To ensure the longevity of your household appliances, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines meticulously. However, not everyone adheres to these instructions. Below are the most common mistakes people make when using household appliances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Household Appliances
Overloading the Washing Machine with Heavy Items
This is one of the most common and costly mistakes when using a washing machine. Overloading can lead to worn-out bearings or a damaged shaft support. When this happens, you’ll likely need to replace the entire machine. This oversight can cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
To prevent this:
- Avoid washing bath mats. They absorb too much water, putting excessive strain on the motor.
- Avoid washing heavy blankets. They damage the machine faster than any other item.
- Avoid washing rugs, pet blankets, sleeping bags, duvets, and other bulky items, as they become extremely heavy when wet and can quickly cause malfunctions.
Neglecting to Clean the Dryer Vent
This mistake can have severe consequences, as it poses a fire hazard. When the dryer vent is clogged with lint, hot air cannot escape. If the dryer overheats, it can trigger a safety device called a “high-limit switch”, which acts like a fuse and cuts power to the heating element. Replacing this component is expensive.
In the worst-case scenario, lint buildup in the dryer cavity can ignite, leading to a fire caused by gas flames or electrical components.
To prevent this:
- Clean the lint filter after every drying cycle.
- Every six months, clean the vent using a dryer vent cleaning brush.
Using the Oven’s Self-Cleaning Feature
This can do more harm than good, as it may damage your oven. Self-cleaning temperatures can reach up to 1,000°F, hot enough to burn off any grease or debris but also hot enough to melt heating elements, warp heat diffusers, damage electronic components, and cause other issues.
Instead:
- Avoid risking the self-cleaning feature. While it may work occasionally, it often leads to costly repairs requiring professional intervention.
- Opt for a safe, manual cleaning method. It requires some effort but is faster and far safer than self-cleaning.
Not Pre-Rinsing Dishes Before Placing Them in the Dishwasher
Yes, you should rinse dishes before loading them, but there’s no need to remove all food residue. Simply scrape off large chunks. Leaving some food particles on the dishes allows the detergent’s enzymes to activate effectively.
For spotless dishes and optimal dishwasher performance:
- Rinse off large food remnants from dishes, utensils, and pans. Failure to do so can allow debris to enter the pump, clogging spray arms and nozzle holes. Over time, this will render your dishwasher ineffective and eventually lead to drainage issues.
Failing to Clean the Refrigerator Coils
Every six months, clean your refrigerator coils. These coils expel heat from the fridge. When covered in dust and pet hair, they cannot dissipate heat efficiently. This causes the compressor to run continuously, increasing energy consumption and raising your electricity bill. It also shortens the compressor’s lifespan, necessitating an earlier replacement of your refrigerator.
- Locate the coils. Depending on your fridge model, they may be on the back, underside, or behind a lower back panel.
- Use a refrigerator coil brush to clean them thoroughly.
