When is the last time you cleaned your refrigerator’s coils or the dishwasher’s filter? Have you cleaned out your dryer vent lately?
Like all things mechanical, your appliances need a little TLC to continue operating problem-free. Fortunately, it’s easy to keep them in good condition.
Here’s how:
How to Clean Your Clogged Refrigerator Coils
Your refrigerator’s coils can become clogged with pet hair, dust, and dirt. This restricts the flow of air and forces your fridge to work harder. You know the result: added wear and tear and higher energy bills. To clean the refrigerator coils, use a handheld vacuum or an extended nozzle to remove loose particles. Do this once or twice each year.
Find the coils behind the kick plate at the front or back of your refrigerator.
Recalibrate the oven temperature setting
If you notice that your oven is not heating as it should, the temperature setting might need to be recalibrated. You can look at your oven’s manual or find it online to learn how to do this. Set an oven thermometer on the center rack and wait until the oven maintains a continuous temperature. Next, follow the directions in your manual to match the oven’s temperature setting to the reading on your thermometer. If that doesn’t work, you might need to call a professional for oven repairs.
Use anti-vibration pads
When your washer and dryer are running, vibrations are transferred to the floor, sending the noise throughout your home. Washers and dryers that vibrate too much may have parts loosen over time. To prevent these problems, purchase some anti-vibration pads to slide under your washer and dryer base. This can help your appliances last longer and operate quieter.
Clean the dishwasher filter
Are your dishes still dirty after running them through the dishwasher? Check the filter. A clogged dishwasher filter prevents the water from reaching dishware in the upper rack.
Remove the lower rack and the filter cove
Clean the screen with a wet/dry vac
Check the float located near the filter by sliding it up and down. If it sticks, clean it out with water.
Clean off food spills from the stove burner’s igniter
Using an old toothbrush, clean away debris from the burner’s igniter. If your stove has electronic ignition, the igniter will look like a small ceramic nub on the stovetop or beneath the strike plate. Check to make sure that the strike plate is seated properly on the burner.
Clean the dryer’s lint filter
When your clothes are not dry after completing a dryer cycle, your dryer may not be heating correctly. The culprit might be a clogged lint filter. Make a practice of removing lint from the screen after every load.
Even clean-looking filters can be covered by a film from your dryer sheets. Remove the lint filter and test it by pouring water on it. If the water pools on the filter, it needs to be cleaned. You can clean the lint filter with some laundry detergent and a stiff brush in hot water.
Lint also collects in the dryer vent. This is a serious fire hazard. Clean out your dryer vent annually.
Contact Atlantic Coast Appliance for quality repairs
While regular cleaning and maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your appliances, the occasional breakdown is inevitable. If a major appliance has stopped working correctly, turn to the experts at Atlantic Coast Appliance. To schedule your appointment, call (904) 906-3595.