How much did you pay for your kitchen appliances? Do you feel it was luck? High quality kitchen machines are expensive. When you make such an investment, you want to enjoy worry-free use for years to come.
However, in real life, devices often break before their life is up. So you end up paying for repairs, choosing new devices, finding ways to utilize old ones, etc. How can you keep your kitchen helpers last longer?
In this article, we’ll teach you how to forget about faulty devices and enjoy their stellar work for as long as possible.
1. Keep them clean
Keeping the equipment clean is the key to their longevity. Here comes a surprise. Yours kitchen is the dirtiest place in your house. Yes, it’s not the bathroom. It’s the kitchen! The reason is a high concentration of bacteria, which comes from food, as well as high humidity.
The grease settles on the device, infiltrates inside and breaks the electronics. Bacteria and high humidity create an excellent environment for mold growth.
If you want to avoid frequent breakdowns, it is important to keep the device clean. Wash and wipe surfaces after each cooking session. Don’t leave them dirty for too long. If you have an opportunity, hide small appliances inside the cabinets. The less grease and moisture they encounter, the better they will function.
Cleaning the equipment from the inside is also important. Some people believe that dishwashers do not need special cleaning because they run the water and detergent by themselves anyway.
That is a big mistake. Any appliance that uses water is susceptible to things like clogging and hard water deposits. You want to make sure they are taken care of properly.
2. Read the manual
We hope you didn’t just stop reading the article. Yes, nobody likes manuals. However, they can save you thousands of dollars. Even if you’ve been using your old microwave for a dozen years, you’re not a microwave expert. So when you get a new one, look inside the instruction booklet.
You can learn a few surprising things. The most important chapter talks about maintenance. Appliance repair specialists based in Tampa share that if you provide proper care for your appliances, they can surprise you by working long after their life is over. You will leave the repair companies out of work.
While reading the maintenance section, pay some attention to the operating rules. In many cases, the device gives out due to improper use.
3. Do not overload
Overloading devices often leads to their failure. Even though it seems that a dishwasher can fit a large number of dishes, there is a limit. Meanwhile, filling large dishes in the microwave can lead to malfunctions. The same works for the rest of your kitchen equipment.
Even if you are in a hurry, keep the volume low. Read the manual to find out how much you can put inside the device.
4. Use the right cleanser
When you are cleaning your equipment, be sure to use high quality cleaning products. Harsh chemicals and hard-bristled brushes can damage the coating of some devices, making them less efficient. Eventually, such cleaning can lead to damage.
Try to stick with ecological cleaning. They are usually cheaper and safer than what you can buy in the nearest store. You will be surprised at how good an effect you can get with baking soda, vinegar and lemon.
5. Maintain your electrical system
In many cases, devices break down due to a faulty electrical system. A sudden change in voltage can damage a device. That is why you should maintain your electrical system properly. If you are not sure about its safety, consider investing in electrical protectors.
If an appliance breaks due to an electrical problem, never try to repair it yourself. It can be dangerous. Call a professional appliance repair service.
6. Pay close attention to the installation
When installing your device, consider the following factors:
- Proximity to water source
- Direct sunlight
- Ventilation
Ideally, they should be installed away from water and direct sunlight and in a ventilated area. Read the manual to find out what the ideal conditions are for your particular device. Some appliances, such as dishwashers, must be perfectly level to work properly.
7. Get professional services
When your device stops working, don’t try to fix it yourself. Unless it’s something minor like replacing a light bulb or changing a filter, leave the job to the professionals. DIY repairs are often ineffective and lead to further damage.
The professional technicians not only discover the root of the problem, but they give a guarantee on their services.
Consider finding a reliable appliance repair service as soon as you buy an appliance. Sounds a little strange? You’ll thank yourself when the machine breaks down. Because knowing who to call in an emergency rather than running around looking for the best option is priceless.
8. Provide proper ventilation
High quality ventilation is the key to the proper functioning of all your kitchen equipment. You may want to invest in an air purifier as well. Proper ventilation prevents too much dirt from settling on the device. It can also prevent mold growth.
Final thoughts
Extending the life of your kitchen is easy as long as you follow these simple rules. A little attention every day can save you hundreds of dollars on repair and replacement.
