Appliances are
a big investment. Repairing - or worse, replacing - them can be quite costly
and time consuming. Here are some easy steps you can take to maintain your
appliances and keep them in good working order.
- Once
or twice a year, check your washing machine hoses for cracks, leaks, or
blisters. Inspect the metal fittings as well, looking for cracks or corrosion.
These parts are inexpensive and easy to change, and replacing them as soon
as you notice damage may save you from a watery mess later on. Plus, corroded
fittings can be nearly impossible to remove if left too long.
Also, run a
load of only hot water and a cup of vinegar (added during the rinse cycle)
every month to keep soap scum and minerals from building up. Notice rust
in the barrel? Try two cups of lemon juice in a cycle with hot water.
- Check
to see that your dryer vent is made of aluminum and not white vinyl duct.
The vinyl no longer meets most building codes, as it can ignite. Pick up
a steel vent brush to remove lint that can clog the vent hose. Wash the
lint screen in warm soapy water to rid it of softener buildup, which can
increase drying times.
- Summer
is upon us! Keep your home cool as a cucumber by assuring that your air
conditioner or evaporative cooler are running in tip-top shape. Replace
A/C filters once a month, and clean the coil condensers at the beginning
and end of every season. You can use condensed air or a soft bristle brush.
If you are using a swamp cooler, check the cooler pads and pump monthly,
and replace as needed.
- Keep
your dishwasher in business by checking the sprayer arm periodically for
bits of paper or food that can keep it from cleaning dishes properly. Hand
wash the racks once or twice a year, and banish build-up by filling a bowl
with vinegar, setting it upright in the dishwasher (by itself) and running
a complete cycle.
- Examine
your water heater yearly. Look for bent, split or kinked supply lines (if
you do need to replace one, consider investing in a longer lasting, kink-free
flexible steel line). Remove sediment by emptying about two gallons of
water from the drain valve.
- Clean
your refrigerator's condenser coils with a coil brush (found at most hardware
and building supply stores). Newer models have a grill covering the coils
in the bottom front that pops out, while older refrigerators will need
to be pulled away from the wall, as the coils are located on the back.
If your fridge has an icemaker, check the inline filter. Clean the door
gasket monthly with baking soda and warm water - not only will this remove
food messes, it will also help the gasket stay pliable and hold a better
seal. Test the seal by closing the fridge door on a dollar bill and tugging
on it. If it slides right out, you need to replace the gasket.
Just remember
that old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Make
maintenance a habit to get the most out of your appliances.
© 2008
Good News Tucson™
