How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Home Appliances
A quality home appliance should last 10–15 years, and many last 20 years or more with proper care. Yet many appliances are replaced prematurely due to neglect, minor issues that escalate, or simply not knowing how to look after them. Here's a comprehensive guide to getting the maximum lifespan from every major appliance in your home.
Fridge and Freezer
Keep the Condenser Coils Clean
The condenser coils on your fridge (usually at the back or underneath) release heat from the refrigerant. When they're coated in dust, the compressor has to work harder, using more energy and wearing faster. Vacuum the coils every 6–12 months using the brush attachment.
Check and Replace Door Seals
A worn door seal lets cold air escape, forcing the compressor to run constantly. Test your seal by closing the door on a piece of paper — you should feel resistance when you try to pull it out. If the paper slides out easily, the seal needs replacing.
Defrost Manual Freezers Regularly
Allow no more than 1cm of frost to accumulate before defrosting. Heavy ice build-up forces the compressor to overwork and reduces efficiency dramatically.
Don't Overfill
A fridge needs air circulation to work efficiently. Overfilling blocks airflow between items, creating warm spots and making the compressor work harder.
Washing Machine
Use the Right Detergent and Amount
Using too much detergent is one of the most common washing machine killers. Excess suds can damage the pump, drum bearings and door seals over time. Use the amount specified on the packaging, or less if your water is soft.
Clean the Door Seal (Front Loaders)
The rubber seal on front-loader washing machines traps moisture, lint and mould. Wipe it dry after each wash and clean it weekly with a damp cloth. Leave the door slightly ajar between washes to allow the drum and seal to dry.
Run a Drum Cleaning Cycle Monthly
Most modern washing machines have a drum cleaning programme. Run it monthly with a washing machine cleaner (Finish, Dettol) or simply with hot water and a cup of white vinegar. This removes detergent residue, mould and bacteria that build up inside the drum.
Check Pockets Before Loading
Coins, keys, hairpins and other metal objects can cause serious damage to the drum, door seal and pump filter. Always check pockets before loading.
Level the Machine
An unlevel washing machine vibrates excessively during the spin cycle, causing premature wear on drum bearings and shock absorbers. Use a spirit level and adjust the feet until the machine is level in all directions.
Dishwasher
Clean the Filter Weekly
The filter traps food particles to prevent them from recirculating. A blocked filter reduces washing performance and strains the pump. Rinse it under warm water weekly.
Keep Rinse Aid and Salt Topped Up
Rinse aid prevents water spots and helps dishes dry. Salt (in machines with a water softener) prevents limescale build-up on the pump, spray arms and heating element. Both should be refilled as indicated by the display.
Don't Block the Spray Arms
Tall items in the bottom rack can prevent the lower spray arm from rotating fully. Check spray arm rotation before starting a cycle.
Oven and Cooktop
Clean Up Spills Promptly
Burnt-on food and grease accelerate the degradation of oven surfaces and can damage heating elements. Wipe spills as soon as the oven cools.
Use Pyrolytic Cleaning Correctly
If your oven has pyrolytic (self-cleaning) capability, use it every 3–6 months. Remove all racks and accessories first, as the extreme heat can damage them. Ensure the kitchen is well-ventilated — pyrolytic cleaning produces fumes.
Keep Burner Caps Clean
On gas cooktops, blocked burner caps cause uneven flames and can damage the igniter over time. Remove the caps regularly and clean with warm soapy water.
Rangehood
Clean Filters Regularly
As covered in our rangehood filter cleaning guide: clean aluminium mesh filters monthly if you cook regularly. A blocked filter forces the motor to work harder, shortening its life.
Dryer
Clean the Lint Filter After Every Load
A blocked lint filter reduces airflow, extends drying times, increases energy use, and in extreme cases can cause fires. It takes 10 seconds — always do it.
Keep the External Vent Clear
For ducted dryers, check the external vent outlet periodically to ensure it's not obstructed by lint, bird nests or vegetation.
General Principles
- Read the manual: Many premature failures are caused by using appliances outside their design parameters. The manual specifies safe loads, temperatures and cleaning methods.
- Don't ignore warnings: Error codes, unusual smells, excessive noise or reduced performance are early warning signs. Addressed early, the repair is usually minor; ignored, it often becomes major.
- Genuine parts for repairs: When repairs are needed, use genuine manufacturer parts or quality aftermarket equivalents. Cheap generic components often fail faster and can cause secondary damage.
Need a New Appliance?
If your appliance has reached the end of its reliable life, Oceania Appliances stocks the full range of leading brands with free delivery across Sydney. Visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park, call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.