Kitchen appliances play a vital role in making meal prep, cleaning, and storing food easier. However, they can also endure wear and tear over time. With a bit of attention and care, you can extend their lifespan, saving yourself the hassle and cost of frequent repairs or replacements. Here are some simple yet effective ways to ensure your kitchen appliances keep working smoothly for years.

Why You Should Extend the Life of Your Appliances

Kitchen appliances can be expensive, so it makes sense to maximize their lifespan. By following a few basic maintenance steps, like cleaning the refrigerator coils or not overloading your dishwasher, you can prolong their usability. Plus, keeping your appliances in top shape not only saves you money on replacements but can also improve their energy efficiency, lowering your utility bills.

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Kitchen Appliances

Here’s how you can ensure the longevity of the most commonly used kitchen appliances:

Extending the Life of Your Refrigerator

Refrigerators typically last between 10 and 15 years, but with proper care, they can last even longer. Here’s what to do:

• Clean the Coils: Dust on the coils makes the fridge work harder. Vacuum them every six months to keep things running smoothly.
• Check the Door Seals: Damaged or loose door seals can cause cold air to leak out. Test the seals with a piece of paper—if it slides out easily, it’s time for a replacement.
• Don’t Overstuff: A crowded fridge restricts airflow and forces the compressor to work harder. Leave space for air to circulate.

Tip: The Café Smart 4-door French Door Refrigerator (Model: CJE23DM5WS5) has adjustable shelves and built-in temperature sensors to keep food fresh while being energy-efficient.

Extending the Life of Your Dishwasher

Dishwashers usually last 7 to 12 years, but bad habits can shorten their lifespan. Here’s how to keep your dishwasher performing optimally:

• Scrape, Don’t Rinse: Rinsing dishes before loading can confuse your dishwasher’s sensors. Just scrape off large food bits and let the machine handle the rest.
• Run Hot Water First: Turn on your faucet until the water is hot before starting the dishwasher. This ensures better cleaning without overloading the system.
• Clean the Filter: Every few months, remove and rinse the filter to prevent clogs, which can cause buildup and strain the motor.

Tip: The GE Profile Top Control Dishwasher (Model: PDP715SYVFS) is equipped with advanced spray arms and bottle jets for thorough cleaning without overloading the machine.

Extending the Life of Your Oven and Range

With proper care, your oven or range should last 10 to 20 years. Here’s how to maintain them:

• Clean Spills Immediately: Spills can damage heating elements and create smoke. Clean them up once the oven has cooled.
• Avoid Slamming the Door: Slamming can misalign the oven door, reducing its ability to retain heat and affecting efficiency.
• Check Gas Burner Flames: If you have a gas range, the flames should be blue. If they’re yellow or uneven, it’s time to clean the burner or schedule a tune-up.

Tip: The Thermador Double Steam Wall Oven (Model: PODS302B) offers 17 heating modes and the largest steam capacity available on the market.

Appliance Maintenance Checklist

Setting up your appliances correctly from the start can prevent many future problems. Here are some key tasks to consider:

• Read the Manual: While it may not be exciting, your appliance manual is full of valuable tips that will help you maintain its performance.
• Use a Surge Protector: Protect your appliances from power surges by plugging them into surge protectors.
• Ensure Proper Leveling: Uneven appliances can lead to vibrations and faster wear. Use a level to make sure everything is properly aligned.

How Much Can You Extend the Lifespan of Your Appliances?

By following these maintenance steps, you can easily extend the life of most kitchen appliances by 3 to 5 years. This investment in care can save you thousands of dollars in replacement costs, ensuring your appliances serve you well for many years to come.