The Ultimate Checklist for Maintaining Your Home Appliances in 2024

A house is only complete with essential home appliances. According to Statista, Americans spend over $61.7 billion on home appliances in 2024. This statistic shows how in-demand appliances are to the average American household.

Modern houses have evolved alongside people throughout the years, and appliances are the result of this constant innovation. They help simplify chores, ensure food is well-prepared or stored, and keep you comfortable throughout the day. As such, maintaining them should be a priority.

Common Home Appliances and How To Maintain Them

Many types of appliances are available in the market, but we've narrowed them down to the ones most households use. Here’s a list of the most common ones and tips on how to maintain them and extend their lifespans.

1. Dishwashers

Sometimes, you have too many things to do at home, and you end up forgetting the unwashed dishes in the sink. Well, with the invention of dishwashers, this common issue has become less of a problem. It’s a very convenient household appliance that shaves off the time you could have spent washing dishes, allowing you to do more important things.

Unfortunately, most households don’t prioritize dishwasher maintenance since they assume it cleans itself. However, that isn’t the case. You can ensure that your appliance is always functional and at its best when you do the following:

Clean the dishwasher filter regularly

Debris can quickly accumulate in your dishwasher’s filter, causing a foul odor. Locate the filter and make it a habit to clean it every month. You only take a while to do so, and you will see the difference when you clean it.

Load dishes properly

Although a dishwasher can efficiently do its job, it’s still essential for you to load the dishes correctly in the appliance. Review the manual to find out what cycle is appropriate for specific items. It would help to clear out any excess gunk and grease from your dishes before loading them.

Clean the dishwasher seal monthly

Another part that you must clean every month is the seal around the dishwasher door. Wipe it down with a damp dishcloth to prevent any grime from accumulating.

2. Refrigerators

The fridge is often considered the heart of the kitchen and is undoubtedly the most used appliance. It also happens to consume the most energy. It would be best to observe the proper maintenance care to make your fridge more energy-efficient.

Keep the refrigerator clean

Keep bacteria and germs at bay by cleaning your fridge's doors, shelves, and walls every month. If there’s spillage anywhere, wipe it immediately. You should also throw out anything that has expired or is molding.

Check the seals often

Remove any food debris from the door seals of your fridge. You can clean this part twice yearly with a toothbrush and a baking soda solution. To check if the seal is shut tight, place half of a piece of paper inside and see if it slides out easily. If it does, then have a technician check your fridge.

Clean the condenser coils

A fridge's condenser coils draw out the heat from the inside. The fridge's performance will be affected if they are covered in dust. Clean the coils twice a year by moving the refrigerator away from the wall, unplugging it, and cleaning its back.

3. Stoves & ovens

Stoves and ovens are essential kitchen appliances. To ensure that your cooking and baking times remain uninterrupted, you should ensure that your appliances are clean and functioning correctly. You can do so with the following tips:

Deep clean two to three times a year

Your stove and oven must be scrubbed down properly at least twice a year. If you cook frequently, do it three times. To make your deep cleaning sessions easier, wipe down your stove and burners once a week or after a messy cooking session. Remove any residue from the bottom of your oven, too.

Check the gas line

If you have a new stove and oven, ask the installation team about the state of your existing gas line. Does it need to be replaced? Every new installation could damage an old gas line and lead to leaks, so avoid this as much as possible.

Change broken burners

Coils get their fair share of wear and tear as the years pass. If you notice deep red spots on the coils in your burner, turn off the stove and call a specialist. It could be an indicator that the burners need to be replaced.

4. Air Conditioners (AC)

HVAC units, particularly air conditioners, create the perfect temperature in your room, ensuring your comfort at all times. Doing the necessary upkeep to maintain your AC is vital, especially when summer is approaching. Some tips you can do to keep your AC functioning well include:

Clean filters as necessary

Checking and cleaning the AC filters must be a priority in your maintenance list. The state of the filter affects indoor air quality. As such, you should always clear out any dust and blockages in the filter.

Clean both indoor and outdoor units

Your AC has indoor and outdoor units that must be cleaned regularly. Both can accumulate a buildup of dirt and dust over time. The outdoor unit, in particular, can also be physically blocked by garden equipment. Ensure that both units are clean and free from any blockages.

Check insulation

Inspect the condition of the insulation surrounding the evaporator and suction lines. If you see any signs of damage caused by rodents, pests, or the elements, contact a specialist as soon as possible.

A Common Tip: Routine Maintenance and Servicing

A tip that applies to all appliances is regular maintenance done by a licensed technician. The technician might suggest replacing specific parts of your appliance. In this case, it’s vital you opt for genuine OEM parts. 

For example, suppose you have a Sears Kenmore refrigerator. Choosing genuine Sears Kenmore refrigerator parts is recommended. They're designed to fit perfectly and function properly with your refrigerator, maintaining its performance and reliability. 

The same logic applies to dishwashers, stoves and ovens, washers and dryers, and air conditioners. Using authentic parts for upkeep, replacement, or general maintenance is crucial. Doing so will ensure that your appliances always perform at their best.

Wrapping It Up

Household appliances make your life easier and are worthwhile investments. Observe proper maintenance to ensure prolonged comfort and get the most out of your investment. You'll appreciate it later on.