In Under 10 Minutes

By Steve Ash

Many people think of cleaning as a chore, but periodic maintenance of your household appliances can potentially save you from a list of repairs. Regular upkeep, such as replacing worn appliance parts, will improve the appliance's efficiency while also keeping more money in your wallet. Take 10 minutes out of your schedule to try one of these 10 quick and easy maintenance tips.

Verify Oven Door Has Tight Seal:

Over 20% of your oven's heat can escape if the door is not sealed properly.

• Open the oven door and locate the rubber gasket around the perimeter of the door.
• Feel for any broken, torn or deformed areas on your seal. Close the door and see if you can find any leaks.
• Replace the gasket if necessary.

Clean or Replace Dirty Vent Filters:

• Metal-mesh grease filters can be washed by hand in soapy water or you can put them in your dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.
• Don't attempt to wash charcoal or paper filters; they need to be replaced.

Clean Stovetop Drip Bowls:

• Remove drip bowls from underneath your burner elements.
• Presoak the drip bowls in a cleaning solution for 5 minutes. Then wash, clean and replace.
• Remember to clean drip bowls immediately after spills. If spills burn into the bowls you may need to replace them.

Clean Coils In Your Refrigerator:

• Depending on your model, the coils are either behind the kickplate or at the rear of the fridge.
• Use a shop or handheld vacuum to suck up any loose particles.
• Vacuum every 6-12 months.

Change Refrigerator Water Filter:

Filters that don't efficiently remove contaminants and impurities may expose you to harmful water.

• Follow water filter instructions, as all water filters are different depending on model. However, most are as easy as turning the filter one quarter inch and popping it out or locking it in place.
• Change the filter every 3-6 months depending on water condition and usage.

Fix Rusty Dishrack Tines:

If your tines are rusty, the rust can adhere to and ruin your dishes and silverware.

• Purchase a tine repair kit.
• Use a sealant to adhere the tips over any rusty or chipped tines.
• Let dry for at least 24 hours before running your dishwasher.

Clean and Deodorize Garbage Disposal:

• Make sure the unit has been turned off.
• Look down the drain for any large, stuck items. Don't stick your hands in the disposal. Use tongs or another tool to fish items out.
• Prepare a mixture of ice cubes and salt (or vinegar) and pour it down the drain. Run cold water over it for 10 seconds and then turn the unit on.
• To deodorize, place a handful of citrus peels in the disposal, run cold water and turn it on.

Clean Dryer Exhaust:

Lint in your dryer exhaust is a fire hazard; clean the exhaust annually.

• Loosen the clamp and pull the exhaust off the back of the dryer.
• Remove clumps of lint from the tubing and the hole in the back of the dryer. Use a coat hanger to carefully remove any large clumps that you can't reach with your hands.
• Vacuum all the small lint.
• Reattach exhaust.

Inspect Washing Machine Hoses:

Most washing machine floods are caused by leaks in the hose.

• Remove the panel on your washing machine.
• Search for any cracks, leaks or weak spots on your hoses.
• Replace the hose if needed.

Clean Your Air Conditioner Filter:

• Pop off the front panel of your unit.
• Replace disposable filter or vacuum re-usable filter to remove as much dirt as possible.
• Clean your filter every 2-4 weeks.