We tend to overlook some everyday items in our house when it comes to home maintenance. Think about how many times a day you go into your refrigerator. Now think about how often you check to make sure it is still in working condition. If the numbers are wildly different, it might be time to take a step back and check out this guide on how to care for your home’s most important items.
Refrigerator
The lifeblood of the kitchen should be a top priority when it comes to maintaining your home. Refrigerators, especially older models, have coils in the back that can accumulate dust, which can then lead to the fridge overheating. A quick vacuum every now and again should clear up any accumulated debris. Other essential tasks include making sure the gasket around the door creates a tight seal and regularly cleaning the drip tray at the bottom to avoid it growing any mold.
Dishwasher
Your dishwasher, another invaluable kitchen appliance, is a serious workhorse. You can help it out by cleaning the spray nozzles every few months to make sure you’re getting the best clean possible. If you have an older dishwasher, you may need to clean out the filter to avoid odors or smudging on your dishes.
Air Conditioner
No one wants to be sweating in their own home. AC units can be fickle things, but the least you can do is to check out the filters every couple of weeks. Some may need all new ones, while there are some that you can simply clean and replace. No matter what kind of unit you have, keep an eye on the dust and dirt that clogs up the filters.
Washing Machine
One of the easiest things to miss about your washing machine is the state of its water hose. Check the hose periodically to make sure there are no tears or leaks, and you’ll avoid any nasty flooding that can otherwise occur. Some preventative advice is to avoid overloading your washing machine, as this can wear it down faster than it would normally.
Television
A good TV is expensive, and there are a few simple things you can do to make them last longer. Keeping the room that you keep it in nice and cool will have a dramatic impact on the lifespan of your television. Be sure to check the brightness settings, as these can sometimes be too high, thereby exhausting the TV much faster.
Automobile
While it may not live inside the house, your vehicle is, without a doubt, the item that needs the most maintenance. Oil changes, tire checks, fluid checks, and emissions tests are all just as important as maintaining something inside of your home. Don’t forget about your car just because it lives in the garage!
Now you know how to care for your home’s most important items and can relax knowing that everything is running smoothly.