Blog Post
Is Your Refrigerator Running? Tips From A Pro On How To Keep It That Way
As a tenant, maintaining the large appliances in your rented home is not only essential for your daily convenience but also contributes to the longevity of these costly devices.
In this blog post, we'll explore some crucial tips to help tenants care for their large appliances effectively. And before servicing any machine, what do we do? We read the owner’s manual (you too, guys).
Refrigerator Maintenance:
- Clean the condenser coils in the back of your fridge. They cool and condense refrigerant, releasing the heat your appliance produces while turned on.
- One of the best fridge maintenance tips is to empty your ice tray regularly, which helps keep your freezer fresh. Ice absorbs freezer odors, and when the tray is too full, ice can also block or clog the dispenser.
- Don’t block the vents inside your fridge. The vents circulate air between the freezer and the fridge compartment and are critical to a fridge’s cooling functions. Blocked vents could lead to a host of issues, including your refrigerator freezing up or overheating and killing the motor
Washing Machine Wisdom:
- Avoid overloading the machine, as this can strain the motor and decrease its lifespan.
- Check that you’re using the right type of detergent, and the correct amount, for your machine and each load. For example, high-efficiency machines perform best with low-sudsing detergent, so check for “HE” on the detergent label to confirm you’re using the right kind.
- Too much detergent can cause excess suds and cushioning between your clothes, reducing the amount of friction needed to get them clean.
- And finally, clean the lint filter after each use, and periodically run an empty cycle with vinegar to remove built-up residue. You may also want to leave leave the machine open between loads to help prevent odors and mildew.
Dishwasher TLC:
- If your dishwasher has a filter, remove it and clean off any food or grime. Food can become trapped in the filter and impair cleaning.
- Dishwashers have seals around the door rim to prevent the machine from leaking while running. Wipe down the rubber seals and the door with a damp cloth to prevent soil and grime from building up.
- Be mindful of the type of detergent you use, and always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Stove Smarts:
- Clean up spills immediately to avoid burnt on messes later.
- Keep burners and drip pans clean.
- Never spray cleaning solution directly onto stovetop. Spray onto a paper towel or rag instead, then wipe down surface.
