14 Ways You’re Destroying Your Appliances

Always check your pockets before placing clothing in the washing machine! Loose coins can damage and jam the drum of the machine, causing a poor performance, and a pricey repair job!

By not cleaning the coils of your fridge regularly, you’re allowing dust to build, meaning your fridge has to work even harder. It’s recommended that you clean the coils several times a year (aim for once a season, at least!).

Using hot water in your garbage disposal is a major no-no. Hot water melts grease and fat, allowing it to make its way down your drain which can lead to clogs.

The temptation for one more pint of ice cream may be strong, but overfilling your freezer will only lead to blocked air vents, restricting the flow of cold air. (And who wants soft ice cream?)

Stuffing your washing machine to the brim puts a lot of stress on the bearings, and throws the drum out of alignment. Aim for smaller loads, more frequently, and you’ll get a lot more life out of your washing machine.

Empty your lint trap after each use of your dryer to keep it running up to speed. A buildup of lint is also a potential fire hazard, so if you only remember one thing from this list, make it this!

Cast iron pans can be rough on your smooth ceramic ranges, so be extra careful not to drag cast iron pans along the surface, or look for pans with a coating on the base.

Avoid placing sharp objects in your dishwasher, which can ding the vinyl coating of the racks, revealing the metal which will rust. If you do place knives in your dishwasher, place them with the sharp point facing up.

Soap on your gas range can lead to corrosion, clog the lighting holes of the burners and cause a slow ignition. Opt for warm water and a good sponge to get at spills and stuck-on food.

Placing dishes covered in food straight into your dishwasher? Tsk, tsk. While some residue is OK, large pieces of food can get stuck in your dishwasher or clog its drain, leading to performance issues and a visit from the repairman (which usually comes with a hefty fee). Give dishes a quick rinse under the faucet before placing them in the dishwasher and they’ll be good to go.

When was the last time you cleaned the filter of your humidifier? Without regular cleaning, your humidifier can’t do it’s job properly, and you won’t reap any benefits!

Leaving spills inside your oven can cause damage to your heating coils, and honestly are just plain gross. Wipe out your oven after each use, once it’s cool.

Using your vacuum on a full bag puts stress on it, and limits its performance.

We hate clutter just as much as the next person, but please, PLEASE, don’t toss your appliance manuals in a fit of organizing rage! Save all of your manuals, so you can troubleshoot problems. It might end up saving you a costly repair visit, over something you could have fixed yourself!