Kitchen appliances are a big investment—and when properly cared for, they can serve you well for many years. Whether it’s your fridge, oven, blender, or Smeg dishwasher, a little regular maintenance goes a long way. The good news is that extending the life of your appliances doesn’t require special tools or technical knowledge. Just a few simple habits can keep everything running smoothly and save you from costly repairs or early replacements.
If you’ve recently upgraded or rely on older models that are still going strong, now’s the perfect time to put a few practical routines in place.
Keep Appliances Clean (Inside and Out)
Dust, grime, and food particles are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to appliance wear and tear. Regular cleaning prevents build-up that can lead to blockages, overheating, or inefficiencies.
- Fridges and freezers: Wipe down seals and interior shelves every couple of weeks. Vacuum coils at the back or underneath every few months to help with airflow.
- Microwaves and ovens: Avoid using harsh abrasives. A mixture of baking soda and water can help remove stains naturally.
- Dishwashers: Remove and clean the filter regularly to prevent clogs. Run an empty cycle with vinegar every month to break down grease and limescale.
These small habits prevent dirt from causing functional issues and keep your appliances looking newer for longer.
Don’t Overload or Misuse
It might be tempting to cram your dishwasher full after a big meal or overload your washing machine to save time, but this puts unnecessary strain on motors and mechanical parts.
- Always check the recommended capacity in your appliance’s manual.
- With dishwashers, avoid nesting bowls and stacking utensils in a way that blocks water flow.
- Never use ovens or cooktops as storage when not in use—it restricts airflow and can be a fire risk if forgotten.
Using appliances as they’re designed will always result in better performance and a longer lifespan.
Keep an Eye on Power Surges
Power fluctuations, especially in areas prone to blackouts or storms, can damage sensitive electronics inside your appliances. A sudden surge can shorten the life of any device with a digital display or circuit board.
- Use surge protectors for appliances like microwaves, coffee machines, and fridges.
- Unplug smaller items when not in use to reduce phantom power and risk of damage during outages.
While it might seem like overkill, protecting appliances from electrical damage can save you from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
Follow the Maintenance Schedule
Most kitchen appliances come with a manufacturer-recommended maintenance routine—even if it’s as simple as descaling or replacing filters. Ignoring these small tasks can cause your machine to work harder than necessary.
- Replace water filters in fridges on schedule to avoid blockages and bad-tasting water.
- Descale kettles, espresso machines, and dishwashers in areas with hard water.
- Inspect door seals, hoses, and cords for wear and tear, especially on appliances used daily.
Keeping up with basic maintenance helps your appliances run efficiently and prevents small problems from becoming big ones.
Store Manuals and Know Your Warranty
You might not need the instruction manual every day, but knowing where it is can be helpful when something seems off. Many performance issues can be solved quickly by consulting the manual before calling in a repair technician.
Also, keep a record of your warranty period. If something fails earlier than expected, you may still be covered for repairs or replacement—especially if you’ve followed the care guidelines.
By building these simple habits into your cleaning routine, you’ll not only get the most out of your kitchen appliances but also save yourself time, stress, and money in the long run. A bit of prevention goes a long way in keeping your kitchen running like clockwork.
