How To Maintain Your Refrigerator

By Erin Huffstetler, About.com

1.      Clean the condenser coils.
Dusty condenser coils cause a refrigerator to work harder; which translates into bigger energy bills and a shorter life expectancy for the fridge – not good. To prevent this from happening, use a vacuum or broom to remove dust build up from the coils every three months (once a month if you have pets). Depending on the model that you own, the coils will either be located behind the refrigerator or underneath the refrigerator. To access coils located underneath, remove the grill at the bottom front of the fridge. To access coils located behind, pull the unit out from the wall.

2.      Clean the drain hole and drip pan.
Most refrigerators rely on a drain hole and drip pan to remove condensation, so it's important that these function properly. Remove any food particles and mineral deposits from the drain hole according to the instructions in your owner's manual. Then, scrub out the drain pan.

3.      Check and clean the gaskets.
The gaskets on the refrigerator and freezer doors are designed to seal the cool air in and to keep the warm air out – vital to the efficiency of your fridge. So, it's important to make sure that seal is as strong as it should be. Look over the gaskets to see if there are an spots that are cracked or otherwise damaged. Then, shut a dollar bill in the door, and see if you can pull it out easily (the seal should create resistance). If either test turns up problems, consider replacing the gasket. Clean the gasket with an all-purpose cleaner, and wipe dry.

4.      Change the water filter.
Does your refrigerator have an ice maker or a water dispenser? If so, it probably also has a water filter that needs to be changed regularly. Replace your filter every six months or as recommended by the owner's manual. Need a little incentive to shell out for a new filter? Then consider this: water pulled through a dirty filter is often dirtier than before it was filtered. Yuck!

5.      Check for level.
If your refrigerator isn't level the doors may not close on their own or may not seal as tightly as they're supposed to – yet another opportunity for energy loss. Check to see if your fridge is level, by placing a carpenter's level on top of your unit. Then, if necessary, adjust the feet (by hand or with a wrench) until you achieve level.

Tips:

1.      Schedule your refrigerator cleaning on your calendar or use an online reminder service to ensure that you keep up with your regular maintenance

2.      Clean the gaskets with vinegar to prevent the growth of mildew

3.      Consult your refrigerator owner's manual to see if there are any additional maintenance items recommended for the model that you own

What You Need:

• Vacuum cleaner or broom
• All-purpose cleaner
• Level

1.      Check the nozzles on the sprayer arms for clogs, and clean as necessary.

Pay Off: Your dishes will come out cleaner

2.      Unplug your dishwasher, then remove any food or debris from the drain at the bottom of the unit. Many models have a tray that just slides off, but consult your dishwasher's owner's manual for specific instructions.

Pay Off: The pump won't have to work as hard

3.      Place a cup of vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher, and run it through a complete cycle.

Pay Off: Hard water deposits, soap scum and rust stains will be removed from the walls of the dishwasher

4.      Inspect the racks for chips, and repair any that you find with dishwasher rack touch up paint.

Pay Off: The racks won't rust, and you won't have to worry about your dishes getting chipped on the exposed metal.

Tips:

1.      A packet of lemon-flavored drink mix may be used in place of the vinegar. Just pour it into the detergent compartment (without sugar), and run the dishwasher through a cycle.

2.      Dishwasher rack touch up paint comes in multiple colors, so take the time to find a paint that matches your racks.

3.      If your dishwasher racks are already badly rusted, look into buying replacement racks.

What You Need:

• Vinegar
• A sponge, washcloth or paper towels
• A dishwasher-safe cup

How To Clean a Washing Machine

By Erin Huffstetler, About.com

1.      Exterior
Wipe down the exterior of the washing machine with vinegar or your favorite all-purpose cleaner.

2.      Tub
Pour two cups of vinegar or lemon juice into the tub, and run the washing machine through a complete cycle on the hottest setting to remove odors, stains and detergent build up.

3.      Lid/Door
Scrub around the edge of the lid/door with vinegar to remove mildew and detergent build up.

4.      Bleach and Fabric Softener Dispensers
Remove the bleach and fabric softener dispensers, and scrub them in the sink. Then, dry them thoroughly and return them to the machine.

Tips:

1.      To prevent mildewing, leave the lid open after you finish a load to allow the washing machine to dry out.

2.      Commerical fabric softeners leave build up in the machine. Make vinegar your fabric softener of choice, and the inside of your washing machine won't need to be cleaned as frequently – if at all.

3.      While you're cleaning your washing machine, inspect the washer hoses to make sure they're still firmly in place.

What You Need:

• Vinegar or lemon juice
• An all-purpose cleaner
• A cleaning rag