How Often Should You Service Your Appliances?

Regular maintenance keeps appliances running efficiently and extends their lifespan significantly. Many service calls and costly breakdowns could be prevented with simple, periodic maintenance. Here's a practical schedule for your home appliances.

Fridge and Freezer

Every month: Check and clean door seals. Wipe down any spills inside immediately.

Every 3 to 6 months: Clean the condenser coils (at the back or underneath). Dust and pet hair clog these over time, reducing efficiency. Vacuum with a brush attachment.

Every year: Check the temperature settings are correct (3°C to 4°C fridge, -18°C freezer). Check that water from the ice maker (if applicable) is flowing properly.

When needed: Replace worn door seals if the fridge isn't sealing properly. This is a relatively cheap fix that saves significant energy.

Washing Machine

After every wash: Leave the door open on front loaders to allow drying. Wipe the rubber door seal of front loaders dry to prevent mould growth.

Monthly: Clean the detergent drawer. Remove it completely and rinse under hot water.

Every 1 to 3 months: Run a cleaning cycle (most machines have one, or use a commercial washing machine cleaner like Calgon or Dr. Beckmann).

Every 6 months: Clean the pump filter on front loaders. This is usually at the bottom front of the machine. Consult your manual for the location. A blocked filter causes drainage issues and poor wash results.

Dryer

After every use: Clean the lint filter. A clogged lint filter reduces efficiency dramatically and is a fire hazard.

Every 6 months: Clean inside the dryer vent duct (for vented dryers). Lint builds up in the duct over time. For condenser dryers, clean the condenser unit per the manual.

Annually: Have a professional check the internal ductwork if you have a vented dryer with a long or complex duct run.

Dishwasher

Monthly: Remove and clean the filter (at the base of the dishwasher). Rinse under warm water to remove food debris.

Every 1 to 3 months: Run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar on the top rack.

Every 6 months: Check the spray arms for blocked holes. Use a toothpick to clear any blocked jets.

Air Conditioner

Monthly during heavy use: Clean or replace the filter on the indoor unit. This is a DIY job — most filters slide out and can be rinsed under water.

Annually: Have the system professionally serviced. This includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, and testing performance. Annual servicing significantly extends system life and maintains efficiency.

Oven and Cooktop

After every use: Wipe down spills before they bake on. Much easier to clean fresh than dried.

Monthly: Remove and clean oven racks and grill pan. Wash with hot soapy water or put in the dishwasher if the manufacturer allows.

Every 3 to 6 months: Run the pyrolytic self-clean function if your oven has it, or clean manually with oven cleaner.

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