In today’s time, one can’t imagine a life without appliances! They have become the most integral part of our day to day routine. Modern-day appliances are so highly efficient that they can perform the desired task in a very short duration of time, thereby reducing our workload and increasing our efficiency. But, the cyclic process of using them and not maintaining them well makes our appliances less efficient.

So, here we have listed down with some easy-to-do maintenance tips for your appliances.

5 easy tips to maintain your washing machine

1. Everyday hack.

 

 

 

Most of the washing machines tend to retain a damp odor after you have washed your clothes. Over a period of time, accumulation of slime and grease makes the machine less efficient in washing very dirty clothes.

 

• Tip: Keep the door of the washing machine open after you are done with your laundry. This process completely dries out the inner walls of the machine leaving it odor free.

 

2. Keep the interiors clean.

 

 

 

We tend to forget that our washing machine can only clean our clothes, it can’t clean itself.

Hence, it’s very important to do a routine cleanup of our machine to increase its shelf life.

 

• Tip:
• Use a solution of hot water, vinegar and baking soda and let your machine complete a full cycle (without any clothes). This process rinses out the slime and grease our machine accumulates. Do this every 2-3 months.
• You can also use a solution of Harpic (regular household toilet cleaner) and water to rinse out the accumulated grease and dirt. You can try this method every month.

 

3. Overloading? Strict NO!

 

Overloading the washing machine suffocates it and none of the clothes get cleaned in the process. It also puts a lot of pressure on the motor and results in overheating which is again bad for the machine.

                                                                                                                                                        

• Tip: Do your laundry in separate batches. Go for fewer clothes but lots of water (don’t go overboard though!). This makes your clothes cleaner than usual.

 

4. Excessive Washing powder does more harm!

 

 

We all have a common tendency to add heaps of washing powder to get cleaner and shinier clothes. Doing so not only results in damaging the internal pipes and the motor but also damages the texture of our clothes.

 

• Tip: Use suggested quantities of washing powder and always use the type of detergent recommended for your machine.

 

5. Check for leakage and breaks.

 

 

Lastly, to keep your washing machine working perfectly, it’s very important to check for leakages and breaks in pipes and water hoses.

 

• Tip: You can replace the plastic pipes with stainless steel ones to ensure they work for a longer period. Also clean out the drain pump filter once every 2-3 weeks to avoid blockage due to the accumulation of hair and cloth fibers.

 

 

4 Lifesaving hacks to maintain your microwave

 

While microwaves have simplified our cooking efforts, they still stump us when it comes to cleaning them. Cleaning a microwave seems like a highly complicated process and in our fear of spoiling the parts, we end up leaving it like that for days together. So, here we have 4 super easy cleaning hacks for your microwave which will not only save your time but will render longevity to your appliance. You will thank us later!

 

1. Lemon to your rescue!

 

Who knew that this tangy, vitamin C-rich fruit would have the superpower to clean your microwave in minutes? Lemon, being a natural cleaning agent, helps remove stains and stubborn food particles and leaves your microwave smelling fresh.

 

• Method: Simply cut a large lemon in half and squeeze it in a microwave-safe mug filled with about ½ cup water. Drop the lemon skin as well and microwave on high for about 2-3 minutes. Keep the door closed for some time to let the vapors get trapped inside. Using a damp cloth, wipe away the grime and food stains.

 

2. Damp paper towels will do the trick!

 

 

Using wet paper towels is the easiest way to get a sparkling microwave!

 

• Method: Wet some paper towels and place them in the microwave. Let the microwave run for about a minute or two on high. The walls of your microwave will retain the moisture. Once the towels cool off, wipe off the interiors to remove sticky particles and stains.

 

 

3. Vinegar with either baking soda or water.

 

 

 

 

Yes, you read that right! Vinegar works wonders with either water or baking soda to remove toughest of stains inside and outside our microwave.

 

• Method 1: vinegar with water

Mix one tablespoon of vinegar with half cup of water to make a solution. Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and run on high for a few minutes. This solution loosens up the accumulated dirt and makes cleaning of greasy walls easier.

 

• Method 2: Vinegar with Baking soda

Add 4 tablespoons of baking soda to a quarter spoon of water. Mix well to form a paste.

This paste can be applied to stains and hardened chunk of food particles. You can also mix 4 equal parts of water and vinegar and microwave the same in high for a few minutes. Wipe away the interiors after that.

 

4. The liquid dish soap can do your microwave too!

 

 

 

• Method: Mix 2-3 tablespoon of any liquid dish soap with water in a bowl. Microwave on high till it forms steam inside. Remove the bowl and wipe the inside clean with a dry towel.

 

 

Another regularly used appliance that comes to mind is the RO water purifier which is an absolute necessity today. The alarming rate at which water bodies are getting contaminated, it’s always safer to use a water purifier. But this appliance also needs some maintenance to keep it working efficiently for a long time.

 

So, let’s look at some tips to help maintain your Water Purifier.

3 basic steps to maintain your RO water purifier

 

1. Cover your purifier.

It’s essential that you cover your water purifier with a plastic cover or any other cover that comes with the package. This helps prevent any additional dust and germs entering the purifier.

 

2. Replace the RO membrane at regular intervals.

The RO membrane is the most important part of the purifier. It is basically a semi-permeable membrane which helps filter out the water. It generally requires replacement every 2-3 years.

Doing so ensures the quality of water is intact.

 

3. Filter changes are essential.

There are two filters in your water purifier

• The sediment filter (filters out dust, sand and other impurities)
• Carbon filter (helps remove chlorine and other harmful particles)

It’s important you change them periodically (at least once a year). This will ensure that you are not compromising on the odor, color, and taste of your drinking water.

 

These life hacks come in handy and go a long way to maintain the life of your appliances. Follow these simple steps on a regular basis and your appliances will last longer and perform better.

 

[Also Read- 5-point checklist when booking home cleaning services]