How to extend the life of your most used home appliances – preventing mold is key
NO one gets excited when they need to shell out thousands of dollars after their washing machine has fallen from its last leg.
Luckily, the experts at Beko have revealed how to extend the lifespan of your washing machine and other frequently used large appliances.
REFRIGERATOR
According to Statista, 90 percent of US households own at least one refrigerator and on average, they last about 12 years, as noted by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Clearly, they’re popular appliances that are likely getting used quite a lot, and Beko has some key advice to increase their longevity beyond those 12 years.
AVOID THIS COMMON MISTAKE
The experts at Beko said the most common mistake people make when using their fridge is putting hot food in it.
“Putting hot food in the fridge increases the fridges’ internal temperature, causing the unit to work harder to bring the temperature back down,” they noted.
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Therefore, they recommend putting food in once it’s at room temperature.
IT’S ALL ABOUT LOCATION
Fridges are usually pushed up against the wall, but the experts at Beko warn against placing them too close to the wall, as it can restrict airflow around them.
This can negatively affect the refrigerator’s ability to remove heat, which can once again make it work harder than it needs to.
CLEAN A KEY SPOT
Another reason to leave some space between the fridge and the wall is that you’re going to need to get behind there to clean the fridge coils.
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What are fridge coils?
They are located on the back of the fridge and work as a coolant for the refrigerant, the chemical commonly found in air-conditioning units and refrigerators.
If these coils become covered in dust particles and dirt, their efficiency declines.
According to the folks at Apartment Guide, dust can be removed from coils with a paintbrush or dust brush, or they can be vacuumed if you have a specific attachment.
And if you’re interested in cleaning the inside of the fridge while you’re at it, a professional revealed exactly how she makes fridges spotless in an efficient way.
DISHWASHER
THINK BEFORE YOU WASH
Dishwashers are very straightforward appliances to use, but what you put in them can affect their efficiency.
It’s always important to check if something is dishwasher safe not only for the safety of the item but for the efficacy of the dishwasher.
For instance, wooden utensils often don’t come with warning labels printed on them, but experts have advised against washing them in dishwashers because they can warp the wood.
Furthermore, the experts at Beko said wood can chip in the washing machine, and the debris can damage it.
THINGS TO DO POST-CYCLE
Opening the dishwasher directly after the cycle ends and leaving it cracked open after unloading it are important steps that ensure it dries completely.
“Not doing so can lead to foul odors and mold developing in the rubber seal lining.
“This will jeopardize how well the machine can clean your dishes!” the Beko experts warned.
Furthermore, it’s important to clean the filters about twice a year to avoid unpleasant smells developing.
WASHING MACHINE
BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT YOU WASH
First and foremost, the experts at Beko warned folks not to overfill their washing machines.
“A stuffed washing machine has to work harder to run each wash cycle, not only does this clean your clothes to a lesser standard, but it causes unnecessary stress on the machine’s system,” the noted.
Plus, they said to make sure all pockets are emptied prior to turning the washing machine on because any items left behind can damage both the washer and the clothing being washed.
EMPTY IT ASAP
Just as hot water left in a closed dishwasher can cause mold to grow, the same can happen when damp clothes are not immediately removed from the washing machine.
Forgetting to do this will not only produce mold and therefore shorten the lifespan of the washing machine, but it will also cause it to have a pungent smell and be unable to actually clean clothes.
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For those looking for other cleaning tips and tricks for their home appliances, an expert previously shared how to clean the detergent holder in a washing machine to prevent mold from growing.
Plus, another explained why you should never clean your dishwasher with vinegar.
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