5 Ways to Show Your Appliances Some Love (and Keep Them Running Longer!)

Keep Your Home Running Smoothly with These Simple TLC Tips

While your appliances may not be able to say "thank you," they do a lot to make your life easier. And just like any hardworking partner, they deserve a little appreciation! So why not return the favor? This week, we’re sharing five simple ways you can show some TLC to your appliances—because a little care today means a longer, smoother-running life for them (and fewer headaches for you).

1. Make Sure They're on the Level

In any good relationship, balance is key, including your relationship with your appliances! Ensuring that your appliances are properly leveled might not seem like a big deal, but it can greatly impact their performance and longevity.

Take your refrigerator, for example. If it's not level, you may notice that the door doesn’t close all the way, leading to cool air escaping and higher energy bills. You might also have issues with food and drinks sliding around on uneven shelves. For your washer and dryer, being uneven can cause excessive vibrations that rattle the machine. This leads to damage over time to the gears and motors. A wobbly washer can also "walk" itself out of position, pulling on hoses and a risk of leaks or flooding. And let’s not forget your oven—if it’s sitting at an angle, you could end up with unevenly cooked meals. 

The good news? Checking and leveling your appliances is a simple! Many appliances have adjustable feet that you can tweak to ensure they’re sitting evenly. If you’re unsure how to do this, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is happy to help!

2. A Descale Treatment Works Wonders

A relaxing spa treatment can leave you feeling refreshed—and your appliances can benefit from that kind of care. Over time, minerals from your water can build up inside appliances that rely on water flow. Your refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher are some examples. This buildup, commonly known as scale, can slow down water movement, clog hoses, and even cause parts to wear out prematurely. 

If you’ve ever noticed your washing machine taking longer to fill, your dishwasher not cleaning as well as it used to, or your refrigerator’s water dispenser running sluggishly, scale buildup could be the cause. Even if you don’t have hard water, mineral deposits still accumulate over time, making descaling an important part of routine appliance care.

Luckily, keeping buildup at bay is easy! Many appliances have specific descaling products designed for them, and running a cleaning cycle every few months can keep things running smoothly. If you're unsure where to start, a professional technician can help by performing a deep-clean descaling service to get everything back in top shape.

3. Help Them Get Organized

Love isn’t just about grand gestures—sometimes, it’s about the little things, like keeping things neat and organized. Your refrigerator, in particular, benefits from a little tidying up.

An overstuffed fridge isn’t just a hassle when you’re trying to find last night’s leftovers. It can also interfere with airflow, causing uneven cooling. Hot spots and cold spots can develop, leading to food spoiling too quickly or, in some cases, freezing when it shouldn’t. Plus, when your fridge has to work harder to maintain a steady temperature, it uses more energy, which can drive up your electricity bill.

To help your fridge function at its best, take some time to reorganize it:

Keep vents clear so air can circulate freely.

Group similar items together so you can find what you need easily.

Check expiration dates and remove anything past its prime.

Wipe down shelves regularly to keep things clean and fresh.

4. Give Them a Good Scrub

We all feel better after a nice, deep clean—and your appliances are no different! While regular wipe-downs help keep things looking tidy, every now and then, your appliances need a little extra attention to prevent buildup and ensure they keep running smoothly.

Your dishwasher, for example, can collect food particles, soap scum, and grease over time, which can clog filters and reduce its efficiency. Running a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher-safe cleaner once a month helps remove grime and keeps it working properly.

Your washing machine also benefits from a good scrub. Dirt, detergent residue, and even mildew can accumulate inside, especially in front-loading machines. Running a cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner or a vinegar solution helps keep unpleasant odors at bay and ensures your clothes come out fresh.

And don’t forget the outside of your appliances! Dust and grease can build up on refrigerator coils, stovetops, and even dryer vents. A quick wipe-down with warm, soapy water or a specialized cleaner can help keep things looking and working their best.

5. Treat Them to a Spa Day (a.k.a. a Maintenance Check)

You might not be able to send your appliances to a spa, but a maintenance check from a professional technician is the next best thing! Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

A trained technician can:

Check for signs of wear and tear before they turn into major problems.

Ensure all parts are functioning properly and efficiently.

Clean internal components to remove buildup and improve performance.

Make small adjustments that can extend the life of your appliances.

Think of it like a wellness check-up—your appliances might seem fine, but routine maintenance can catch minor issues before they become major headaches. Whether it’s a refrigerator that isn’t cooling quite like it used to or a dryer that’s taking longer than normal, a professional tune-up can keep everything in peak condition.

A little love goes a long way—especially when it comes to your appliances! Keeping them leveled, descaled, clean, and well-organized can make a big difference in their efficiency and lifespan. And when it’s time for a little extra care, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help! Whether you need a maintenance check, a repair, or just some expert advice, our technicians are ready to keep your home running smoothly.

So go ahead—show your appliances some love today! They’ll thank you with years of reliable service.

