Useful tips to maintain your appliances
Most of the breakdowns we fix in Colesville homes could have been delayed with a few minutes of care. Here's what our technicians do on their own appliances at home to avoid the repair.
Clean the condenser coils
Dust on the coils behind or under the fridge makes the compressor work harder and run hotter. Unplug the unit and vacuum them with a brush attachment.
Test the door seals
Close the door on a sheet of paper. If it slides out easily, the gasket is leaking cold air. Wipe seals with warm soapy water to keep them soft and sealing tight.
Skip the foil on the oven floor
Foil blocks airflow and traps heat, which leads to uneven baking and can damage the oven's bottom panel. Use a baking sheet on a lower rack to catch drips instead.
Go easy on self-clean
The self-clean cycle runs at extreme heat and is a common cause of blown thermal fuses and failed control boards. Wipe spills as soon as you spot one so you rarely need it.
Empty the lint screen
A clogged lint filter is the top reason dryers overheat and take two cycles to dry. Rinse the screen with water every few months to clear dryer-sheet residue too.
Clear the exhaust vent
Lint builds up inside the vent hose and outside duct, restricting airflow and creating a fire risk. Check that air flows strongly from the outside vent while the dryer runs.
Run a cleaning cycle
Run an empty hot cycle with a washer cleaner, and leave the door open after use so the gasket dries. It prevents odor, mold, and buildup around the drain pump.
Inspect the fill hoses
Look for bulges, cracks, or rust at the fittings. Rubber hoses should be replaced about every five years, and braided steel hoses are a smart upgrade.
Technician's tip: Don't overload your washer or dryer. Overloading strains bearings, belts, and suspension parts, and it's behind many of the spin and drum repairs we handle in Colesville. Noticed a new noise, smell, or leak? Call 813-796-5961 early, because small fixes cost less than big ones.