Household appliances are some of the hardest-working items in any home, running daily in the background until something suddenly goes wrong.
From washing machines and fridges to kettles and tumble dryers, most breakdowns do not happen overnight but are the result of small, preventable issues building up over time.
Kane Taylor, from Ailsa, is an expert in appliance maintenance, where he monitors and repairs crucial equipment as big as wind turbines, and as small as gearboxes. He’s also an award-winning circular economy pro.
“So many homeowners are unknowingly shortening the lifespan of their appliances through simple maintenance oversights,” he revealed.
“The good news is that a few quick habits and easy at-home checks could add years to your appliances and save you hundreds of pounds in costly repairs or replacements.”
Don’t overload your washing machine
“It’s tempting to cram everything in to save time, but overloading your washing machine is one of the quickest ways to shorten its lifespan. When the drum is too full, it strains the motor, bearings and suspension system,” Kane shared.
“Clothes also don’t wash properly when they can’t move freely, meaning you’ll likely rewash items, doubling the wear on your appliance.
“As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit a hand vertically between the top of the drum and your laundry. If you can’t, it’s too full.”
Clean your filters more often than you think
“From washing machines to dishwashers and tumble dryers, filters are there to protect your appliance, but only if they’re clean.” Kane warned.
“Blocked filters force the machine to work harder, increasing energy use and putting pressure on internal components. Over time, that extra strain can lead to breakdowns.
“Check and clean filters once a month. It’s a five-minute job that could save you hundreds in repairs.”
Keep fridge coils dust-free
“Your fridge runs 24/7, so it needs a bit of TLC to stay efficient. One of the most overlooked maintenance jobs is cleaning the condenser coils,” Kane recommended.
“When coils are covered in dust and pet hair, the fridge has to work harder to keep cool. That constant strain can reduce its lifespan significantly.
“Vacuum the coils at least twice a year to keep your fridge running smoothly and reduce energy bills at the same time.”
Descale kettles and coffee machines regularly
“Limescale doesn’t just affect taste, it damages heating elements over time too,” added Kane.
“If left to build up, it forces appliances to work harder to heat water, which increases wear and can eventually cause the element to fail.
“Descale every one to three months depending on your water hardness. If you live in a hard water area, you may need to do it more frequently.”
The Surprising Reason You Should Keep an Old Toothbrush in Your Kitchen
Beyond the usual cleaning and filter checks, there’s a lesser-known trick that many homeowners have never even considered.
Use a toothbrush on rubber seals
“Old toothbrushes are perfect for cleaning the hidden grime inside washing machine and fridge seals,” Kane shared.
“A quick scrub with warm soapy water prevents mould build-up, which can weaken seals and cause leaks over time.
“It’s a simple habit that protects one of the most expensive parts to replace.”
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-hand-putting-towels-in-washing-machine-11316620/
