Town Appliance Official Blog

Many of us have suffered the issue of their appliances starting to slow down on performance and efficiency much sooner than their lifespan says they would. However, manufacturers offer a very clear explanation of their appliances' lifespan. This includes various tips on maintaining the appliance as well as the conditions where the appliance should be installed. Following the rules of the user manual, we can get a very clear image of how the appliance is supposed to be used from the day of purchase, until its' last operating day. If you have wondered what to do to make your refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioner, range, or dishwasher last longer and serve you for as long as possible, here are a few tips you can practice to make sure your appliance won't be gone too soon.

Appliances are not being purchased very often and they may be a serious expense for the household budget. That is why they represent great stress if it comes to any kind of breakdown. Without an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a washing machine, a range, and similar, we can't imagine our home as is and function normally, so it's crucial to pay attention to their maintenance.

Before the appliance is turned on for the first time, you should read the user manual in detail as you may find helpful suggestions such as:

• Always keep the appliance clean

• Do not overload your appliance

• If the appliance has blades, they must always be sharp

• Accessories and parts must be purchased from the manufacturer's official retailer and be specified for that model or as recommended

• Always keep large kitchen appliances plugged into the main socket

Read the Instructions Carefully

Once you have purchased a new appliance the first thing you need to do before putting it to work is to read the detailed user manual. In there you will find out how to use the appliance correctly, every little thing about maintenance and cleaning, what is good and what is not for a certain appliance, how to protect the appliance and yourself, and much more similar useful information. Of course, there is always a chance of a malfunction to occur, as nothing can last forever, but this doesn't mean that you have to buy a new appliance right away. First, consult an authorized repair service whether the repair is worthwhile or not.

Keep Your Appliances Clean

Make sure to wipe the dust from your appliances regularly and keep in mind that if you don't clean the appliance for a long period of time, they will "wear out" or simply stop working. Deposits of dirt such as limescale, dust, and similar will lead to its failure or slow and difficult operation of your appliance.

For washing machines and dishwashers, as well as all the appliances that use water during operation, you should clean the filters regularly and use a descaling agent at least a few times a year. In the case of a refrigerator, try to periodically vacuum the dust that has accumulated on the condenser coils on its back side to prevent overheating. For air conditioners, clean the filter regularly so that it works better and more easily. Over time, dirt and bacteria may accumulate in the filter, and this way you will surely eliminate them.

Don't Overload the Appliance

The lifespan of your appliance will depend on its maintenance and proper use. So simply - don't overload it. Load your appliance only with the amount of laundry, dishes, or food specified in the instructions. The refrigerator should never be overfilled. It's important that there is enough space between the foods so the air can circulate freely and easily inside the appliance which is crucial for the even cooling temperature inside the refrigerator. If you put a larger amount of food in the refrigerator than specified in the instructions, then the engine can be overloaded, as during cooling, it will work more and beyond its optimal capabilities. If you don't take care, its life span will certainly be shortened. A washing machine or a dishwasher react the same way in case of an overload. Put as much laundry in the drum as specified in the instructions and never more than that amount, as otherwise the engine and drum will be damaged. The same applies to the number of dishes in the case of a dishwasher.

There's not much of a difference when it comes to mixers, blenders, and similar small appliances. Never add all the ingredients at once, but according to the instructions gradually so as not to overload the engine.

If the Appliance Has Blades, Keep Them Sharp

All appliances with a sharp blade will do their job easily and quickly. If they aren't sharp, it will take much longer to complete a chopping or grinding, and the engine will work harder. In this case, overheating and failure may occur. As the appliance will take longer to do the job with a less sharp blade, it will definitely consume more electricity which will, among other issues, lead to a higher electricity bill at the end of the month. Make sure that the appliances in your home, such as a refrigerator, a range, a washing machine, and others, always have their vital parts cleaned and work in optimal conditions.

Accessories and Parts Must Be Purchased From the Manufacturer's Official Retailer and Be Specified For That Model or As Recommended

Appliances differ from each other in the way they are used and have different specifications. If you don't use the original or recommended accessories, the appliance will work harder, the operation will last longer, and it will consume more electricity or water. A refrigerator, for example, has several drawers intended for different types of food, and therefore proper storage in certain parts of the appliance is important. Therefore, the refrigerator will last longer, consume less electricity and be less burdened. A juicer will work well if you use a specifically recommended attachment for that type of fruit or vegetable only. Knives and blades for mincing and chopping meat are not the same, so always use the right knife if the appliance has several different blades for different purposes.

Plug the Large Kitchen Appliances Into the Main Socket

Make sure that your larger kitchen appliances are always plugged into the main socket only and not into the extension cables, and similar ones. Larger devices use more electricity, so it's best if they are connected directly to the power source. Some large devices, do not have dedicated sockets and they cannot be plugged into the extension cable. After the usage and finished work, be sure to unplug small kitchen appliances and similar appliances. An overworking and even a fire hazard can occur at the outlet using extension cords with multiple outlets, especially with large spenders.

It's important to remember that the warranty on the appliance can be voided if it's handled incorrectly or if you do not follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. So make sure to use the appliances as recommended by the manufacturer (these instructions are always in the manual), clean and maintain them regularly and take care of them as instructed. If you keep your appliances and maintain them regularly, you will surely avoid frequent breakdowns and they can serve you for years without problems. Additionally, if you were planning to enhance your home with some new appliances, take a look at our huge selection at Townappliance.com or give us a call to help with your next purchase.