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What is Hotpoint Washing Machine Error Code H20?

What is Hotpoint Washing Machine Error Code H20?

Electronic waste, or e-waste, is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world.  At Zest, we see tackling e-waste as a shared responsibility, one where manufacturers, service providers, and households all have a role to play.

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Hotpoint Washing Machine Error Code H20

Is your Hotpoint washing machine displaying the error code H20? Take a look at our article to help you diagnose what’s wrong, and potentially fix the issue. If your issues persist, give us a call about our Repair & Care options, and we’ll try to help further. 

What Does Error Code H20 Mean?

The Hotpoint H20 error code signals a water-related issue, meaning the machine isn’t getting enough water, is draining too slowly, or has a sensor fault, often due to closed taps, kinked hoses, blocked filters, or a faulty pressure switch, requiring you to check the water supply, hoses, filters, and pressure sensor.


Common Causes and Solutions

Water Supply

Ensure both hot and cold water taps are fully open and the supply hoses aren’t kinked or crushed.


Inlet Filters

Check the small filters where the hoses connect to the machine and the tap for blockages from limescale or debris.


Drainage

Clear the drain pump filter (usually at the bottom front) and check the drain hose for clogs or kinks.


Pressure Switch/Hose

A small black hose connected to the pressure switch can get a pinhole leak or become blocked, tricking the machine into thinking it’s full or empty; inspect and repair/replace it if damaged.


Door Latch

Make sure the door is securely closed and latched.


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Overloading the machine can sometimes trigger this error.

Need To Take Action?

If you own a home appliance, from kitchen gadgets to home tech, our standard Appliance Care Plan helps keep your equipment running smoothly. If you notice any faults, don’t worry with the optional Repair & Care upgrade, we can have an engineer out to you quickly.

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What is Hotpoint Washing Machine Error Code F05?

What is Hotpoint Washing Machine Error Code F05?

Hotpoint Washing Machine Error Code F05

A Hotpoint F05 error code indicates a drainage fault, usually caused by a blocked or faulty drain pump, filter, or waste hose. To fix it, first, unplug the machine, then check and clear blockages from the pump filter, the drain hose, and the waste pipe. If these steps don’t work, the pump itself may need to be replaced.

Unplug the Machine

Before you begin any work, always disconnect the washing machine from the power supply for safety.

Drain the Water

If the machine is full of water, you may need to drain it into a bucket first. This can be done by accessing the emergency drain hose or removing the filter, which will release water in a controlled way.

Clean the Pump Filter

Locate the filter, usually behind a small door at the bottom of the machine. Unscrew it to remove it, clean out any debris, and check for anything that could be jamming the filter or the impeller inside.

Inspect the Hoses

Check the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Make sure it’s not crushed or bent, and check the connection to the waste pipe for any clogs.

Check the Pump

If the filter is clean and the hoses are clear, the issue could be a faulty pump. A humming noise might indicate the motor is working but the impeller is blocked or the pump needs to be replaced.

Reset the Machine

After checking everything, plug the machine back in. If the error code was caused by a temporary glitch, it may have been reset. If the error continues, there is likely a more serious issue, such as a faulty pump, and you will need to contact a professional repair service.

Need To Take Action?

If you own a home appliance, from kitchen gadgets to home tech, our standard Appliance Care Plan helps keep your equipment running smoothly. If you notice any faults, don’t worry with the optional Repair & Care upgrade, we can have an engineer out to you quickly.

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Sustainable Ways to Use Your Appliances

Sustainable Ways to Use Your Appliances

We’re all a little guilty of using our appliances inefficiently, sometimes it can’t be avoided, we have so much to wash and so little time! But if you want to be more conscious of energy use, then stick around for our top tips.

Sustainable Ways to Use your Appliances

Sustainability isn’t just about big changes, it’s often the small, everyday choices that make the greatest difference. Our homes are filled with appliances that make life easier, from the washing machine to the oven. But how we use and care for them has a real impact on both the environment and our household costs. At Zest, we believe sustainability and practicality go hand in hand.

