The argument that you should take care of kitchen appliances is compelling, to say the least. There is no doubt about it: When you purchase a kitchen appliance, you are making a significant investment. Refrigerators and ovens are not cheap. However, they are necessary to have in every home, regardless of size or budget. And if one of these appliances malfunctions, it can throw a wrench in your life in a major way.
Fortunately, there are simple maintenance tips you can perform to take care of your kitchen appliances and avoid costly repairs. The six tips below will help extend the life of this critical equipment.
1. Clean Up Your Act
It may seem minor, but cleaning your kitchen incorrectly subjects appliances to wear and tear that can take its toll over time. In some cases, using the wrong products may even damage them.
Think twice before whipping out the Windex to clean your stainless steel refrigerator. The chemicals can discolor the surface and damage the outer protective layer, dulling its shine. Take a natural approach instead. Apply a vinegar and water solution to a soft cotton cloth and wipe the surface along the metal’s grain. Finish it off with a dab of coconut or olive oil to tackle water stains and amp up the shine factor.
The traditional steel wool pad works wonders on dirty dishes, but it can spell disaster for a glass stovetop. To avoid scratches while still achieving a pristine clean, spray vinegar evenly on the stovetop and sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar. The solution will loosen stubborn grime. Next, squeeze just a few drops of mild dishwashing soap into a bucket and fill it with hot water. Dunk a towel in the bucket, wringing out excess water, and lay the towel over your stovetop. Remove the towel after 15 minutes and – presto! – you should be able to easily clean the surface with a bit more vinegar and a microfiber cloth.
2. Keep Your Refrigerator Sealed Up Tightly
The door seals on your refrigerator are small but mighty. If the seals are cracked or broken, or compromised in any other way, cold air can escape and hinder your refrigerator’s ability to maintain a cool temperature. This can wreak havoc on the appliance’s energy consumption and cause freezer burn.
To take care of this problem, inspect the seals once a month. Take it seriously if you find any that are in less than stellar shape. You should also make a habit out of washing the seals to keep them free of food spills. You just need warm, soapy water and a cotton cloth to get the job done.
3. Ensure Your Oven’s Performance Is Not Half Baked
Door seals play a very important role in oven performance, as well. A cracked or frayed gasket can place a strain on the heating elements. They will have to work harder to reach and maintain the correct temperature. Fixing the seals is relatively easy. It is also an inexpensive repair for a professional to make. And replacing faulty seals will extend the life of your stove.
4. Give Some Love to the Refrigerator Condenser Coils
According to the Food Network, dusty condenser coils can have a two-fold effect on your refrigerator – preventing it from cooling food properly and running efficiently. You should take care of this by cleaning them twice a year. Just make sure that when you do so, you unplug the refrigerator first to avoid getting shocked. You can use a coil brush to tackle the dust and then simply vacuum it up from the floor.
5. Be Unfiltered in Banishing Grime & Grease from Your Oven
Efforts to take care of kitchen appliances should take into account even the most basic of tasks. Landmark Home Warranty shares that something as simple as cleaning your oven’s range hood filters will help reduce the number of food particles, grease, and steam that end up in your stove. Dirty filters are hard on the kitchen exhaust fan and can compromise its performance. Not to mention, increase chances of a fire.
6. Take Your Refrigerator’s Temperature
Your refrigerator should be set at 40 degrees, which is cold enough to delay bacteria growth and prolong the time the food within is safe to consume. However, generally, you want to avoid making the temperature any lower, as it can drain your refrigerator’s energy supply.
When to Call in a Professional Appliance Repair Company
Do bear in mind that despite your best efforts to take care of kitchen appliances, sometimes they malfunction and need to be repaired by a professional. Locally owned and operated since 1958, the team at Area Appliance Service has more than five decades of experience. We service the Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, Northbrook, Palatine, Des Plaines, Vernon Hills area along with more surrounding suburbs.
We apply our expertise to major brands including Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, GE, and Wolf. First rate work and excellent customer service are the benchmarks of our business. We can repair and take care of your kitchen appliances including refrigerators, stoves, ovens, freezers, cooktops, ice makers, ranges as well as other appliances such as laundry equipment.
Give us a call today at (847) 459-8070 to experience the Area Appliance Service difference firsthand.
If you want to learn more about taking care of your home appliances to avoid costly repairs, check out DIY maintenance tips that every homeowner should know.
