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HERE ARE YOUR NEXT EASY AND EFFECTIVE APPLIANCE MAINTENANCE JOBS
By homejack | March 30, 2008
These are maintenance chores which should be completed at least once a year to preserve the integrity and life of your appliances. So set aside a special day each spring. The good news is that the chores can be completed without special skills or training. The parts and supplies are handily available and inexpensive. So let’s get started.
REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER
A few models allow you to work from the front, but for most, you will have to roll the appliance from the wall so you can get behind it. The bottom back will be open or have a panel to remove. Here you will find coils and a fan that you are going to clean.
Unplug the unit. Use a Condenser Brush and a vacuum cleaner to get between the coils to remove dust and lint. (Just make sure you don’t pierce the coils)
If needed, clean the fan blade with a cloth damp with a household cleaner. Be easy so the blades don’t bend.
After cleaning the floor, replace the panel, replace the plug and push the unit back against the wall.
Note: If the refrigerator has an ice maker, be careful pulling the unit from the wall. It’s okay, just go slow.
DISHWASHER
Check the racks for torn or worn plastic coating which causes the metal (tines) underneath to rust and corrode. If you have rust and corrosion all over the racks, they will need to be replaced.
If just some of the rack is corroded, you can repair this damage with a
Dishwasher Tine repair kit for your color. Easy to do; just follow directions in the kit.
Check the inside bottom or beneath the lower spray arm for a filter. If you find one, look in the owner’s manual for instructions on removing and cleaning the filter. If you find holes in the filter, replace it now. This prevents debris and particles from getting in the pump or damaging the seals.
Look for clogged holes on the spray arms. They can become filled with small particles over time which prevents the dishwasher to be as effective as it should.
TRASH COMPACTOR
Spray the inside with a spray disinfectant. Then clean thoroughly with a rag and a degreaser. Make sure you get the part that presses down on the garbage.
Check to see if this model has a filter. If so, replace it.
STOVE/OVEN
If the stove has exposed burners, clean the drip pans. If the pans will not clean, replace them. (Note: Do not wrap the pans with foil. This can create an electrical short. Also, the foil will usually cover the oven vent.)
Check the oven door for leaks. Many times one or more small yellow patches can be found above the door. This indicates a leak in the door gasket, which can be replaced. You can also hold your hand at the top of the door and sometimes feel the hot air escaping.
If the door just does not close good, not only can this be caused by the gasket, but also by the hinges or maybe the door springs. If you are the “handyman” type, don’t be afraid to tackle this project.
RANGE VENT HOOD
Remove the filters and if metal, soak them in soapy water. Then clean them with more soapy water and a brush, then rinse.
While the filters are drying, use a rag with soapy water or a degreaser to clean the inside and outside of the vent. Don’t forget the fan blades if they are accessible. Careful though, so you don’t bend a blade. Replace the filters.
If the filter is charcoal, it’s probably time to replace it.
DRYER
Check the lint filter for any holes or tears. If you find any, replace the filter. If needed, clean the filter with a soft-bristled brush and soapy water. Vacuum the lint from the duct where the filter fits.
Carefully pull the dryer from the wall so you can get behind it. First, remove and throw away that white vinyl vent duct pipe if you have it. Get an aluminum vent pipe to meet building code and for safety. The white vinyl pipe can help start a house fire should the dryer ignite.
If you have the aluminum pipe, remove it from the dryer and clean it out. Also check the vent on the outside of the house to make sure it is not clogged.
Clean the floor under the dryer, replace the vent pipe and move the dryer back in place.
TOOLS and SUPPLIES NEEDED – If you don’t have them these are available at most hardware and home stores.
Refrigerator Condenser Brush
Vacuum with hose
Rags or clothes
Disinfectant Spray
Degreaser and soapy water
Screwdriver
(If Needed):
Dishwasher Tine repair kit
Dishwasher filter
Compactor filter
Stove burner drip pan(s)
Oven door gasket
Oven door hinges
Oven door springs
Dryer lint filter
Dryer lint vent brush
Stove vent charcoal filter
Topics: Appliances |