may just cost a little attention and prolonging their life may just require few moments more of our weekly domestic routines.
The best advise has always been to follow the user manual for your appliance. If there is any regular maintenance that you need to perform it will be in it. Don't forget manual are being made by the manufacturers themselves.
Following are some general tips for the appliances we most commonly use which we believe could contribute to longer life span of you products and better performance results.
Washing Machines/Washer Dryers
• Use manufacturers' recommended detergent for the type of laundry you have i.e. biological detergent for colours and non-biological for whites.
• Load your machine up to the its capacity - the rule of thumb is load as much so you can fit your hand vertically between the top of washing and the drum.
• Always leave the washing machine door open - closed door make a very comfy environment for bacteria ( warm and damp) which starts building up in side the drum and causes unpleasant smell in short period of time.
• Wipe the door seal after each cycle - don't forget the last rinse is with softener which remains on the seal
• Finally perform a maintenance cycle of 90 degrees without any washing using a non-biological detergent or Lime scale Removal (On sale @ www.4domex.co.uk)
Tumble/Condenser Dryers
• Clean fluff filter after each cycle and empty water tank (if applicable) as well
• Although the drum is big enough to take 2 loads of washing don't be tempted to do it
• Clean the heat exchanger every 10 cycles or as advised by the manufacturer in the user manual
• Don't put sopping wet clothes - the load should be span at minimum 600rpm before putting on dry cycle.
Ovens/Cookers
• Don't put or leave very heavy items on the door as this causes the hinges to fail or damage to the door.
• When grilling put a tray at the bottom to collect any grease
• Clean the glass and the inner cavity regularly as it gets very difficult the more you put it off.
• Clean the facia/control panel with damp but not dripping wet clothe
Dishwashers
• Refer to the user manual how to load your dishwasher - improper load may cause failure or poor wash results
• Ensure spray arms are properly fitted and spinning freely before starting a program
• If using all-in-one tablets don't use any rinse aid - as this causes the appliance to get blocked with detergent foam which can cause breakdown or bad wash performance
• Always clean your dishes before loading or even gently rinse
• Keep the door seal and door trim clean at all times
Refrigerators
• Avoid leaving heavy bottles or items on the door for a long time as this may cause damage to the door itself or the door hinges
• Never put hot items to "fast cool"
• Try to keep items off the rear of the appliance
• Keep all vegetables in the salad bins or else in a closed plastic bag
• Use refrigeration cleaning products to clean the inner cavity once in 3 months if possible. |