Extend the Life of Your Appliances with These Maintenance Tips
Prevention is always better — and cheaper — than repair. Follow these expert maintenance tips from our technicians to keep your appliances running efficiently for years longer.
Clean Your Fridge Condenser Coils Every 6 Months
Dust and debris build up on the condenser coils at the back or underneath your refrigerator, forcing the compressor to work harder than necessary. Vacuuming these coils twice a year can significantly reduce energy consumption and extend the compressor's life by years. While you're at it, check the door seals for cracks or gaps — a worn gasket lets cold air escape and warm air in, causing the fridge to run constantly. This applies to all brands including Samsung and LG fridges.
Clean the Washing Machine Drum & Filter Monthly
Run an empty hot wash with a cup of white vinegar or a specialist washing machine cleaner once a month to remove soap scum, bacteria, and limescale build-up from the drum. Check and clean the drain pump filter — usually located behind a small panel at the front — every four to six weeks. Leaving small items like coins or buttons in the filter can cause drainage problems and pump failures over time. This is especially important for Bosch and Siemens front-loaders.
Descale Your Dishwasher Regularly
Hard water areas like much of Gauteng leave limescale deposits on your dishwasher's heating element, spray arms, and internal surfaces. Run an empty dishwasher cycle with a dishwasher descaler or white vinegar once a month. Also clean the filter basket at the bottom of the machine weekly — a clogged filter is the number one cause of poor wash performance in Bosch dishwashers and Smeg dishwashers.
Don't Overload Your Washing Machine
Loading more than the recommended capacity puts enormous strain on the motor, drum bearings, and shock absorbers. A typical 7kg machine should hold no more than 7kg of dry laundry. Consistently overloading — even by a small amount — dramatically accelerates wear and tear on moving components. Spread large washes across two lighter loads and your machine will thank you with years of extra service life. This is the most common cause of preventable Whirlpool and Hisense washing machine bearing failures.
Level Your Appliances Properly
Washing machines and dishwashers need to be perfectly level to function correctly. An unlevel washing machine will vibrate excessively during spin cycles, wearing out bearings and shock absorbers prematurely. Use a spirit level and adjust the feet accordingly. For fridges, a very slight forward tilt (toward the back) helps the door close automatically and seals properly — check your model's instructions for the exact specification.
Check & Replace Door Seals Promptly
The rubber door seals (gaskets) on your fridge and washing machine are easy to overlook but critically important. A damaged fridge seal allows warm air to enter, causing the compressor to work overtime. A washing machine door seal that's torn or perished will cause leaks. Check seals regularly for cracks, mould, or tears, and have them replaced at the first sign of deterioration — our technicians can replace seals on all major brands including Defy, Samsung, and LG.