Fact Check: Common Appliance Maintenance Beliefs Debunked

Avoid common pitfalls with our debunking guide

Keeping your home running smoothly can feel like a juggling act, especially when it comes to your appliances. With so much conflicting advice out there, how do you know what’s true and what’s just a myth? In this true/false guide, we’ll clear up some of the most common misconceptions about appliance care. Whether it's knowing when to clean your dryer or understanding why overstuffing your fridge can backfire, we're here to help you navigate the world of appliance maintenance with confidence and ease.

Do you think cleaning your appliances just once a year is enough?

Unequivocally false. Certain pieces of your appliances only need to be cleaned once a year; many of them need to be cleaned at least once a quarter. For example, your dryer’s vent hose needs to be cleaned every 6 months to a year. But the inside of your dryer should be cleaned quarterly, and the lint catch on the inside of the dryer should be cleaned every time you do laundry.

Can you chuck those boring manufacturer’s directions after setup?

We know they're boring. Unfortunately, we are not the ones tasked with writing and making appliance manuals clean and easy to read. But we do not advise chucking them in the trash. Many of them come with important warranty information as well as what different errors or sounds can mean or how to set up and use some of the various features. So, instead, we suggest sticking them into a file with all of your other appliance manuals.

Does stuffing your appliances to the brim save you cash?

Many of us make this mistake. Whether it's the washing machine or the refrigerator, stuffing it to the gills does not help your electric bill. In fact, by putting too much into any of your appliances, you can often end up damaging them in different ways. The impact varies from appliance to appliance, and we’ll provide additional reading links at the bottom to explore this further.

Can all maintenance tasks be done by you, the homeowner?

While the more skeptical reader might say, “Of course an appliance repair company would say no,” there's a valid reason. Many times, specialized tools are required for appliance repairs. Manufacturers design their appliances with this complexity to necessitate professional servicing. There's also a safety concern, especially with electronics. Unless you are experienced with electronics, we do not recommend DIY attempts. While many repairs can be done yourself, there are some that should be left to professionals.

Do you think any old cleaning product will do the trick?

Hahahahaha. Excuse us while we catch our breath. If you have ever tried cleaning a stainless steel refrigerator with the same Lysol wipes that you use to clean your counters, you will know that this is not the case. Different cleaning formulas are designed for specific tasks. We wish there was a one-size-fits-all solution, but even we haven't found one yet.

Is regular maintenance really the key to dodging pricey repairs?

Absolutely true, and that’s why we offer maintenance services. By regularly maintaining your appliances and having them inspected, either by yourself or a professional, you can identify issues in their early stages before they lead to major breakdowns.

If the cost of materials, time, and tools is 50% or more than the appliance, should you call a professional?

This is about saving time and money. Before attempting a DIY repair, consider the tools needed, time required, and cost of materials. If these costs exceed 50% of the appliance’s original purchase price, it's wise to call a professional. Technicians have expertise and tools on hand, minimizing the risk of costly mistakes.

Is it fine to keep all appliances plugged in during repairs?

No. Even if the repair seems unrelated to electronics, always unplug appliances before starting repairs. It’s not just a safety precaution but also practical. A simple slip or twist could inadvertently activate a component or cause a mess, leading to further issues.

Is protective clothing for repairs: Overkill or essential?

Essential. While the necessity varies by task, protecting your hands and wearing gloves minimizes exposure to contaminants and ensures safety.

Can a hammer and Phillips head screwdriver handle all tasks?

Remember how we mentioned specialized tools invented by appliance manufacturers? This one is obviously false. Different appliances require specific tools designed for their components and mechanisms.

Should you diagnose the issue before starting any appliance repair?

Absolutely true. Professional repair services always perform diagnostics before proceeding with repairs. It’s crucial to identify the root cause accurately, even for seemingly straightforward issues.

Is taking notes during repairs a smart move or a waste of time?

While experienced technicians may not need notes, documenting your findings during repairs is beneficial if the project becomes overwhelming or needs professional intervention. It ensures accurate communication with technicians, aiding in efficient repairs.

Can you immediately resume using an appliance after fixing it yourself?

False. Always ensure proper functionality after DIY repairs. Whether it’s running a test load in your washer or checking replaced parts, confirm everything operates smoothly before regular use.

Should you call professionals if a repair project takes more than a few hours?

Absolutely. Some repairs, especially involving multiple appliance components, can be complex and time-consuming. If you’ve invested hours without progress, it’s best to seek professional assistance to ensure a proper fix and save your valuable time.

Keeping your appliances in top shape doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can ensure your appliances run smoothly and efficiently by debunking these common myths and following the right maintenance tips. But remember, some repairs and maintenance tasks are best left to the professionals. At Appliance Rescue Service, we’re here to help with expert repairs and maintenance services that keep your home running without a hitch. Contact us today to schedule a service and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your appliances are in good hands.

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Additional Reading

Don't Let Your Dryer Become a Fire Hazard

Test Your Refrigerator IQ

37 Reasons To Have Your Appliances Maintained Regularly