Here are some simple, effective practices to make your appliances work better for you, and for the planet.

Choose Repair Before Replacement

The most sustainable appliance is the one you already own. By repairing rather than replacing, you reduce waste, save resources, and cut down on the carbon footprint tied to manufacturing and shipping new appliances. At Zest, our care plans are designed to make repair the first and most affordable option.


Run Appliances Efficiently

Small adjustments to daily habits can have a big impact. Use your washing machine with full loads, switch to eco or low tmeperature cycles, and air dry laundry when possible.With dishwashers, scrape rather than rinse plates, and only run the machine when it’s full. For ovens, avoid preheating unless necessary and keep the door shut during cooking to conserve energy.

Maintain Regulrly

A well-maintained appliance is a more sustainable one. Simple steps like cleaning filters, descaling kettles, and defrosting freezers improve efficiency and extend lifespan. These tasks may seem small, but they help reduce energy use and prevent premature breakdowns – keeping appliances running smoothly for longer.


Use Energy Wisely

Pay attention to when and how you use appliances. Running washing machines or dishwashers overnight can take advantage of off-peak energy tariffs. Unplugging or switching off appliances when not in use prevents unnecessary energy drain. Even small “standby” lights consume power over time, so cutting them out adds up.


Upgrade Smartly, Not Frequently

When the time does come to replace an appliance, choose wisely. Look for energy-efficient models with high ratings, durable designs, and repair-friendly parts. Buying better once is more sustainable than replacing cheaply and often.


Think Beyond the Home

Disposing of appliances responsibly is part of the cycle. Instead of sending broken appliances straight to landfill, explore recycling schemes or trade-in options. Many components from metals to plastics can be reused, reducing the need for new raw materials.


A Sustainable Mindset

Sustainability isn’t about perfection: it’s about progress. By taking small steps, caring for the appliances we already own, and making mindful choices when it comes to repairs, usage, and upgrades, we can reduce our environmental impact without sacrificing convenience.

At Zest, we’re committed to helping households get the most out of their appliances in a way that’s simpler, smarter, and more sustainable. Because when we care for the things, we already have, we’re also caring for the world we live in.

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Why Choosing Repair is the Sustainable Choice

Why Choosing Repair is the Sustainable Choice

When your appliances break down, the most sustainable and eco friendly way to handle it is to repair, (when you have the option) rather than replace.

Why Choosing Repair is the Sustainable Choice

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be tempting to replace an appliance as soon as it breaks down. A shiny new washing machine or fridge might feel like the easiest solution. But when we look closer at the cost to our wallets and the cost to the environment, repairing often makes far more sense. At Zest, we believe repair should be the first choice, not the last resort.

Reducing Waste, Protecting the Planet

Every year, millions of appliances are discarded. Many of them could have been repaired and used for years longer, but instead they end up as waste. Large appliances contribute heavily to landfill, and their components like plastics, metals, and chemicals, take decades to break down. By repairing instead of replacing, we reduce the flow of waste and give existing products a longer, more sustainable life.

Cutting Carbon Footprint

It’s not just about waste. Manufacturing new appliances requires significant energy, from mining raw materials to shipping finished products worldwide. All of this adds to the carbon footprint of a single appliance before it even arrives in your kitchen. A repair, by contrast, uses only a fraction of those resources. Choosing to fix an appliance rather than replace it helps cut down on unnecessary emissions and supports a more sustainable way of living.

Make the Most of What You Already Own

Most modern appliances are designed to last many years, but sometimes a minor fault, worn part, or electrical issue gets in the way. In many cases, a repair can restore your appliance to full working order at a far lower cost than buying new. At Zest, our plans are built around that idea: protecting your appliances and helping you get the maximum use out of what you already own.

