Written by Lauren Sieben
Published Jun 08 | 7 minute read
When you take care of your appliances, your appliances take care of you. A little bit of regular maintenance can keep them running efficiently and reduce the need for costly repairs. Maintaining your appliances can also prolong their lifespan, allowing you to extend the timeline for expensive replacements—a win-win for your home and budget.
These 11 tips can help you keep your home's behind-the-scenes superheroes working smoothly for years to come. (And when you're ready for a replacement, be sure to check Synchrony Marketplace for local retailers, discounts and financing options.)
Your refrigerator is a kitchen MVP. By keeping it in good working order, you can keep your perishable food fresh and potentially lower your energy costs. About once a month, complete the following tasks:
Wondering if you really need to pull out your refrigerator to clean the condenser coils? It's not necessary with most modern fridges, but review your owner's manual to be sure.
It's easy to take your trusty dishwasher for granted, but you need to periodically clean out the filter at the bottom. This part can clog with food bits and grease, leading to a stinky dishwasher and less-than-clean dishes.
Check your owner's manual for instructions on how to remove the filter from your unit. Then clean it in warm water with dish soap or vinegar. If you've never cleaned the filter—or if it's been a while—don't be surprised to find gunk stuck inside!
The phrase “deep clean" might give you a mental image of long days spent scrubbing on hands and knees. But monthly deep cleaning can be broken into short, simple steps to keep your kitchen tools sparkling.
For example, here's how to run a dishwasher clean cycle to cut through grime, scale and mold that can build up in your machine each month:
If you've ever overcrowded the dishwasher only to later find a load of still-dirty plates and spoons, you already know: An overloaded machine runs less efficiently. Run a full load when you use the dishwasher or washing machine, but avoid overloading it. A maxed-out load is harder on the appliance's motors and seals, causing more wear over time.
The same rule of thumb applies to your freezer. If it's crammed to the brim, you could be blocking the freezer's airflow and making it harder to maintain a frosty temp. Experts recommend keeping your freezer about 75% to 80% full.
Wipe up messes on the stove or inside the oven as soon as they happen. This prevents spills from hardening or burning—and it can even prevent a grease fire.
While you're in the neighborhood, inspect the gasket around your oven door to make sure there are no cracks or loose spots. If the oven door doesn't seal completely, you may need to replace the gasket. This will help keep the cooking temperature even, which is important for baking.
It's always a good idea to cover food before reheating in the microwave, but even still, spills happen. Wipe them up ASAP to prevent baked-on grime, and take out the turntable to wash it by hand in warm water with dish soap.
For more stubborn messes, try the steam-clean trick:
Mineral buildup can shorten your coffee maker's lifespan, so descale this appliance regularly. You can purchase a coffee descaling solution and follow the instructions on the package, or for a DIY descaling, run a cycle in the machine with half water and half white vinegar (then run a water-only cycle to flush out the vinegar taste). Clean the filter basket and carafe with soap and water for a sparkling finish, and wipe down any coffee stains on the outside of the machine while it's unplugged and cold to the touch.
Your garbage disposal is a powerhouse for chopping up food waste, but you can't throw everything in there. To keep your disposal sharp, don't throw no-no foods in the drain like coffee grounds, eggshells, nuts, grease and potato peels.
If there's an unpleasant odor coming from your disposal, food buildup may be to blame. Freshen up the sink by chopping up a few ice cubes in the disposal; this helps clean the blades and dislodge stuck food. You can also throw a citrus peel into the disposal or purchase a garbage disposal cleaning product to help eliminate odors.
An ounce of prevention can help you avoid expensive repairs or early replacements for your kitchen appliances.
Implement good habits that keep your tools running smoothly: Wipe down surfaces to avoid moisture buildup and prevent caked-on messes. Unplug appliances when they're not in use, and don't ignore issues when they arise.
Sometimes a problem requires professional help. Gas, electrical or mechanical issues aren't DIY territory. Call in a plumber, electrician or handyperson if you encounter an issue that goes beyond simple maintenance. A pro can ultimately help extend the life and safety of your appliance.
Even with great care, appliances eventually need replacing. Plan ahead by researching reliable brands, comparing prices and setting aside funds in a high yield savings account for the upgrade. A little preparation now can save a lot of stress later.
Small, consistent habits—along with occasional deep cleaning—can help your appliances last longer, perform better and consume less energy. Take care of your kitchen appliances to protect the value of your home.
Time to upgrade or repair your appliances? The Synchrony HOME Credit Card can help you purchase things you need for your home. Use the Synchrony HOME locator to find Synchrony HOME retail partners in your area that may have special offers for cardholders.*
READ MORE: When is the Best Time to Purchase New Appliances?
*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Promotional financing offers available at the time of purchase may vary by location. See store for details.
Lauren Sieben is a journalist and freelance writer based in Milwaukee. She has written about personal finance, real estate, insurance and home renovation for brands and publications including Realtor.com, Northwestern Mutual and Western & Southern Financial Group.