Clean One Filter a Month
Why it matters: Filters clog, airflow drops, water can’t drain properly, and components work harder than they should.
Do this monthly:
- Dishwasher filter (food debris)
- Extractor filters (grease)
- Tumble dryer filter (lint)
- Washing machine drawer/filter area (detergent sludge)
Descale Little and Often
Why it matters: Limescale makes heating elements less efficient and can shorten appliance life.
Best targets: kettle, coffee machine, washing machine, dishwasher.
Habit: light descale on a schedule (monthly/quarterly depending on your water hardness and usage).
Stop Overloading the Washing Machine
Why it matters: Overloading strains bearings, reduces cleaning, and can prevent proper spinning/draining.
Rule of thumb: leave space at the top of the drum (you should be able to fit your hand in comfortably).
Bonus: Use the right cycle for heavy items (bedding/towels), and avoid washing single bulky items alone where possible.
Give Your Fridge/Freezer Breathing Room
Why it matters: Poor airflow makes the compressor run longer, wasting energy and risking warmer temperatures.
Habit: once a month, do a quick check:
- Don’t block vents inside the fridge/freezer
- Wipe door seals clean
- Make sure the door closes fully every time
Run a Dishwasher Maintenance Cycle Monthly
Why it matters: Grease and food residue builds up invisibly and causes smells, poor cleaning and drainage problems.
Habit:
- Clean the filter
- Check spray arms
- Run the hottest cycle empty with a proper dishwasher cleaner (or an approved method recommended by your manufacturer)
Treat Your Oven Like a Grease Management Job
Why it matters: Smoke, smells, uneven cooking, and (in worst cases) flare-ups are often grease-related.
Habit: after heavy cooking, wipe down obvious splatter once it’s cool.
Quarterly: deeper clean around the door, seals, and accessible areas.
Empty Pockets and Check Small Items Before Washing
Why it matters: Coins, hair grips, screws and tissues can damage pumps/filters and cause blockages.
Habit: make “pocket check” automatic—especially with kids’ clothes and workwear.
Don’t Ignore New Noises
Why it matters: Most major failures give you a warning phase—rattles, grinding, banging, burning smells, or repeated error codes.
Habit: if a noise persists for more than a couple of uses, investigate early (it’s usually cheaper and easier than waiting).
Respect the Tumble Dryer Lint Cycle
Why it matters: Lint reduces efficiency, increases drying times, and is a major safety risk if neglected.
Habit:
- Clean the lint filter every load
- Check the condenser/heat exchanger (if your model has one) as per manufacturer guidance
- Make sure the dryer has ventilation space
Book One Annual Appliance Health Check
Why it matters: A quick professional check can catch failing parts, worn seals, weak heating, drainage issues, and safety risks before they become emergencies.
Habit: schedule a yearly check for your most-used appliances (often: washing machine, dishwasher, oven/cooker).
A simple 12-month habit planner (easy version)
If you want it dead simple:
- Monthly: dishwasher filter + dryer lint + wipe fridge seals
- Quarterly: descale + deeper oven wipe-down + washing machine drawer clean
- Annually: professional service/check on key appliances.
When to call for help (don’t wait)
Get advice/support if you notice:
- Burning electrical smell, sparks, scorch marks
- Repeated tripping at the fuse box
- Gas smell or unstable flames
- Persistent leaks, standing water, or grinding noises