Saving Money, Saving Resources

Repair is not only the environmentally friendly option, but also usually the budget-friendly option. Replacing a fridge, oven, or washing machine can be a major expense, while a timely repair costs far less. With a Zest Appliance Care Plan, you can make the sustainable choice without worrying about unexpected repair bills.

A Small Change with a Big Impact

On their own, one repair might not seem like much. But across thousands of households, choosing repair over replacement adds up to a powerful collective impact. Less waste, fewer carbon emissions, and a greater respect for the resources that went into making our appliances in the first place.

Happy Repairing!

At Zest, we see repair as more than just fixing what’s broken. It’s about helping households live more sustainably, reducing waste, and protecting the planet, while making sure your home keeps running smoothly. Together, small choices can make a big difference.

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Humidifier Maintenance Tips

Humidifier Maintenance Tips

Not many people know how to maintain their humidifiers, so here is our guide to keeping yours in tip top shape!

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How to Keep Your Humidifier Well Maintained

Running a humidifier may be an extraordinary manner to feature moisture to dry indoor air. But maintain in thoughts that grimy humidifiers can create a risky environment. Uncleaned machines can emit dangerous debris into the air. These can have an effect on your respiration fitness. 

Cleaning your humidifier frequently will lessen your threat of that hazardous debris coming into the air and your lungs. Keep reading to disprotect ways to keep your humidifier well maintained, whilst updating your humidifier, and what to recollect whilst shopping for a brand new one. Why you ought to ease your humidifier.

A Humidifier Releases Moisture into the Air


This technique also can launch different debris, together with microorganisms, moulds, minerals, and chemicals. The debris can be invisible to the attention or settle as white dirt in your room. Breathing in those factors can worsen your lungs. People with bronchial allergies and allergic reactions can be specially liable to undesirable debris in the air. But even the ones without those situations can broaden dangerous signs from a grimy humidifier. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, you can revel in flu-like signs or lung infections via way of means of walking a poorly maintained device.

Types of Humidifier


Central humidifiers: 

These are set up with your HVAC system and and humidify your whole home.

Cool mist humidifiers: 

These consist of transportable impeller humidifiers and ultrasonic humidifiers that emit cool moisture.

Warm mist humidifiers: 

Like transportable steam vaporizers, those warm water after which cool it earlier than free it into the air.

Evaporators: 

These are transportable and less expensive and blow air at the water from a fan that releases via a wick, belt, or clears out.

Each humidifier has strengths, however, a few are more secure for positive conditions than others. Read extra approximate humidifier safety. There are numerous approaches to maintaining a humidifier easily.

A Widespread Rule


You ought to rinse and dry out your humidifier each day and ease it extra deeply every few days. Always unplug your device earlier than cleansing. Follow those hints to keep away from undesirable debris coming into the air. Wash and dry the humidifier after every use. Empty out the humidifier’s water basin among every use. Rinse out this part of the humidifier with cleaning soap and water each day. Dry the basin on every occasion you update the water. 

Make certain the humidifier is unplugged earlier than cleansing it. Read the manufacturer’s instructions Before intending to deep cleanse your humidifier, first, seek advice from the manufacturer’s instructions. 

This will come up with the right steerage on the way to ease the humidifier in addition to whether or not positive components ought to be wiped clean or replaced. Permanently established humidifiers may also want to be serviced frequently via way of means of an expert or require unique care.

Use Proper Cleaning Products


You may also need to apply a water and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide answer or any other manufacturer-endorsed cleanser every few days to clean the device out of ability toxins. The Environmental Protection Agency shows that a three percent hydrogen peroxide answer can be beneficial for cleansing purposes. 

Use a scrubbing brush to attain small regions of the device to make sure the whole tool receives wiped clean. Watch for scales or different build-ups while you are easy and make certain to clean away any of them. Thoroughly rinse the device out with water earlier than the use of it once more in case you use a cleansing answer.

