Maintaining Your Home Appliances Can Prevent Future Issues
Friday, May 3rd, 2019

When you think of maintenance for your home, plumbing or HVAC may come to mind first. But, maintaining your appliances is also something you should consider. It can be a hassle if your appliances break down, especially if you have to wait a long time for repair. Here are some of the most common machines in your home that may require maintenance or repair.
The washing machine and dryer
These two appliances may not be used every day, but they should still be taken care of. Your washing machine can cause water damage if the water hose breaks and built-up lint is a major cause of house fires. There are many steps you can take to maintain these appliances on your own, but some may be better suited for a professional.
- Remove and replace the water hose if it is cracked and remember to check the braided hoses as well.
- Clean out the filters (screens) to make sure they do not have any build-up.
- Add a drip pan underneath your washing machine to help stop damage from leaks.
- Be sure not to overload your washer. This can knock some components out of place.
- Clean your washing machine regularly with storebought cleaning solution and wipe the rim of side loading machines after every use.
- Clean the lint trap in your dryer. It is important to clean the screen every time you dry a load of laundry, but you should also clean out the inner area of the trap.
- Remove the ductwork for the dryer to clean it out. Some types must be replaced rather than cleaned. A professional appliance repair company can help you with this.
- You should clean the outside vent for the dryer as well. You can use the same brush you use for the ductwork.
It is often best to leave most maintenance to the professionals, especially if you are unable to move these appliances.
The refrigerator and freezer
You and your family rely on this appliance every day. One of the easiest things you can do to maintain your fridge is to clean under and around it often. This includes the grill and coils. Cleaning also includes the inside of the fridge and the seal along the doors. If your freezer develops ice, you should be sure to defrost it if the build-up is more than a quarter inch thick. Ice dispensers and containers should also be cleaned regularly.
Some common issues you can run into with your fridge include inefficient cooling. This can be caused by dirty coils or more serious issues. If your food is spoiling and cleaning the coils does not help, a technician can inspect your fridge for other issues.
The oven and stove
Cleaning the stove is relatively easy. You can soak the grates and burners in hot, soapy water and then scrub them. You should also scrub the outside of the oven clean, including the burners. If the oven is self-cleaning, simply follow the instructions to clean the inside. If not, you use some warm water and a degreasing agent to scrub the inside every few months.
Dirty or wet igniters will cause a clicking noise when you try to turn on your stove. You can wait for them to dry off or gently clean them. However, it can be dangerous to work on these without experience, so you may be better off calling a professional.
The dishwashing machine
Maintaining your dishwasher should include a thorough cleaning, including clearing out the filter and spray arms. You can perform this cleaning by running an empty cycle. There are many components in these machines, so keeping them clean is important. If you feel like your dishwashing machine could use more professional help, contact a local company for more information.
Home appliance maintenance and repair in Amarillo
If you are looking for help with your appliances, the professional technicians at Allen’s Tri-State can help. With over 50 years of experience, we are prepared to work on your residential Appliances, Plumbing, HVAC, and Water Treatment systems. You can reach us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by Email for more information about our services.