The New Year is a time of resolution, new beginnings and handy-work! Since you’ve got a few spare minutes up your sleeve, it’s time to knuckle down and get things done around the house, starting with your annual appliance check. If they turn off and on, that’s a great start, but not at all what we mean. Your fridge, dishwasher, washing machine and even microwave require a check or two throughout the year to ensure you’re getting the best performance possible out of your white goods.
The Dishwasher Check
Plug Away
Inspect the electrical cord and plug for breaks or hairline damage. The smallest issue can snowball into a big problem later on, costing you dollars and stress. Ask us to replace any damaged cords.
Are you Full Yet?
The fill lines and tubes are instrumental in the efficient filling and draining of your dishwasher. A half full dishwasher does a below average job of getting your dishes crisp and clean, using the same amount of electricity and subsequent elbow grease – you want to move beyond hand washing everything, it defeats the purpose of owning a dishwasher.
Down With Debris
Food scraps and leftovers can play havoc in your dishwasher. If you keep one resolution this year, make it this – rinse before you wash. We can clear the pump and drain hose of any food jams, testing the water flow with an empty cycle before resuming business as usual.
The Fridge Check
The Big Thaw
Has your freezer reached Artic proportions yet, cultivating micro glaciers, attached to the side panels? Are you having trouble telling the difference between the ice cube trays, the meat and the frost coated ice-cream container? Like Apollo 13, you have a problem. Empty it out and give the contents of your freezer to your mum dad and neighbours. Put the rest in an esky. Now, switch it off at the wall and remove all trays and shelving, covering the floor in newspaper as you go. Now let nature take its course and allow the ice to melt naturally .
Make sure the seals on your freezer and fridge are clean as sticky seals cause splits.
Take Its Temperature
Do you know the correct reading for your fridge? Many people do not, opting for factory settings or whatever the sales person at the store said. The magic number? 5 degrees Celsius. Lean in and check your fridge now, ensuring it is not above or below this benchmark.
Don’t Play Food Jenga
Packing food and drink in any which way, as long as the door closes is the fast track to food poisoning and a badly performing appliance. To keep food cool, the chilly air must be able to reach every nook and cranny consistently. If you’re overcompensating on the refreshments for the holidays, use eskies. Its better they are looked after this way than letting your food spoil through having an overloaded fridge.
