How to clean and maintain your appliances

Refrigerators

Dust and dirt can accumulate on your refrigerator’s coils (located either on the back or underneath), impeding its operation and causing the unit to work that much harder. Overworking will ultimately shorten your refrigerator’s lifespan.

Give the coils a thorough cleaning every few months using either a cloth or a soft vacuum brush. Beware of potential damage caused by metal or plastic pieces impacting on the coils.

Be sure to also wipe down all door seals, as they can wear out and crack, reducing their efficiency and causing your compressor to work overtime to maintain a steady internal temperature. You can also apply a bit of petroleum jelly to further extend the life span of your door seals.

If your freezer does not automatically defrost, make sure to do it manually when needed.

Your refrigerator runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, so give it the love and attention it deserves!

Washing Machines

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the amount of clothes and quantity/type of detergent to use. Not following these directions can lead to damage and unit failure.

Also, periodically wipe the inside of the machine to prevent mold build up. You can reduce the possibility of this issue by letting the washing machine air out after each load.

Dishwashers

Hard water causes mineral deposits to form, and these deposits accumulate and clog up the machine’s water jets, reducing their efficiency and leaving you with dishes that are not fully cleaned and rinsed. There are dishwasher cleaners on the market that help to dissolve deposits, or you can also remove them by using a hatpin or paper clip.

Position sharp items, such as knives and forks, carefully in the cutlery rack so that they do not fly out and damage the unit’s interior and/or seals. It also helps to clean up any food bits that accumulate on the floor of the machine—leftover food bits can eventually clog up the filter.

Improper load sizes or detergents will also reduce the machine’s lifecycle, much like your laundry machine.

Air Conditioners

Make sure that dust, pet hair, and dirt do not accumulate inside the unit, as this causes performance to suffer. If you have a portable unit, check the hose for leaks.

The steps above are quick, easy, and well worth adding to your monthly home maintenance schedule. However, if preventative maintenance has ultimately failed and your aging appliances are beyond repair, Danby has the latest models to satisfy the needs of any sized living space.

Browse our online showroom for product images, features, and specifications!

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