Replace Components


Some humidifier components may also want to get replaced on an everyday basis. Central humidifiers and evaporators may also have filters to be updated regularly. The instruction manual of your humidifier should have a guide on how and when to remove and replace filters. Consider shopping for some extra filters to have available for smooth replacement.

Use Distilled Water


Distilled water is basically freed from minerals and different substances that can go away deposits inside the humidifier and launch debris into the air. Before shopping for water, make certain to examine the label due to the fact now no longer all bottled waters are distilled. Keep the region across the humidifier dry.

Avoid mildew and any other build-up inside the humidifier via way of means of retaining the region surrounding the device as dry as feasible. Check upholstered furniture, rugs or carpet, and window remedies for moisture. Turn down, stop, or dispose of the humidifier from the region if the region is damp. Clean it earlier than and after storing. Make certain to deeply easy and punctiliously dry the humidifier earlier than storing the device for any duration of time.

Dispose of filters and different replaceable merchandise. Store the humidifier in a dry region. Clean and dry the tool once more whilst getting it out of storage.

Best Practices


Here are some things to keep in mind: 

Clean your humidifier on every occasion you operate, it’s far the pleasant manner to keep the device. 

Don’t permit the humidity to get above 50 percent in any room. To a great deal, humidity can foster mildew and microorganism growth. 

Use a hygrometer to degree humidity tiers. Empty, dry, and replenish your humidifier on every occasion you operate it. 

Use distilled water in your humidifier to lessen the unfold of minerals within the air. Stop the use of a humidifier straight away in case you broaden any respiration problems. 

You should buy a hygrometer for measuring indoor humidity tiers online. What would possibly symbolize it’s time to get a brand new one? Cleaning your humidifier frequently may also maintain undesirable debris and mildew growth, however, you ought to recollect changing poorly maintained humidifiers or vintage machines. It’s now no longer usually feasible to easy each a part of an unnoticed or growing old device. 

Additionally, in case you note mildew or scale on your humidifier and can’t dispose of it with a heavy cleansing, it’s able to eliminate it and get a brand new one.

Further Recommendations


When you buy a humidifier for your home, recollect the length of the room. Find a humidifier that works pleasantly in your space. 

Location of the humidifier:

Children shouldn’t be close to heat mist gadgets due to the fact they may scald or burn them whilst touched. Whether you may alter the humidifier’s mist level. Look for added capabilities that can healthy your needs, together with the capacity to alter mist tiers. 

The portability of the device:

Some humidifiers paintings for travel, whilst others can be too cumbersome to transport from room to room frequently. Customer critiques and purchaser ratings. Find out whether or not the humidifier is straightforward to easy and keep earlier than shopping. See what others have stated approximately it.

Key Takeaways


There are a whole lot of humidifiers to be had for buy that each one requires everyday cleansing. Ignoring ordinary upkeep may also position your fitness at threat due to the fact mildew, microorganism, and different debris can input the air and your body.

Consider changing vintage or unnoticed humidifiers. When deciding on a brand new humidifier, study the numerous alternatives to be had to pick the proper one on your needs. 

Contact your medical doctor straight away in case you note any respiration problems growing for the duration of humidifier use.

Need To Take Action?

If you own a home appliance, from kitchen gadgets to home tech, our standard Appliance Care Plan helps keep your equipment running smoothly. If you notice any faults, don’t worry with the optional Repair & Care upgrade, we can have an engineer out to you quickly.

Repair tool bag used by appliance engineers for home appliance care, containing essential tools for maintenance and repairs

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How to Deep Clean Your Dishwasher

How to Deep Clean Your Dishwasher

Your dishwasher runs much better when clean, so here is a complete guide on how to deep clean your dishwasher.

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How to Deep Clean Your Dishwasher

Our dishwashers work tirelessly to ensure our dishes emerge spotless after every meal. However, in the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often forget that our dependable dishwasher needs a bit of care too. 

Regular cleaning not only extends its lifespan but also ensures best performance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to keep your dishwasher in top-notch condition.

