Appliance Maintenance 101: Tips for Keeping Your Appliances in Top Shape

Your appliances work hard every day to keep your household running smoothly. From storing food safely to cleaning clothes and dishes, these machines are essential to everyday life. But like any major investment, appliances perform best when they are properly maintained.

Routine appliance maintenance can help improve efficiency, reduce energy use, prevent unexpected breakdowns, and extend the lifespan of your appliances. The good news is that many maintenance tasks are quick, simple, and easy to add to your regular cleaning routine.

Use these appliance maintenance tips to help keep your refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, dryer, oven, and other appliances in excellent condition.

Key Takeaways: Appliance Maintenance Tips for Better Performance

• Regular appliance maintenance helps improve efficiency, reduce energy use, and extend appliance lifespan

• Simple cleaning habits can prevent odors, buildup, and performance issues in refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, washers, and dryers

• Cleaning filters, refrigerator coils, spray arms, and dryer vents helps appliances operate more effectively and safely

• Routine inspections can help catch small problems before they turn into costly repairs

• Following manufacturer recommendations and scheduling occasional professional maintenance can improve long-term appliance reliability

 

 

Why Appliance Maintenance Matters

Regular appliance maintenance offers several important benefits for homeowners, including the following. 

• Improved Efficiency: Clean, properly functioning appliances use less energy and often perform better.

• Longer Appliance Lifespan: Routine care can help reduce wear and tear, helping appliances last longer.

• Lower Repair Costs: Catching small problems early may help prevent more expensive repairs later.

• Better Cleaning and Cooling Performance: Maintained appliances often work faster and more effectively.

• Reduced Odors and Buildup: Cleaning helps eliminate trapped food, moisture, grease, and bacteria that can cause unpleasant odors and buildup.

 

Cleanliness is Key

One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your appliances is to clean them regularly. Dust, grease, lint, and food residue can build up over time and affect performance.

Simple Cleaning Habits to Follow

• Wipe down appliance surfaces regularly.

• Clean spills immediately to prevent stains and odors.

• Remove crumbs and debris from appliance interiors.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning products and methods.

• Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage finishes or components.

Kelly’s Pro Tip: Microfiber cloths work well for cleaning stainless steel appliances because they help reduce streaks and fingerprints without scratching the surface.

 

 

Check and Replace Filters

Many appliances rely on filters to operate efficiently. Dirty or clogged filters can reduce performance and strain internal components.

Appliances that commonly use filters include:

• Refrigerators

• Dishwashers

• Range hoods

• Washers

• Air purification systems

Filter Maintenance Tips

• Replace Water Filters Regularly: Refrigerator water filters should typically be replaced every 6 months or according to manufacturer recommendations.

• Clean Dishwasher Filters: Food particles trapped in dishwasher filters can cause odors and poor cleaning performance.

• Inspect Range Hood Filters: Grease buildup can reduce ventilation efficiency and airflow.

 

Refrigerator Maintenance Tips

Your refrigerator runs continuously, making regular maintenance especially important for energy efficiency and food preservation.

Clean Refrigerator Coils

Dusty condenser coils force your refrigerator to work harder.

• Vacuum or brush coils at least once or twice a year

• Clean more often if you have pets

• Check your owner’s manual for coil location

Inspect Door Gaskets

Door seals help keep cold air inside your refrigerator.

• Wipe gaskets regularly to remove dirt and sticky residue

• Check for cracks or looseness

• Test the seal using a dollar bill. If it slides out easily, the seal may need to be replaced.

Eliminate Refrigerator Odors

Lingering odors can build up over time, even in clean refrigerators. Here are some ways you can quickly remove odors.

• Place an open box of baking soda inside

• Use crumpled newspaper to absorb odors temporarily

• Activated charcoal can also help neutralize smells naturally

• Clean expired food promptly

Clean the Water Dispenser

Water dispensers can collect buildup and bacteria over time.

• Wipe the dispenser area weekly

• Clean removable drip trays regularly

• Replace water filters on schedule for fresher-tasting water

Kelly’s Pro Tip: Avoid overpacking your refrigerator. Proper airflow helps maintain consistent temperatures and improves cooling efficiency.

 

 

Oven and Range Maintenance

Grease, food spills, and burner buildup can impact cooking performance and safety. Here are some tips to keep your oven or range working well.

Clean Burner Components

For gas ranges:

• Remove burner caps and grates regularly

• Clean clogged burner ports carefully

For electric ranges:

• Clean drip pans frequently

• Wipe smooth cooktops with approved cleaners

Check Oven Temperature Accuracy

If food cooks unevenly in your wall oven or takes longer than expected, your oven temperature may be inaccurate.

• Use an oven thermometer to test temperature consistency

• Recalibrate the oven if necessary according to the manufacturer's instructions

Pro Tip: Cleaning spills quickly after the oven cools can help prevent smoke and difficult baked-on residue later.

