Guest Post
I have no shame in admitting that some of the most basic responsibilities of a home owner were delegated to my husband when he lived with us.
When he moved out, I was left with a new set of responsibilities, on top of taking care of the kids and daily menial household chores. I knew nothing about the appliances that ran in our home, I only knew how to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Over time, I realized that the appliances are a functioning part of the family. They need “checkups” like my kids. The key is maintenance; it helps keep your robot friends running smoother and longer. Bottom line: I don’t want to call someone to help me fix something. I’d rather take care of what I have and avoid catastrophe.
So here’s my handy list of “maintenance checks.” It’s next to my list of daily chores on the refrigerator. This is not a checklist to perform every day! Just do it when you have some spare time every few months. It may seem boring, but it will help you spend less time and effort worrying about the next hiccup.
1. Air Filters
Change these according to the kind of air filter you use. Keep in mind, there are alot of different types. If it’s high-efficiency, do it 4 times per year.
2. Dishwasher
Check the seals.
Check for dirt. Lift the float up and clean it out. You can find the float at the front or back of the dishwasher. If there is any debris that restricts its movement, it can cause a leak.
3. Garbage Disposal
Grind ice for a few seconds to sharpen the blades.
Grind citrus peels to keep the disposal smelling fresh and germ-free.
4. Refrigerator
Dust the coils behind the fridge. When they accumulate dust it’s harder for the coils to keep the fridge cool, costing you more money.
Clean the drip pan underneath the fridge. Simply pull it out and rinse it with soapy water.
Clean the gaskets. Those are the things that keep the doors closed and sealed.
5. Washer/Dryer
Wash your washer. This might sound redundant, but it actually has to be cleaned. Try using vinegar or lemon juice and then running it on the hottest cycle.
Clean your dryer vent, located behind your dryer. These things get backed up with dust and causes the dryer to stop working. The interior vent is behind the dryer; undo it and vacuum the vent, the hose, and the back of the dryer. Then go outside and detach the exterior vent from your house and give it a thorough vacuuming.
Hi, I’m Marie Ortiz. I am a blogger, DIY enthusiast, and mother of two beautiful girls. . I am always working on new ways for my girls to develop and learn, and I love to share all of my discoveries along the way. We enjoy working on DIY projects as a family, and they are turning into avid crafters. When I’m not perusing the Internet for inspiration, you can find me at my local farmers’ market or looking for new adventures. You can check me out at www.DIYMother.org.
