How to Extend the Life of Your Appliances: Practical Maintenance Tips
Major home appliances are significant investments. A fridge, washing machine or dishwasher should last 10–15 years or more with proper care. Here are practical maintenance tips to get the most out of every appliance in your home.
Fridge Maintenance
Clean the Condenser Coils
Dust on the condenser coils (usually at the back or underneath the fridge) forces the compressor to work harder, using more energy and shortening its life. Vacuum or brush the coils every 6–12 months. Unplug the fridge first.
Check the Door Seals
A worn door seal lets warm air in, forcing the fridge to run more and shortening component life. Check seals by closing the door on a piece of paper — if it slides out easily, the seal needs replacing. Clean seals with warm soapy water to keep them supple.
Maintain Proper Temperature
Keep the fridge at 3–4°C and freezer at -18°C. Running colder than needed wastes energy and stresses components. Running warmer spoils food.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Keep the required clearances around the fridge. Blocking ventilation causes overheating, reduced efficiency and earlier failure.
Defrost Regularly (if manual defrost)
If your fridge/freezer doesn't auto-defrost, defrost when ice exceeds 5mm. Heavy ice buildup reduces efficiency and can damage the freezer.
Washing Machine Maintenance
Run a Drum Clean Cycle Monthly
Most modern washing machines have a drum clean or tub clean cycle. Run it monthly with a washing machine cleaner tablet or a cup of white vinegar to remove detergent residue, mould and bacteria buildup.
Leave the Door Open After Each Wash
For front loaders, leaving the door slightly ajar after washing allows the drum and door seal to dry, preventing mould and mildew buildup — one of the most common washing machine problems.
Clean the Detergent Drawer
Detergent can build up and go mouldy in the drawer. Remove and rinse it monthly.
Check and Clean the Pump Filter
Front loaders have a drain pump filter (usually accessible behind a small panel at the bottom front of the machine). Clean it every 3–6 months. A blocked filter causes drainage problems and can damage the pump motor.
Don't Overload
Overloading a washing machine is one of the leading causes of premature bearing failure. Bearings can cost $200–$400 to replace. Load to no more than 80% capacity.
Dishwasher Maintenance
Clean the Filter Weekly or Monthly
Dishwasher filters trap food particles. Remove and rinse the filter regularly. A blocked filter reduces wash performance and can cause drainage issues.
Run an Empty Hot Cycle with Cleaner
Use a dishwasher cleaning tablet in an otherwise empty dishwasher on the hottest cycle every month. This removes grease, limescale and bacteria from the spray arms and internal components.
Clean the Door Seal
Mould can build up in the door seal. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild cleaning agent.
Oven Maintenance
Clean Regularly
Grease and food spills baked onto oven surfaces degrade over time, smoke when cooking and can cause fire risk. Clean spills promptly. For self-cleaning (pyrolytic) ovens, run the cycle every 3–6 months. For manual cleaning, use oven cleaner or baking soda paste.
Check the Door Seal
A worn oven door seal lets heat escape, increasing cooking time and energy use. If you notice heat coming from around the door, the seal needs replacing.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
Clean the Filters Monthly
Split system air conditioners have filters in the indoor unit. Remove and wash them monthly during heavy use periods. Blocked filters dramatically reduce efficiency.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
Ensure the outdoor compressor unit has clear airflow. Keep plants, furniture and debris away from the unit.
Visit Oceania Appliances
When maintenance isn't enough and an appliance needs replacing, we're here. Visit our showroom at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park — open 7 days, 10am to 8pm. Free delivery across Sydney.