Keeping your home in tip-top shape is partly dependent on how your appliances will help ensure your daily comfort and convenience. From refrigerators and ovens to washers and dryers, appliances are simply vital in modern living. Yet, just like any other home system, they require regular servicing to keep operating. The cost of appliance repair service might, however, skyrocket if problems are not detected early, although straightforward tricks and tips abound for Iowa homeowners who might want to prolong their appliance lives and troubleshoot difficulties before they become major headaches.
Today, we’ll share some nifty appliance hacks that will help you reduce wear and tear, save money on repairs, and prolong the life of your home appliances. By understanding how appliances operate and implementing a few simple tips, homeowners can avoid calling for appliance repair services to keep their appliances in good working condition for years to come.
1. Clean Your Refrigerator Coils Regularly
One of the hardest-working appliances in the house is the refrigerator. With time, dust and grime get left on the coils at the back or bottom of the fridge, which affects cooling and energy consumption. Cleaning of coils could lead to improved efficiency, and this will prevent costly appliance repair services.
To clean your fridge coils, do the following:
- Disconnect the fridge and gently remove dirt and dust from the coils with a coil brush cleaner or a vacuum with a hose attachment.
- Clean the area around the fridge and provide enough air circulation around the fridge.
Cleaning your refrigerator coils once every six months ensures against costly breakdowns, and a well-functioning fridge always.
2. Fix Your Garbage Disposal with Simple Household Items
Other common household problems involve a clogged or malfunctioning garbage disposal. Instead of calling an appliance repair service immediately, try the following quick fixes to restore its functioning:
- Reset the unit: Most disposals come with a reset button located at the base. Press it and check whether the disposal now operates correctly.
- Unclog with ice: If any of the disposal’s blades are not spinning smoothly, grind some ice cubes in the disposal. This should help rid the appliance of dirt and debris while also sharpening the blades.
- Use baking soda and vinegar: This helps neutralize odors. Pour one-half cup of baking soda, followed by a cup of vinegar, down the disposal. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes and then rinse with hot water.
These simple steps should keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and minimize the call-out for professional appliance repair.
3. Descale Your Dishwasher to Prevent Mineral Build-Up
Why is there no mention of how foul compiles are in dishwashers? After long use, mineral deposits build up in the dishwasher, and this impedes proper washing. This mostly degenerates the capability of the dishwasher so that there is the possibility that the utensils washed won’t come out clean. This occurs every few months, and poor washing goes unnoticed; the remedy lies in descaling the dishwasher.
Your dishwasher will be de-scaled if you:
- Put a cup of white vinegar in the top rack of the dishwasher.
- Run a hot water cycle with no dishes in it.
- If necessary, follow up with a second cycle using baking soda for added cleaning power.
Descaling your dishwasher freezes the growth of muck and extends the appliance’s life so that repairs don’t burn the money hole in your pocket.
4. Extend the Life of Your Washing Machine with Simple Maintenance
A washing machine repair is often not economically viable. A little introduction of maintenance ideas can thus do a lot to avoid bigger problems. Here are some maintenance tips for a homeowner in Iowa.
- Always balance the load: Overloading the machine causes strain on the motor and drum.
- Clean the detergent drawer: Sometimes, residue builds up in the drawer; it can cause mold to grow and overall bad smell. Remove the drawer, wash it with warm soapy water, and dry it well.
- Carefully check hoses: The hoses may be either worn, bulged, or cracked. Replace any that appear that way to minimize the risk of leakage and flooding.
Proper maintenance will not only satisfy consumer demands but also prolong a washer’s usable working life while minimizing service calls from appliance repairmen.
5. Prevent Dryer Lint Build-Up
A dryer vent clogged with lint can make for poor dryer performance and, of course, be a fire hazard. Clean the lint trap after every load, and also make sure to regularly clean the vent hose behind the dryer. The lint may build up in the vent and, in turn, overheat the dryer and lead to malfunction.
Cleaning the vent:
- Unplug the dryer, and remove the vent hose.
- Use a vent-cleaning brush to clean the lint.
- If necessary, use a vacuum with a long hose attachment to remove any remaining lint.
Performing these responsibilities would save the trouble of needing to call an appliance repair service while keeping your dryer running efficiently and safely.
6. Maintain Your Oven for Even Cooking
While ovens are commonly used for preparing dinner in large families in Iowa, especially during winter months, neglecting regular oven maintenance does pose certain disadvantages: uneven cooking, higher energy bills, and costly repairs.
Following these basic steps should keep your oven in good condition:
- Check the temperature. Over time, ovens can get out of calibration. Use an oven thermometer to check if the temperature is correct, and then if required, adjust the thermostat.
- Clean the oven regularly. Baked-on grease and food particles can affect heat efficiency. Wipe the inside of the oven with a non-toxic oven cleaner.
- Inspect the door seal. If it has been worn out, heat can escape, thus leading to higher bills. Have your seal inspected every so often, replacing it if necessary.
By observing your oven regularly, you will significantly reduce the chances of having to engage in any appliance repair service and increase the efficiency of your oven for years to come.
Conclusion
By implementing these simple appliance hacks, Iowa homeowners can extend the lifespan of their appliances, reduce wear and tear, and troubleshoot minor issues before they require professional repairs. Regular maintenance and a little DIY know-how can save you both time and money. If, however, you find yourself in need of appliance repair service, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at GOGETFIX. Our team offers reliable and affordable appliance repair services across Iowa, ensuring your home stays in excellent condition year-round.
Call us today at GOGETFIX for all your appliance repair needs and make sure your home appliances run smoothly for years to come!