If your Marvida home is the first you’ve ever owned, congratulations! Owning your own home is the American Dream — a dream that comes with a few responsibilities, including caring for those shiny new appliances. Not sure what to do? Here are some tips for keeping your appliances in shape.
Read the Manual
We know, appliance manuals are not light reading. It’s worth your pocketbook to plough through them, however. User manuals detail the use, care and maintenance of your appliances. They tell you how to clean, when to clean and which parts should get an annual lookover. Most manuals also include a troubleshooting section that can help you fix something before you need to call a repair person.
Keep Them Clean
We can’t stress enough how much regular cleaning can keep your appliances working longer. For refrigerators and ovens, that means cleaning the gaskets around the doors. Gaskets seal in the heat in ovens and the cold in refrigerators. Letting either escape can affect the performance of your appliances. Clean out your refrigerator regularly and don’t forget to vacuum the coils. Dust can cause overheating which in turn means opening your wallet wide.
Change Filters Regularly
You know that you must change the filters on your HVAC unit. You may even know you have to clean the filter on your dryer. Did you know that refrigerators, washers and dishwashers also have filters? Dishwashers, for example, have filters that trap food particles. If you don’t clean them, they can get clogged, and your dishes won’t get clean.
Don’t Overload Them
Appliances work better if they don’t have to work harder. Avoid overloading dishwashers, washers and dryers. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the maximum load capacity to keep them working longer.
Use Them Properly
Make sure you are using the proper tools for the job. If you have an energy-efficient washer, you should be using HE laundry detergent. Failing to do so may leave soap residue in your machine. Make sure you are using the right cookware for the heat source on your stove. Your user manual will tell you what you should and should not be doing.
Check for Wear and Tear
Inspect your appliances regularly for frayed wires, loose connections and signs of damage. If you notice any issues, address them immediately. Small problems can turn into significant issues if left unattended.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
HVAC systems and hot water heaters are also appliances. Schedule annual checkups to ensure they are in good working order. If you don’t feel confident about caring for your other appliances, there are companies that will come out once a year to look at them.