01 – Gather Your Supplies


Before diving into the cleaning process, gather the necessary supplies. You’ll need white vinegar, baking soda, a toothbrush or soft brush, a microfiber cloth, and some elbow grease of course. These simple items will work wonders in restoring your dishwasher’s shine.

02 – Empty the Dishwasher


Begin by removing all dishes from the dishwasher. This will ensure you have a blank canvas and no dishes will get in your way while you clean.

03 – Check the Filter


Locate your dishwasher’s filter, found at the bottom, and clear away any debris or food particles. This simple act ensures that your cleaning efforts are focused on the machine itself, not the remnants of last night’s dinner.

04 – Clean the Exterior


While the interior is crucial, don’t neglect the exterior. Wipe down the front panel, controls, and handles with a mild solution of water and dish soap. This ensures a thorough cleaning and keeps the aesthetic appeal of your appliance.

05 – Wipe Down Interior Surfaces


Another thing you can do is use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the interior surfaces of the dishwasher. Pay special attention to the edges and corners where residue can accumulate. For stubborn stains, dip the cloth in a mixture of water and white vinegar.

06 – Deodorise with Baking Soda


Baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to neutralising odours. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. This leaves your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.

07 – Run a Vinegar Cycle


If you have it to hand – white vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can help remove mineral deposits and grease. Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle without any dishes. This process will help eliminate any lingering odours and break down stubborn deposits.

08 – Check and Clean the Spray Arms


Remove the dishwasher’s spray arms if possible and inspect them for any blockages. Clean out the spray holes using a toothpick or a thin wire. This step guarantees that water can flow freely, supplying an effective wash for your dishes.

Ongoing Dishwasher Care


To keep your dishwasher in top condition, the steps you can incorporate into your routine should be repeated once per month. Consistent maintenance prevents the build up of grime and ensures your dishwasher runs at peak efficiency.

Other ways you can keep your dishwasher in good condition are to be sure you clean it out regularly, you use rinse aid with every wash, and ensure the dishwasher salt levels topped up. Below are examples of the symbols for these functions, they aren’t completely standardised across brands, but they look similar from make to make. Generally, there will be a light indicator next to this symbol, which will flash or light up if you need to top up the relevant substance.

A clean dishwasher is not only a more efficient appliance but also a hygienic one. By dedicating a little time to its maintenance, you can extend its lifespan and enjoy spotless dishes with every cycle. Incorporate these simple steps into your routine, and your dishwasher will continue to be the unsung hero of your kitchen for years to come.

If your dishwasher is a bit worse for wear and could do with more than just a clean, don’t hesitate to book an engineer with us, so we can get it back running smoothly again.


Need To Take Action?

If you own a home appliance, from kitchen gadgets to home tech, our standard Appliance Care Plan helps keep your equipment running smoothly. If you notice any faults, don’t worry with the optional Repair & Care upgrade, we can have an engineer out to you quickly.

Repair tool bag used by appliance engineers for home appliance care, containing essential tools for maintenance and repairs

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Washing Machine Maintenance Tips

Washing Machine Maintenance Tips

While repairing and reusing your appliances is always the ultimate goal, there comes the point where they need replacing.

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How to Keep Your Washing Machine Well Maintained

As one of the most valued appliances in the home, we rely on washing machines day-in and day-out to keep our clothes clean and fresh. Whilst appliances don’t last forever, some tend to break down more often than others and washing machines are the most common appliance in the home to malfunction. Giving your washing machine a little bit of TLC every now and again will go a long way to ensuring the least probability of a breakdown and we’ve provided some top tips for keeping your washing machine well maintained below:

01 – Give the Machine a Regular Maintenance Wash


A maintenance wash is a deep-cleaning cycle for your washing machine where you would add a cleaning solution in, typically in the form of a liquid or powder. This additive helps to get rid of any mould or bacteria that may have built up inside of the washing machine, drum or waste pipe. Most manufacturers sell their own cleaning solutions, although you can also find cleaning solutions in your local supermarket or make your own at home if you’re feeling crafty.

