Household appliances have long become indispensable helpers, but like any electronics, they can break down. Sometimes it’s due to manufacturing defects, and sometimes it’s because of improper handling. Specialists from Best Solutions Appliance Repair know what can go wrong with appliances. They have shared tips to avoid breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Turn Off the Appliance Properly
Every appliance has a switch that should be used to prepare it for disconnection from the power supply. Simply pulling the plug out of the socket is a sure way to the service center.
Don’t Use Appliances with Wet Hands
If the appliance is not designed to work in high humidity conditions and does not have water protection, avoid handling it even with damp hands. Water getting into the electronics can gradually disable it at best, or cause a short circuit or electric shock at worst.
Don’t Exceed the Weight Limit
This is especially relevant for washing machines, microwaves, and multicookers, which are designed for a certain weight of laundry and food, respectively. Overloading the appliance is the easiest way to shorten its lifespan, so take the time to read the manual.
Don’t Use a Wet or Dirty Pot
This advice is relevant for multicookers, which are quite demanding on the cleanliness of the containers placed in them. The outside of the pot must be dry and clean.
Don’t Use a Household Vacuum Cleaner for Construction Debris
A regular vacuum cleaner is not designed to handle anything more serious than household dust—sand, cement, brick fragments, or glass shards, and especially water, which will quickly destroy not only the dust bag but also the motor and other electronics.
Don’t Turn The Refrigerator Immediately After The Purchase
When a new refrigerator arrives home from the store, wait about 6 hours before turning it on. This is if you are sure that the appliance was not tilted during transportation and the oil in the refrigerator’s compressor did not leak. If you are not sure, it is better to wait up to 12 hours before turning it on.
Don’t Put Warm Food in the Refrigerator
All food you intend to store in the refrigerator should already be cooled. If you don’t want to repair or replace the compressor, never put even warm, let alone hot food in the refrigerator.
Don’t Heat Small Portions of Food in the Microwave
If you plan to eat a small portion and heat it in the microwave, place a glass of water inside along with the plate of food. Small portions or running an empty microwave shortens its lifespan. Naturally, do not use metal or plastic dishes in the microwave.
Use Only Special Household Chemicals
In washing and dishwashing machines, only special household chemicals for these devices should be used, as regular powders or dishwashing detergents can cause the appliance to break down, as they are not designed for such use.
Regularly Clean the Appliances
During use, refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, and other appliances get dirty. To extend the lifespan of electronics, they need to be regularly cleaned—wiped with a simple cloth and periodically given a thorough cleaning with special cleaning and care products.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it’s better to take the time to thoroughly study the user manual before using any appliance. Reading the instructions will save you money and time spent on repairing an appliance broken due to improper use.