Are you looking to prevent future appliance breakdowns and save money on your energy bills? One of the best ways to do this is to ensure that your household appliances are running as efficiently as possible and the best way to ensure this is maintenance.

Regular maintenance and cleaning of appliances such as your washing machine, fridge freezer, vacuum cleaner, and tumble dryer can significantly increase their lifespan, help to reduce energy consumption and prevent future breakdowns.

Here are some top tips from our experts at Big Warranties to help you keep your appliances running smoothly and efficiently.

Extractor fans

To ensure your extractor fan is working efficiently, it's important to clean the filters every two months. These filters are typically located in the middle of your cooker hood, so remove them and soak them in hot soapy water. A brush or sponge can be used to dislodge the grease, or you could run them through the dishwasher. Be sure to run the dishwasher on a solo cycle to prevent excess grease from getting into your other dishes. Let the filters dry completely before placing them back in the cooker hood.

Washer Dryer

To prevent your washing machine from struggling to drain and spin, which can cause clothes to be wet at the end of a cycle, clean the filter every 6 – 8 weeks. The location of a washer dryer filter may vary depending on the model, but it’s commonly found in the lower left-hand corner of the machine. Remove the access cover, take the cap off the hose, and let the water drain into a tray. Then put the hose back in its original position and unscrew the filter, removing any debris, and then give it a clean with warm water.

Vacuum cleaner

A dirty filter can cause a significant reduction in the suction of your vacuum, which makes hoovering the floor less efficient and leaves behind dirt. Clean your vacuum cleaner filter once a month by removing the filter, tapping, and brushing away any excess dust, then running it under warm water and leaving it to dry completely. Finally, connect it back to your vacuum cleaner.

Tumble dryer

To ensure your tumble dryer is running efficiently, clean the filter after every cycle. Remove the lint and wipe the filter with a damp cloth, alongside emptying the water tank.

Fridge Freezer

Although a fridge freezer doesn’t necessarily have a filter, there are other ways to ensure they run efficiently. Make sure to follow all maintenance procedures mentioned in your manufacturer’s manual, including doing a full defrost of your fridge and freezer every three months. Once your appliance has defrosted, clean the grime and dirt that will have accumulated from the condenser coil. It's also important not to overstock your fridge, as it needs space to allow cold air to freely circulate through the interior of the refrigerator.

By following these simple steps, you can take care of your appliances and keep them running smoothly warding off common faults and breakdowns, all whilst saving you money on energy bills in the long run. For more tips and articles on how to keep your appliances in tip-top shape, check out our blog.

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