Simple Habits That Help Your Appliances Last Longer

Small maintenance steps can make a big difference in performance and longevity

Home appliances work quietly in the background of daily life. Until they don’t. A refrigerator stops cooling, the dishwasher leaves dishes wet, or the dryer suddenly takes two cycles to finish a load. When that happens, it disrupts the routine of the whole house.

The good news is that many appliance issues can be prevented with a few simple maintenance habits. Taking a little time throughout the year to care for your appliances can help them run more efficiently and extend their lifespan.

Our Appliance Service team at Fergus Home & Hardware sees it firsthand: small maintenance steps can make a big difference. Here is a simple checklist homeowners can follow.

Refrigerator: Keep It Breathing

Your refrigerator runs 24 hours a day, so keeping it clean and properly ventilated is important.

Homeowner Checklist

• Vacuum or brush the condenser coils every 6–12 months
• Make sure air vents inside the fridge are not blocked
• Check the door gaskets for cracks or loose seals
• Keep the refrigerator temperature near 37°F

Dishwasher: Clean the Cleaner

Dishwashers remove food particles every day, but they still need occasional attention.

Homeowner Checklist

• Clean the dishwasher filter once a month
• Wipe the door gasket and edges
• Run a dishwasher cleaner through the unit every few months
• Make sure spray arms spin freely

Washer: Prevent Odors and Buildup

Modern washers use less water, which means detergent buildup can happen faster if the machine is not maintained.

Homeowner Checklist

• Leave the door open after loads to allow moisture to escape
• Run a washer cleaner monthly
• Check hoses for cracks or bulges once a year
• Avoid overloading the drum

Dryer: The Most Important Maintenance Task

Dryers are one appliance where maintenance is not just about performance. It is also about safety. Clogged dryer vents are a leading cause of house fires.

Homeowner Checklist

• Clean the lint filter after every load
• Check the outside vent flap for proper airflow
• Vacuum lint from behind and beneath the dryer occasionally
• Have the dryer vent professionally cleaned when buildup occurs

Range and Oven: Keep It Clean

Cooking appliances benefit from occasional cleaning to keep burners and heating elements working properly.

Homeowner Checklist

• Clean spills quickly to prevent baked-on residue
• Clean range hood filters
• Check that burners or heating elements sit properly
• Use the self-clean cycle sparingly and follow manufacturer instructions

When It’s Time to Call a Technician

Even with regular maintenance, appliances eventually need service. Strange noises, water leaks, error codes, or inconsistent temperatures are all signs that it may be time to have a technician take a look.

The Appliance Service team at Fergus Home & Hardware repairs most major brands including: Amana, Asko, Bosch, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, Frigidaire, GE Appliances, JennAir, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, Speed Queen, Sub-Zero, Thermador, Whirlpool, and Wolf.

They can also help you weigh whether repair or replacement makes the most sense for your situation. Either way, the goal is the same: helping your home run smoothly again.