The average cost to repair a major household appliance in 2014 was between $254 to $275. It is a good idea to plan for repair jobs by building a fund for just such emergencies. It would be an inconvenience for most homeowner’s to be without a washing machine for a few days. But to be without a refrigerator for even a day is difficult without advance planning. Here is your quick guide on maintenance and repair for common household appliances.
What to Do If You Don’t Know How to Take Care of Your Major Household Appliances.
A common theme in most houses is a certain amount of ambivalence towards the major household appliances. People will usually clean up a spill inside of the refrigerator, but they probably don’t vacuum the coils. People use their dishwasher most days, and yet they never run a sanitizing cycle.
Washing Machine Repairs: Don’t Start a Flood Through Neglect.
It might be due to the machine’s large size, but people often do not properly clean behind their washing machines. As the appliance is always located in an out of the way space against a wall, it is true that cleaning behind it is certainly not the easiest job. Yet it must be done as part of regular maintenance.
Unlike heating and cooling machines, regular maintenance for a washing machine doesn’t require a technician. The homeowner can easily complete the checklist themselves. To do the proper checks, the machine must be pulled away from the wall. Next, the water hoses need to be checked for wear and tear.
If they look worn, try not to use the washing machine until they are replaced, as a blown gasket is what leads to flooding. As a guideline, hoses usually need to be replaced every five years. Next, clean the inside of the drum, or where the clothes go, with a soft cloth. Wipe dust off the outside of the machine. Vacuum away any dust or debris from behind the machine.
Dishwasher Repairs:.
The dishwasher needs a little help in getting dishes clean. Although the instructions guide users to completely remove food particles from the cutlery and dishes before loading, most homeowners do a lackluster job of it. This leads to bits of food particles becoming trapped in the bottom of the machine.
Make sure the dishwasher is turned off. Remove the loading trays if possible. Inspect the spinning arms for clogs. Clean the drain at the bottom of the machine with a soft bristled brush and a soft cloth. Wipe down the outside and inside of the door thoroughly, paying attention to the rubber seal on the sides.
Once the machine has been cleaned by hand, it needs to clean itself. Run an empty cycle through with an appropriate acid to clear out any soap deposits. Check your machine’s guidelines for the recommended cleaner. This is not the time to try unregulated do-it-yourself combinations from online.
Refrigerator Repairs:.
To avoid unnecessary refrigerator repairs, it is important to regularly perform maintenance on your appliance. First, remove all items from the inside and turn it off. An essential and often neglected step is to clean the condenser coils at the bottom at least twice every year. This can be accomplished using a long microfiber brush and a long-handled vacuum attachment.
Next, clean the inside well. This includes getting in between any crevices of the rubber gasket on the doors. It is not uncommon for food particles to become lodged here, and begin to smell. If applicable, replace the water filter, remove all ice from the ice maker, and defrost the freezer. These steps could save you from an expensive refrigerator repairs.
Refrigerator repairs will come up at some point during the course of the appliance’s lifetime. However, there is a difference between a repair job that is needed because the appliance is older, and a repair job to fix an issue from neglect. The average refrigerator lasts for about 13 years, which should provide some guidance. Taking care of major appliances simply requires a little regular time and care.