Use These 10 Tips To Make Your Kitchen Appliances Last Longer

Have you relied so much on a replacement that you bother less about how long your appliances can last? You probably also do not know that you could use your kitchen appliances for as many years as possible. Replacement is fine but it could mean breaking your pocket which you might not be ready for.

One of the dreams of homeowners is to see their kitchen appliances last as long as they want. Apart from the beautiful kitchen designs, you have worked hard to make your kitchen’s appearance outstandingly attractive, taking good care of your kitchen appliances is also important. It is the main way to make them last longer.  

So how do you make your kitchen appliances last longer?

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1. Know your kitchen appliances

When it comes to appliances, most of us just want them to work as they are supposed to. However, there are some simple things we can do to extend their life and keep them running efficiently. One of these is by reading the instruction manuals thoroughly.

The manufacturers have put so much effort into making sure that their products run well under different conditions, and it’s important that you get to know your appliance and follow their instructions closely so that you can get the most out of your purchases.

SEE: What Temp Is Low, Medium, and High Heat Settings on a Stove?

2. Cleanliness is non-negotiable

Keep your kitchen appliances clean by washing them regularly with warm water and mild dish soap. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or chemicals that might damage the surface of your appliances; instead, choose products specifically made for cleaning kitchen appliances.

Also, don’t forget to wipe down the outside of your appliances too! This will help prevent rust from forming over time and keep dirt particles from building up inside components where they can build up over time and cause problems.

SEE: Transformative Techniques to Clean Your Kitchen

3. Don’t overuse them. Use only when necessary.

Appliances have limits, and they can only take so much. It may seem obvious, but using your appliances less often will help them last longer. For example, if you have an older refrigerator that works fine but just doesn’t feel as cold as it used to, consider buying a new one rather than running it constantly in hopes of getting it colder.

The same goes for washing machines and dryers — unless you have children who love to play in mud puddles and get their clothes dirty all the time (or if your family has pets), try washing clothes in cold water instead of hot water whenever possible.

4. Use your microwave properly

Your microwave is one of the smallest appliances you can have in your kitchen. The microwave is one of the stressless kitchen equipment to clean. You can make a routine cleaning schedule for it or you decide to clean thoroughly before and after use.

As an electric device, it is advisable to ensure you practice some safety tips such as the constant removal of the plug after use. Placing the metallic point of the plug into a liquid can cause an electric shock except the water on it is dry. Do not plug the microwave when cleaning (sure you wouldn’t try that). Ensure you wipe the in and out of the microwave with a moist napkin or wipe.

For permanent stains on the pan, you must scratch gently with the wipe for some time and it will clean off. It is advisable to warm your food items in recommended microwave pans or containers. Improvising for this can be very wrong and in the end, affect your food and your microwave.

SEE: A Comprehensive Guide On How To Use Kitchen Timer

5. Take care of your dishwashers

I once thought out loud as a kid – Should I wash my dishwasher even if it is a washer? Shouldn’t washers wash and care for themselves too?

Dishwashers need extra care if you do not want to revert to washing your dishes manually especially if you are just trying out the appliance. Regular surface dusting is better but cleaning them with water is great. Run the inside with water. Never pour underneath its base- it could shock you when next you use it.

Hot water cleaning is preferable for dishwashers because it is trusted to remove any greasy or oily stain. Constantly check the pump and spray areas of the machine. It should be cleaned and free to allow wastewater to pass through for the rounds of washing. There are two recommended elements to use in cleaning your dishwashers; vinegar and baking soda.

6. Not everything should be put in your refrigerator

Overstocking can also put them in harm’s way. That is why you should read more on the foods you should not store in the refrigerator.

When your fridge is overstocked, its cooling rate will drastically reduce. It can take hours for your fruit juice to get chilled- you could lose patience as a result. This is a sign that the compressor is faulty and needs a change or repair. Try not to overstock your fridge, only put items that need cooling to avoid blocking the airflow of your refrigerator and damaging your compressor.  

Caring for your refrigerator can be a bit technical if you do not know about the mechanical aspect. This is why whenever you notice any damage which you are not sure of, do contact the repairer. It is the best option.

SEE: What Is the Difference Between a Faucet and a Spigot?

7. Ensure your oven is giving you blue flame

Your kitchen can come in either electric or gas. This is another technical appliance to watch out for. When neglected, not only will they not last, it could result in accidents at home. The flames of your oven must work only in blue. Not the yellow flame.

The blue flame is best to cook your food and protect your pans. Yellow flames damage your cooking pans and it also leaves a black coal stain on them which can rub off on any other part of the kitchen.

While cooking tune your knob to make sure only the blue flames pop up. Use only aluminum pans but lighter ones so you can easily carry them when food is done. Try not to drag your pots or pans when changing the burner of your pots. Rather pick up a napkin and place it gently on the desired surface.

8. Use only recommended accessories for your kitchen appliances

If there are accessories that come with your appliance, make sure that you use them as recommended by the manufacturer. For example, if your blender comes with a tamper and mixing cup, use them both when blending ingredients together or making smoothies or shakes.

Similarly, if your mixer has attachments for whipping cream and other things, use them every time you’re making whipped cream or any other recipe that calls for whipped cream or egg whites.

The same goes for food processors: if they come with blades and bowls and discs, etc., use all of those accessories every time you use the machine – even if they aren’t required by a recipe.

SEE: Can Glass Go in the Oven [How-to + Safety Rules to Follow]

9. Follow safety instructions carefully

Appliances can be dangerous if they’re used improperly or if they have problems that occur due to improper maintenance or abuse. Some common dangers include burns from hot surfaces; electrical shock from faulty wiring; damage caused by overloading machines with too much weight; harm done by sharp edges or blades; damage caused by hot steam escaping, and so on.

SEE: Top Kitchen Safety Tips for Your Home

10. Use the service of a professional when necessary

When it comes to repairs, it is better to hire a professional. If an appliance is under warranty, contact the manufacturer for advice or call for repair services. If it’s not under warranty, you can choose between hiring someone who will come over to your place or opt for repairs done at home. Either way, it is better to make sure that the repairperson knows what he/she is doing since they have been trained and certified in this field.

FAQs

Should you repair or throw your kitchen appliances away when they have problems?

Depending on the problem your kitchen appliance has, you can either repair it or throw them away. However, if it’s repairable, ensure you only have professional work on it.

What should you look for when buying a used appliance?

There are many factors when purchasing used appliances. In most cases, the appliances that you want to buy will be used, look out for the life span of the product and also pay attention to the visible damage. If you can, check if everything is working properly. At least make sure that it will not trigger any problems in the future.

How often should you clean your kitchen appliances?

As often as you can. But if you’re too busy, it is recommended you clean your kitchen appliances at least, once a week.

Conclusion

With these tips, your appliances should last much longer than before, whether that’s a few more years or several more decades. Well, no one can really tell exactly how long each appliance will last without factoring in usage and maintenance, but hopefully, this article can give you a few ideas on how you can keep your appliances in top shape, and ready to work at any moment.

Whether it’s keeping the cabinet under your fridge clear, implementing a temperature plan for your freezer, or investing in equipment covers, there are several simple actions that you can take to ensure that your appliances run smoothly for years to come.

Want more tips and guides on how to keep your kitchen in shape to ensure you have a great time whenever you choose to use the kitchen? Please feel free to explore Cheffist. There’s more than enough helpful information for you.

Thank you for reading.