How to Perform Basic Home Maintenance Yourself
What is Preventive Home Maintenance?
Preventive home maintenance is all about regularly servicing and cleaning equipment and machines. This helps keep everything in good shape and avoids any surprise breakdowns or failures.
Reasons for doing preventive home maintenance.
Extends equipment lifespan – Proper care of your electric equipment prevents excessive wear and tear, which allows machines to last longer.
Improves safety – By keeping equipment running smoothly, preventive maintenance reduces the chances of accidents or injuries.
Better efficiency and performance – Keeping equipment in good shape helps it work better and use less energy.
Lowers repair costs – Addressing small issues early stops them from turning into larger and more expensive repairs.
Increases asset value – Well-maintained equipment keeps its value longer, which is good if you want to trade in or resell.
Check out some easy at-home maintenance tips you can do to keep your machines running smoothly.
Washing Machine
- Keep the outside clean: Regularly wipe down the surface of your washing machine to remove dust or any detergent that might be stuck. This helps maintain its appearance and prevents buildup.
- Run a maintenance wash: Every month or so, run an empty load using the clean cycle or hot wash. This helps to get rid of bacteria, mould and detergent residue that can build up inside the machine and cleans the drum.
- Check hoses and connections: Inspect the water hose for any signs of wear and leaks. Make sure that connections are tight to prevent water damage. You should replace hoses every 3 to 5 years as a precaution.
- Clean the gasket: After each use, wipe the rubber door seal to stop any mould growing.
- Use the right detergent: Always use the correct type of detergent for your washing machine and avoid using too much, as this can lead to buildup and reduce your washing machine’s drainage efficiency.
- Leave the door open: After each wash, leave the door and detergent drawer open for a while to allow moisture to evaporate. This helps prevent mould and odours.
- Don’t overload the drum: Follow the load limit on the machine. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you aren’t overloading the machine. Overloading the machine can cause problems, so it’s better to do smaller loads.
- Inspect filters: Regularly check and clean the lint filter and any other filters in your washing machine to help it drain properly and work well.
Fridge
The ideal temperature for a fridge is between 37°F (3°C) and 40°F (5°C).
- Keep the condenser coils clean: Dust and debris can build up on the condenser coils. These coils are typically found at the back or bottom of the fridge. It’s a good idea to vacuum or brush them every six months. This helps your fridge cool efficiently and saves energy. If the coils are dirty, the compressor has to work harder, which can make it less efficient or even lead to failure.
- Check the door seals: Every 6 months, you should inspect and clean doors and seals. Dirt build-up or a loose seal can cause cold air to escape. This can lead to higher electric bills.
- Organise the inside of the fridge: Filling your fridge helps save energy, but don’t pack it too tightly. Make sure you are not blocking vents or controls.
- Regular cleaning: Clean the interior of the fridge regularly with warm water and baking soda or white vinegar to keep smells away and to stop bacterial growth. Make sure to clean the shelves and get rid of any expired food items right away.
- Monitor temperature settings: Keep the fridge temperature between 3°C and 5°C. If necessary, check the temperature with a thermometer.
- Defrost regularly: If your fridge has a manual defrost option, defrost it regularly. This helps avoid ice build-up, which can block airflow and cause the fridge to run less efficiently.
- Replace water filters: If your fridge has a water filter, replace it every 3 to 6 months or as indicated by the filter’s indicator light. This makes sure that your water and ice are clean and safe to drink.
Freezer
The ideal temperature for a freezer is 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
- Clean the coils: Use a damp cloth to wipe the outside to remove dirt and smudges. Every 6 months, dust the condenser coils located at the back or underneath to prevent them from getting too hot and running less efficiently.
- Inspect the door seals: Regularly check and clean the rubber seal around the door for wear and tear. A damaged seal can lead to cold air escaping, causing the freezer to work harder and consume more electricity. Replace the seal if necessary.
- Clean the interior: Clean the interior regularly with warm water and baking soda, white vinegar or lemon juice, and dry thoroughly. This removes spills and odours.
- Monitor the temperature setting: Keep the freezer temperature at 0°F (-18°C) or below. If you’re unsure, a thermometer can help you check the temperature. You can buy a thermometer for less than £10 on Amazon.
- Defrosting regularly: For freezers that need manual defrosting, remove the frost when it gets more than half an inch thick. Unplug the freezer, take out all the food and let the ice melt. Clean the inside and dry it off before plugging it back in and putting the food back in. For automatic defrost freezers, their defrost pans should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent smells and mould growing.
- Proper placement: Ensure your freezer is placed in an area that has a stable temperature. Keep away from heat sources. This helps it run efficiently.
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