subject: Looking After Your Appliances [print this page] If you look after your household appliances well, there is no reason why they will not last for many years, functioning without fault. There are however, a number of things you will need to do regularly to make this happen, including cleaning, inspecting, and changing worn or broken parts. By following these simple steps, you will be able to keep your appliances in top condition.
Many people do not know that Microwaves contain solid state circuitry. This is not a bad thing, but it does make them more likely to break if there is a surge of electricity. If this did happen, the microwave could easily be disabled. The way to avoid this from happening is not to plug the microwave directly into the socket, but to plug it into a surge protector first, thus reducing the risk of damage. Always clean your microwave regularly, and it goes without saying, not to put any metal objects inside the microwave, whilst the power is on.
If you have a gas oven, and hob, it is vital you check them regularly (once a month is good). You are checking to see that the oven is working as it should, but also to check it is safe for use. Turn on all the hobs, and check that there is a flame coming from every hole. If the flame is burning an odd colour, then phone an engineer. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Another great way to prolong the life of your oven is to give it a thorough clean once every two weeks. This will stop any moving parts getting clogged up, and will also keep your stove looking in tip top condition. Remove all parts such as Knobs and burners, and clean behind these, and in the gaps. Doing a little cleaning often, will help prolong your ovens lifespan.
Your dish washer is designed to wash your dishes. But if you do not regularly clean the dishwasher itself, then you may run in to some problems. How can you expect your dishes to be clean if your dish washer is not. After each cycle, wipe the inside of the dishwasher with a clean cloth. Check and rinse all filters under clean cold water, and check the drainage pipe is not blocked with any nasty food waste.
These are just some handy tips to help you get the most out of your household appliances. The key advice is to keep your appliances free from dirt and grime.