Electricals can have a longer shelf life if you follow some simple tips (Picture: Getty Images)
The cost of living crisis is continuing to have an adverse effect on all aspects of life, whether it’s the rising price of essentials or shelling out for energy bills – which are set to remain high in spite of the price cap having dropped.
With all of us looking for ways we can save money and make the best use of everything, having an appliance go wrong is something many of us will be keen to avoid.
Fortunately, there are ways you can make your washing machine, dishwasher, microwave and other items last longer – just by making a few simple checks and changes.
Follow our top tips to keep these common appliances tip-top….
Washing machine
A common issue that many find with washing machines over time, is laundry not being cleaned effectively leading to stains and smelly clothes.
Ian Palmer-Smith, an appliance expert at Domestic & General, told metro.co.uk: ‘This is likely a result of overloading the appliance, which makes it difficult for the water and detergent to work effectively. Additionally, using too much detergent can also clog the machine further impacting the lifespan of the machine.”
Aim to fill your machine to around 80% capacity, you should be able to fit your hand in the drum on top of your clothes. ‘
If the washing machine smells you may have a problem (Picture: Getty Images)
Also, reduce the amount of detergent you use and be sure to give your washing machine a deep clean every few months to remove any residue left from detergent or clothes.”
Dishwasher
If your dishwasher isn’t properly cleaning pots and pans it can be tempting to wash them by hand first – but this can use a lot of water, which can be costly.
Instead, keep your dishwasher well maintained to ensure your dishes come out sparkling – and keep an eye out for bad smells and gurgling noises which could indicate a clogged filter.
Dishwashers can get clogged (Picture: Getty Images)
Mr Palmer-Smith says: ‘To clean the filter simply remove it from the appliance, empty it, rinse it off and then scrub with an old toothbrush. This will help it trap food residue and leave your plates sparkling clean every time!”
Tumble dryer
Over time tumble driers can struggle to get hot enough or not heat up at all. This doesn’t always mean it is in need of a repair, but more likely just needs to be cleaned out.
‘Poor circulation can result in tumble dryers not heating up properly,’ Mr Palmer-Smith explains, ‘which is often caused by a build-up of soggy lint from fluff and fibres which come off your clothes when they’re being thrown around inside the drum of the appliance.
Tumble dryers often need a clean-out (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
‘Make sure you clean your filter after every cycle as this will help the air fully circulate inside the dryer and help to dry your clothes effectively.
‘Furthermore, if you have a condenser dryer it is essential that the condenser box is cleaned out, this can be done by removing the box and pouring all the water out of it into your sink.’
Oven
Most of us use our oven every day, so we’d understandably worried to see smoke rising from it. More often than not this is down to food and grease residue – and it just needs a clean.
“If a clean has recently been carried out, the smoke may be a result of excess cleaner left in the oven. In this case, the best thing to do is to use a vinegar and water solution to remove the excess cleaner,’ Mr Palmer-Smith suggests.
A clean will prevent smoke rising from your oven (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Once your oven has been cleaned thoroughly and the smoking has stopped, be sure to keep at least 3 inches of space between food and heating elements.
‘Also, don’t put food directly on the oven racks as this speeds up the time needed between deep cleans.’
Fridge freezer
Fridge freezers often have a long lifespan – so if you notice yours is suddenly not as cold as it should be, there may be a problem.
This could be caused by something stopping the door from shutting properly – such as food stuck in the seal or the fridge freezer being too full.
If your freezer is overfull then time to get it sorted (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Food can be removed with a quick clean, but frost build-up will mean that you need to defrost the appliance,’ Mr Palmer-Smith explains.
‘Avoid overfilling the appliance as this can reduce the circulation in the fridge freezer, causing a temperature change. Also, be sure to defrost the appliance twice a year to keep up with regular maintenance and avoid the need for repair. ‘
Microwave
Despite only being small, microwaves need cleaning more often than other appliances – as stubborn stains and bad odours can occur.
‘After using your microwave, it is best to give it a wipe down with a microfibre cloth to prevent any splashes or spillages from drying and becoming more stubborn to remove.,’ says Mr Palmer-Smith.
Even the microwave can go wrong if it’s not looked after (Credits: Getty Images)
‘You can also use small amounts of vinegar to help get rid of food spillages.”
‘Using baking soda is a great way to remove odours from your microwave. Simply mix a solution of water and baking soda, put it in a large microwave-safe bowl and heat on full power for 5 minutes making sure to not boil the solution.’
Get the most from your kitchen essentials.