Large Appliance Maintenance...

May be easier than you think.

Many of us take large appliances - dishwashers, refrigerators and washing machines - for granted. They fade into the background as they perform essential daily tasks. But when they break, their repair can quickly become the household priority! It's a good thing that some basic maintenance can save us a lot of headaches down the road.

With any major appliance, the key is keeping it clean. Those coils on the bottom and back of the fridge, when coated in grime and dust, retard the machine's ability to transfer heat. Sweep or vacuum around the coils to keep them clean.

Make sure the plastic coating on dishwasher racks hasn't chipped away. If it has, the underlying metal can rust, damaging the rack and leaving rust on plates and particles in the water discharge line. If you find rust, sand the area before applying a new layer of material or sealant. Also, mineral deposits can build up in your dishwasher's sprayer. Soaking it for a few hours in white vinegar will loosen the deposits and allow the mechanism to be cleaned.

You should make sure appliance seals and gaskets - the ones that keep the fridge and dishwasher doors shut tightly - aren't hardened or twisted. Replace them if they're worn. Test your fridge's seal by waving your hand slowly around the edges to feel for cool air escaping.

Check to see if the hoses connected to your washing machine are in good condition (not frayed, worn or kinked) and replace if necessary (turn off the water first). Experts recommend using steel-mesh hoses which last longer than regular ones.

In the end, the major appliances in your home will work smoother and longer with a bit of preventive maintenance, saving you precious time - just as they were designed to do in the first place.