How to Extend the Life of Your Appliances: Essential Maintenance Tips
Quality home appliances are a significant investment. With proper maintenance, a good fridge, washing machine or air conditioner can last 15–20 years. Without it, the same appliance might fail in 5–8 years. These practical tips from Oceania Appliances will help you maximise the lifespan of every appliance in your home.
Refrigerator Maintenance
Clean the door seals
The rubber gasket around the fridge door keeps cold air in and warm air out. If it's cracked, loose or mouldy, the fridge works harder and uses more energy. Clean the seal every 3 months with warm soapy water and check that it creates a proper seal. A simple test: close the door on a piece of paper — if you can pull it out easily, the seal needs attention.
Vacuum the condenser coils
The condenser coils (at the back or underneath the fridge) dissipate heat from the refrigeration cycle. If they're clogged with dust, the fridge runs hotter and works harder. Vacuum them once a year with a brush attachment. This single step can meaningfully extend your fridge's lifespan.
Keep it at the right temperature
Set the fridge to 3–5°C and the freezer to -18°C. Setting it colder than necessary wastes energy and puts more stress on the compressor. Use a cheap fridge thermometer to verify the actual temperature.
Don't block the vents
Fridges have internal air vents that circulate cold air. Packing food too tightly against these vents reduces airflow and forces the fridge to work harder. Leave some space around the vents, especially at the back of the fridge cavity.
Washing Machine Maintenance
Leave the door open after every cycle (front-loaders)
Mould growth in the door seal is the most common issue with front-load washing machines. After every cycle, leave the door ajar to allow moisture to evaporate. This one habit prevents the most common front-loader problem.
Clean the door seal monthly
Wipe the rubber door seal with a damp cloth monthly. Check for and remove any debris, hair or lint that has accumulated in the folds of the seal. These collect moisture and become the breeding ground for mould.
Run a hot maintenance cycle monthly
Run an empty cycle on the hottest setting (60–90°C) with a dishwasher tablet or washing machine cleaner once a month. This kills bacteria, removes detergent residue and keeps the drum fresh.
Use the right amount of detergent
Using too much detergent is a very common mistake. Excess detergent doesn't get fully rinsed away and builds up in the machine, causing odours and eventually performance issues. Use the manufacturer's recommended amount or slightly less.
Clean the lint filter
Many washing machines (especially top-loaders) have a lint filter that should be cleaned regularly. Check your manual for location and cleaning instructions. A blocked lint filter reduces wash performance and can strain the pump.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
Clean the filters every 2–4 weeks
The air filters on the indoor unit catch dust, pet hair and airborne particles. Blocked filters force the system to work harder, reduce airflow, and can cause the indoor coil to freeze. Remove and rinse filters under warm water monthly. Let them dry completely before reinserting.
Check the outdoor unit
Make sure the outdoor unit has clear airflow around it. Keep vegetation, garden furniture and debris at least 500mm away from all sides. If leaves or dirt have accumulated around the base, clear them. Never cover the unit.
Book a professional service every 2 years
A professional technician can clean the indoor coil (which household filters don't reach), check refrigerant levels, test electrical connections and ensure the system is running efficiently. This service pays for itself in energy savings and extended equipment life.
Dishwasher Maintenance
Clean the filter monthly
The mesh filter at the bottom of the dishwasher tub catches food particles. If it's blocked, cleaning performance drops and the water starts to smell. Rinse it under warm water and gently scrub with a soft brush monthly.
Run a cleaning cycle monthly
Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaning tablet or a cup of white vinegar at the bottom of the tub. This removes limescale, grease and odour-causing bacteria from internal components.
Check the spray arms
Remove the spray arms periodically and rinse them, clearing any blocked holes with a toothpick. Blocked spray arms mean uneven water distribution and poor cleaning results.
When to Repair vs Replace
As a general rule: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the replacement cost of a comparable appliance, replacement usually makes more financial sense — especially if the appliance is over 10 years old. Oceania Appliances stocks quality ex-display and graded appliances at prices that often make replacement affordable even before the repair bill gets high.