 

Dishwasher Care Tips

Dishwashers clean better and smell fresher when maintained regularly.

Clean Spray Arms

Mineral buildup and food debris can clog spray arm holes.

• Remove spray arms carefully

• Rinse and clean openings with warm water

Run a Cleaning Cycle

A monthly cleaning cycle can help remove odors and mineral deposits.

• Run an empty dishwasher with a cup of white vinegar

• Some manufacturers recommend dishwasher cleaning tablets for deeper cleaning

Inspect the Door Seal

Food residue around the gasket can lead to odors or leaks.

• Wipe the gasket with a damp cloth regularly

• Check for cracks or wear

Kelly’s Pro Tip: Scraping large food particles off dishes before loading helps reduce filter clogs and improves dishwasher performance.

Washer Maintenance Tips

Laundry appliances need regular attention to stay efficient and safe. Here are some tips to keep your washing machine running well.

Inspect Hoses

Look for cracks, bulges, or leaks in washer hoses.

Prevent Washer Odors

Front-load washers can develop mildew if moisture becomes trapped. Prevent this from happening by doing the following things.

• Leave the washer door open after cycles

• Wipe the door gasket regularly

• Clean detergent dispensers monthly

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Too much detergent can create buildup and reduce cleaning performance.

 

Dryer Maintenance Tips

Dryers require some minor maintenance as well to keep them running properly. Here are some of the top things to make sure you’re doing. 

• Clean the Lint Filter After Every Load: Lint buildup reduces efficiency and increases fire risk.

• Inspect Dryer Venting: Check dryer ducts for lint accumulation or kinks that restrict airflow.

• Schedule Vent Cleaning When Needed: Professional vent cleaning may improve dryer performance and safety.

Pro Tip: If your dryer suddenly takes longer to dry clothes, restricted airflow is often the cause.

 

Schedule Professional Appliance Maintenance

While many maintenance tasks can be done at home, professional servicing can help identify problems before they become major repairs. Professional appliance maintenance may include: 

• Inspecting electrical components

• Checking refrigerant systems

• Testing appliance performance

• Cleaning internal components

• Identifying worn parts

Scheduling service once or twice a year may help improve appliance reliability and efficiency.

 

Read Your Appliance Owner’s Manual

Every appliance has unique maintenance requirements. Your owner’s manual can provide guidance for:

• Cleaning methods

• Filter replacement schedules

• Recommended products

• Troubleshooting tips

• Maintenance intervals

Following manufacturer recommendations helps protect both performance and warranty coverage.

 

Appliance Maintenance for Kelly’s Appliances

Incorporating these tips into your routine will extend the lifespan of your appliances, enhance their efficiency, and reduce the risk of breakdowns. Regular maintenance saves money and ensures your appliances continue to serve you reliably.

At Kelly's Appliances, we understand the value of well-maintained appliances. Visit one of our showrooms in Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, or Central Point, or explore our website to find high-quality appliances tailored to your needs. Invest in reliable appliances and keep them in excellent condition with proper care.

Disclaimer: When following any of the advice above, please ensure it is in line with the manufacturer's recommendations. Exceptions may exist with your appliance. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your appliance manufacturer for the most up-to-date recommendations on maintenance.

Related readings from our blog:

• How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Dishwasher

• How to Clean Refrigerator Coils (And Why It Matters)

• Energy-Efficient Appliances: How to Save on Utility Bills

 

FAQs About Appliance Maintenance

How often should I clean refrigerator coils?

Most refrigerator coils should be cleaned at least once or twice a year to help maintain proper airflow and cooling efficiency. Homes with pets may require more frequent cleaning because pet hair and dust can build up quickly around the coils. Dirty coils force the refrigerator to work harder, which can increase energy usage and strain the compressor. Regular cleaning helps improve performance and may extend the appliance’s lifespan.

How often should refrigerator water filters be replaced?

Most refrigerator water filters should be replaced every six months, although some manufacturers may recommend different schedules depending on usage. Replacing the filter regularly helps improve water quality, taste, and ice production. A clogged or old filter can reduce water flow and place additional strain on the refrigerator’s water system. Always check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended replacement timeline.

Why does my washer smell musty?

Front-load washers commonly develop musty odors because moisture can become trapped inside the drum or door gasket after cycles finish. Mold and mildew buildup are more likely when the washer door stays closed between uses. Leaving the door open after each load and regularly cleaning the gasket and detergent dispenser can help reduce odors. Running occasional cleaning cycles can also help keep the washer fresh.

Can appliance maintenance really extend appliance lifespan?

Yes, regular appliance maintenance can significantly help extend the life of your appliances by reducing unnecessary wear and tear on internal components. Cleaning filters, checking seals, and keeping appliances free of buildup allows them to operate more efficiently and consistently. Maintenance can also help identify small issues before they become expensive repairs or major breakdowns. Over time, these simple habits can help homeowners save money and improve appliance performance.