Once we buy that top-of-the-line refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher, we may be inclined to think that we’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about. The hefty price should mean superior durability and resistance to wear and tear. So even if we “use and abuse” them, they shouldn’t break down. But will this mindset benefit us?
When your appliances often experience issues, chances are that it’s your own mistakes that are causing it. Even with warranties, we should still practice the proper use of our appliances, especially if we want to get our money’s worth. Misusing appliances can shorten their lifespans, which would result in another round of expenses because of replacements.
That said, here are the common mistakes we make to our kitchen appliances:
Refrigerator
Overfilling your refrigerator isn’t always a utilization of its space. The cramped-up contents could already be causing the fridge’s fan blades to overwork, potentially resulting in a breakdown. Thus, either clear out your fridge from time to time—because useless contents could be inside—or buy a bigger fridge if it’s absolutely necessary, like when you have a big family.
Not cleaning your fridge also shortens its useful life. Spot clean it at least once a week, and perform deep cleaning at least once a month. Include the coils, internal mechanisms, and the exterior when you deep-clean.
Also, make sure to always set it at the ideal temperature, which is 3° to 5°C. Not doing so can give bacteria higher chances to spread and multiply, so be conscious of your temperature. Call in a refrigerator repair professional from Salt Lake City or any nearby areas when you encounter issues.
Dishwasher
Like in a fridge, overfilling can also cause a dishwasher’s demise. With too much dishes and utensils to work on, the machine may overwork and overheat. You also risk breaking some china or glass from cramming a lot of them together. The shards may fall into the drain pump, causing more serious damage.
Not scraping the dirty dishes before loading them into the dishwasher can also strain your machine because rice and other sticky residue can get caught in the filters. And if you don’t clean your dishwasher, it will not do its job as excellently, so give your machine some good cleaning to keep it useful.
Stove
Multitasking while cooking may put your stove at risk of damage, and not to mention you also risk a house fire. Always keep a diligent eye on a simmering pot. When it boils without your attention, the splashes and small spillages can create stuck-on debris or clogs to the burner, resulting in damage if neglected. Clogged burners can corrode and may potentially lead to inefficient gas burning, affecting the stove’s overall functionality and lifespan.
When cleaning your stovetop, using too much water can put you at risk of electrocution or burns, which hurts both you and your stove. Go easy on the water and don’t drench your appliance. Refer to its user manual to see how to clean it best.
If by some chance you’ve lost the manual, a fail-safe way to clean a stove is using baking soda, a damp microfiber cloth, and a few drops of distilled vinegar. This kitchen remedy spots-clean your stovetop perfectly and saves you money from commercial cleaning products.
Maintain these three most essential kitchen appliances by avoiding these mistakes. Damage can be costly, and untimely replacements certainly break the bank. Get the most of your money’s worth by treating your appliances with care.
