How to Keep Your Appliances in Good Condition

Household appliances save us time and effort. Imagine life without a washing machine or dishwasher. It wouldn’t be much fun. Unfortunately, many household appliances don’t last more than a few years. A cynic might argue that manufacturers deliberately build appliances with a limited lifespan, so they can sell you a new one after five years. We don’t know if this is true, but one thing is certain: if you look after your appliances, they will almost certainly last longer.

If your dishwasher, fridge, oven, or other appliance is faulty, check whether it is under warranty. And if your washing machine is faulty and you need washing machine repair and maintenance advice from Hotpoint, give them a call.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure you get the maximum life possible out of your appliances. Ignore them at your peril!

Fridges

A shiny new fridge is a joy. It’s clean and hygienic inside with no mouldy mushrooms lurking in the vegetable tray and the shelves are just begging to be filled with food. But, as proud as you may be with your new fridge, it is essential that you don’t switch it on for 24 hours when you first bring it home.

Fridges are often transported flat. The oil in the compressor needs time to settle before you switch the fridge on for the first time. Otherwise, the oil may end up in the refrigerant lines rather than the pump, which will lead to the pump wearing out much sooner than it should.
It is also a good idea to vacuum the coils at the back of the fridge from time to time. This helps to keep them dust-free. If dust is allowed to settle and form an insulating layer, the fridge will need to work harder to maintain the correct temperature.

If you take good care of your fridge, it should easily last 15+ years.

Freezers

Freezers generally last a long time and require very little maintenance. If you have a frost-free freezer, it doesn’t need to de-frosted. Older models don’t have this facility, so you need to defrost your freezer when ice begins to build up. To do this safely, empty the freezer and switch it off for 24 hours, or as long as it takes to defrost.

Frost-free freezers have a drain pan. Clean it out from time to time or mould will build up. A solution of bleach and water is fine.

Washing Machines

Washing machines don’t usually last more than five years, but with some care and attention, you can keep your washing machine in perfect working order for longer.

Always empty pockets before you place garments in the machine. Coins and other metal objects cause untold damage to a washing machine drum. Foreign objects can also get caught between the door seal, which will damage it and cause a leak. Smaller objects can get stuck in the drain hose, which is equally damaging.

Prop the door open after you empty the washing machine. This allows the drum and other components to dry out. If the machine is left closed and wet, mould might build up inside, which is a health issue.

Dishwashers

Make sure you clean out the drain filter regularly. This is where food waste ends up. If it is allowed to build up, the dishwasher won’t drain properly. You probably use your dishwasher daily, but if you don’t use it that often, pour some mineral oil and water into the bottom of the machine to keep the seals moisturized. Otherwise, they will dry out and the next time you run a load, water will leak out everywhere.

Hard water can cause numerous problems with household appliances, so pop a hard water tablet into your washing machine or dishwater every week or so. It is possible to keep your appliances in good working order for longer than you would expect using the tips discussed above.

6 Signs That Your Kitchen Needs Some Updating

Your kitchen is one of the most valued rooms in your house. It is the central place where people tend to gather, share meals, entertain, and catch up with family members. For many, a total remodel is financially out of the question. However, there are times when you really have no choice but to do some updating, especially when something is either broken or so out-of-date it is no longer serving its purpose. Below are six signs that your kitchen needs to be updated.

Leaking or Slow-to-Drain Kitchen Sink

When you turn off your kitchen sink and it doesn't turn off completely, besides getting annoyed, you realize that it needs to be repaired. It is important that you fix it correctly or you can end up in a worse situation. The most critical first step is to find out where the leak is coming from, be it the faucet or the handle.

Both of these could actually be signs of more serious underlying problems. These plumbers in Melbourne point out that “if your sink is slow to drain after doing the dishes, it could be a sign of a blocked drain as they are frequently attached to the overflow”. If you are hoping it will clear up on its own, the chances are very slim that it will. If the blockage is severe, it will become increasingly more difficult to clean it. It’s best to have a professional take a look at it and get it fixed.

Outdated Appliances

New appliances will make any kitchen look nicer. But there are other more practical reasons why updating your appliances is a good idea.

Usually older appliances use more energy than the newer models and can increase your utility bills. There is also a chance that old wiring can cause a fire. If your safety is in jeopardy, it is time to replace that older appliance.

Wear and Tear

Nothing stays new forever no matter how well it is maintained. Normal wear and tear is expected, but when the damage is more extensive, you need to do something. For instance, if your dishwasher or refrigerator is leaking, it can cause water damage. Water damage can cause your floor to peel or buckle and it can also lead to mold growth.

Chipped or cracked floors and countertops can cause dangerous bacteria to grow. When you replace them, not only will they look nicer, you will be protecting your family from mold and bacteria that can make you sick.

Your Cabinets are a Mess

It is not uncommon a cabinet doors to fall off its hinges. This is a simple fix as all you have to do is replace the hinge. Re-painting or staining your cabinets can go a long way in making something old look fresh and new. However, if your cabinets are literally falling apart and no longer useful, you should look into replacing them.

Not Enough Storage

Older homes were usually built with an insufficient amount of storage space in the kitchen to store all your pots, pans, dishes, and all the other modern things you use. This tends to lead to crowded countertops and cabinets and makes it difficult to find anything. You might want to consider investing in some updates like adding hidden storage areas, a pantry, or a movable island to add more storage space and improve your kitchen's functionality.

Increase the Value of Your Home

If you are looking to sell your home, the best investment you can make to get a competitive price for it and to sell it faster is to put some money into updating your kitchen. Kitchens that are dated (bathrooms too) are a significant barrier for resale. 

It isn’t necessary to completely remodel your kitchen to make it more marketable. As a matter of fact, homeowners who do minor kitchen remodels usually get an 81% return on their investment, while major high-end remodels only see a 59% return.The reason for this is that not every potential buyer likes the latest expensive trend. Many are only interested in shiny and new fixtures and appliances.

It is your kitchen and you know best when something old just isn't working for you anymore. It is good to know that there are many things beside a total and expensive remodel that can help your kitchen give you the look, feel, and functionality you want.