As the summer season finally heats up, no doubt calendars are filling up with lots of fun in the sun. From garden gatherings, to beach visits, to bbq’s, the warm-weather excitement is hopefully here to stay.
While these activities promise seasonal bliss, they also spark potential risks to household appliances if proper precautions aren’t taken to prevent damage caused by summer-related activities.
With this in mind, Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance repair expert at Domestic & General shares tips for summer-proofing your household appliances.
Ditch dishwasher regret
“Prevent the need for a dishwasher repair this summer by being mindful of what items should not go into the appliance. Cheese graters, sharp knives, and wooden items are particularly problematic for dishwashers. Cheese graters often have hard-to-reach crevices where food particles build up, leading to clogs in the dishwasher’s drainage system. Also, any sharp edges, such as knives, can damage the dishwasher racks.
“Wooden items such as cutting boards or utensils should never be washed in the dishwasher as the high heat and moisture can cause the wood to warp, crack, or even split over time.
“To ensure effective cleaning and avoid a dishwasher repair, it’s best to hand wash these items. For cheese graters and sharp knives, a thorough hand wash with warm, soapy water and a brush is ideal. Wooden items should be gently washed and dried immediately to prevent warping.
Avoid sandy surprises
“Removing sand from clothing before washing is important as the heavy, abrasive material can not only clog the filters and drainage system in your washing machine, but also cause premature wear and tear scratching to the drum.
“To prevent a washing machine repair, always shake out sandy clothing thoroughly before loading it into the washing machine. Consider rinsing items like beach towels or swimsuits under a hose to remove excess sand. Additionally, using a mesh laundry bag for heavily sandy items can help contain the sand and prevent it from reaching the inner workings of your machine.
“Regular maintenance, such as cleaning out the filter and checking for any sand buildup, is not only crucial in preventing long-term damage, but allows clean washing machines to actually clean clothes.”
Resist the chilly chaos
“As the BBQ season heats up and school holidays loom, it’s common to see fridges and freezers packed to the brim with food and drinks. However, overfilling these appliances can cause functionality problems.
“Overfilling a fridge or freezer reduces airflow, making it harder for the cold air to circulate evenly. This can result in uneven cooling, with some areas being colder than others, leading to food spoilage, increased energy consumption and potential breakdowns.
“To ensure your fridge and freezer operate efficiently during the summer months, it’s important to maintain some empty space inside. This allows for proper airflow and temperature distribution, keeping your food fresh and your appliances running smoothly. Organise your items to maximise space without overcrowding, and clean out expired or unused items to optimise storage capacity.”
Dodge hairy situations
“Pet owners should be particularly mindful of the increased shedding from dogs and cats, which can have a significant impact on the maintenance of their washing machines.
“Pet hair can easily bypass typical filters, making its way into areas where it can obstruct drainage or even cause mechanical issues if left unchecked. This can lead to poor drainage, foul odours, and ultimately affect the overall performance of the washing machine.
“To prevent washing machine repairs in summer especially, pet owners should regularly clean and maintain their washing machines. This includes checking and cleaning drain filters and seals more frequently. You can also opt for a lint roller or pet hair remover on clothing and bedding before washing.” For more help and guidance on maintaining your household appliances, please visit: https://www.domesticandgeneral.com/blog/
