10 Appliance Maintenance Tips You Can Do In Under 10 Minutes

Many people think of cleaning as a chore, but periodic maintenance of your household appliances can potentially save you from a list of repairs. Regular upkeep, such as replacing worn appliance parts, will improve the appliance's efficiency while also keeping more money in your wallet. Take 10 minutes out of your schedule to try one of these 10 quick and easy maintenance tips:

1. Verify Oven Door Has Tight Seal

Over 20% of your oven's heat can escape if the door is not sealed properly, meaning your oven could using 20% more energy than necessary, increasing your energy bills. To inspect your oven door seal, open the oven door and locate the rubber gasket around the perimeter of the door and feel for any broken, torn, or deformed areas on your seal. Next, close the door, turn on the oven, and see if you can find any leaks by feeling around the perimeter with your hand.

If you find any issues, you will need a Replacement Oven Door Seal.

2. Clean or Replace Dirty Vent Filters

Another simple inspection that can increase your appliances' performance is checking vent filters. A dirty or clogged filter causes your appliances to work harder than necessary, resulting in more energy being used and costing you money!

Metal-mesh grease filters can be washed by hand in soapy water or you can put them in your dishwasher for a thorough cleaning. Don't attempt to wash charcoal or paper filters; they are single-use filters and need to be replaced.

3. Clean Stovetop Drip Bowls

Drip bowls are designed to catch any spills that would otherwise splash into your range, potentially ruining your appliance. But if you do not reguarlily clean these bowls, they become a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and cause you to get sick.

To clean them, remove the drip bowls from underneath your burner elements and pre-soak the drip bowls in a cleaning solution for 5 minutes. Then wash, clean, and place them back under the burners

Remember to clean drip bowls immediately after spills. If spills burn into the bowls you may need Replacement Drip Bowls.

4. Clean Coils in Your Refrigerator

In the video above, Steve shows you how to clean fan-cooled "jelly roll" condensor coils. However, there are 3 different types of condensor coils, all with their own cleaning methods. But don't worry, we have videos showing you how to clean the other 2 styles as well!

• How to clean static condensor coils
• How to clean fan-cooled open coils

5. Change Refrigerator Water Filter

Filters that don't efficiently remove contaminants and impurities may expose you to harmful water. Which is why it is very important that you reguarily check and replace your water filters

To replace your filter, follow the instructions found on the filter itself or in your owner's manual, as exact replacement methods vary from model to model. However, most are as easy as turning the filter one-quarter inch and popping it out (or locking it in place when installing).

If you need a replacement filter, we've got you covered with filters for hundreds of models. Shop Replacement Water Filters >. If you aren't sure what filter you need, try our Water Filter Finder!

6. Fix Rusty Dishrack Tines

If the tines are rusty, the rust can adhere to and ruin your dishes and silverware! When this happens, many homeowners will replace the entire dishrack, or even the entire dishwasher! However, these tines can be easily repaired with a Tine Repair Kit! Use a sealant to adhere the replacement tips over any damaged, rusty, or chipped tines, and let dry for at least 24 hours before running your dishwasher

7. Clean and Deodorize Garbage Disposal

After making sure the unit has been turned off, look down the drain for any large, stuck items. If you see anything, use tongs or another tool to fish items out, don't stick your hands in the disposal. Next, prepare a mixture of ice cubes and salt (or vinegar), pour it down the drain, run cold water over it for 10 seconds, and then turn the unit on. Finally to deodorize, simply place a handful of citrus peels in the disposal, run cold water and turn it on.

If this doesn't solve the smell issue, it's possible that you have a part that is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. To learn how to determine if you have a broken part causing the smell, view our repair center article >.

8. Clean Dryer Exhaust

Built up lint in your dryer exhaust is a serious fire hazard, but yet many homeowners rarely, if ever, clean their dryer exhaust.

To clean your dryer exhaust, loosen the clamp holding the hose on and pull the exhaust off the back of the dryer. Remove clumps of lint from the tubing and the hole in the back of the dryer. Then, use a coat hanger to carefully remove any large clumps that you can't reach with your hands. Once you have removed the large pieces, use your vaccuum to collect all the small lint.

9. Inspect Washing Maching Hoses

Most washing machine floods are caused by leaks in the hose and can be easily prevented by regularily inspecting your hoses for damage, wear, and cracking.

Inspecting your washing machine hoses is very easy. Simply remove the panel on your washing machine, locate the hoses, and search for any cracks, leaks or weak spots on your hoses. If you find any, you will need Replacement Washing Machine Hoses.

10. Clean Your Air Conditioner Filter

A dirty or clogged filter in an air conditioner can result in your air conditioner not being able to blow cold air at maximum efficiency, or at all due to restricted airflow. If the air filter is dirty, the restricted airflow can cause a buildup of frost or ice on the coils, which can lead to other problems.

While the exact removal and cleaning method will vary from model to model, for most window units you can locate the air filter behind the front grille. Once you have removed it, clean the filter, or replace it if it is too dirty or damaged to function. Take this opportunity to also clean the fan blades and evaporator coils with soap, water, and a soft brush.

Wrap-up

To keep your home operating at maximum efficiency, and to keep more money in your pocket, make sure to regularly perform each of the easy tasks described above! For even more tips, tricks, and advice check out the entire PartSelect blog.

If during your inspection(s) you find you need replacement parts, don't worry! Did you know PartSelect also sells more than two million manufacturer-approved replacement parts? Shop Now >