We would recommend putting your washing machine on a maintenance wash once a month to keep your washing machine running smoothly and smelling great. To run a maintenance wash, follow these simple steps:

  • Empty out anything from the washing machine drum.
  • Add the cleaning solution of your choice and make sure the correct amount has been added (refer to the instructions of the appliance for reference).
  • If there isn’t a maintenance wash option on the machine, put it on cycle without pre-wash enabled. A ‘cotton’ wash is recommended if you don’t have a maintenance wash option.
  • Put your wash on the hottest setting available.
  • Start the wash cycle.
  • When the cycle has finished, open the door, pull back any rubber seals and wipe away any remaining dirt, debris or water (this is the most common cause of unpleasant smells!). 
  • Leave the door open until the washing machine has fully dried out.

02 – Clean the Detergent Drawer


Despite it being full of cleaning products each time you perform a wash, the detergent drawer can get dirty or clogged regularly if not maintained. To clean the drawer, simply pull it out of the machine and soak in a bowl of hot, soapy water and give it a good scrub. If you’re dealing with small parts, sometimes an old toothbrush is a great scrubbing tool to get the job done. If the drawer doesn’t come out of the machine easily, there will likely be a catch at the back of the drawer you may need to press down before the drawer can be released.

Most washing machines will also have a series of holes above the drawer itself that water is released from. This is often overlooked when cleaning the washing machine. Simply take a wash cloth or soft scouring pad and scrub any dirt or debris from this mechanism to keep the water flowing through freely and preventing any build up of detergent in the drawer.

Once you’re finished, simply pop the drawer back into the washing machine and you’re good to go.

03 – Washing Machine Filter


Washing machine filters are designed to stop any debris, grit or small items from running out of the machine into the pipework of your house but they’ll need cleaning out evert 4-6 weeks to keep your machine running smoothly. 

The filter can be accessed by removing the small protect at the bottom of the machine and it’s typically a circular ‘bung’ that needs to be twisted to remove. There’s a good chance that water will leak out when the filter is removed so be sure to put down a couple of towels before you remove the filter. Once the filter is out, remove any small items from the filter and clean it by running it under hot water before putting it back in the machine again.

04 – Top Tips For Maintaining Your Washing Machine


  • Replace the water hoses
    • Water hoses behind the washing machine can deteriorate over time. We would recommend that these are checked regularly for bulging, cracking or leaks. If a problem is found, simply replace the hose.
  • Move the machine
    • To prevent hoses from being damaged behind the machine, we would recommend that you leave around 4 inches (10cm) of clearance between the machine and the wall.
  • Keep the machine level
    • Keeping the machine level can prevent noise or damage to your flooring. Most washing machines will have feet that can be adjusted by twisting them.
  • Air the machine out
    • Once a wash cycle has finished, we would recommend keeping the washing machine door open to air the appliance out and help prevent the build up of mould and other bad smells.
  • Measure your detergent
    • Adding too much detergent can quickly clog up the washing machine drawer. Refer to your appliance instruction manual to determine how much detergent and softener is needed for each wash.
  • Don’t overload the machine
    • Whilst some machines will now weigh the load before the cycle begins, older washing machines will have a set amount of water released for each cycle and overloading the machine will be harder on the appliance and will also result in sub-par washes.
  • Check your pockets
    • Lastly, make sure old coins, hair clips or any other pocket-junk are removed from clothing before you put it in the washing machine. These can lead to breakdowns and also clog the filter much more frequently.

Need To Take Action?

If you own a home appliance, from kitchen gadgets to home tech, our standard Appliance Care Plan helps keep your equipment running smoothly. If you notice any faults, don’t worry with the optional Repair & Care upgrade, we can have an engineer out to you quickly.

Repair tool bag used by appliance engineers for home appliance care, containing essential tools for maintenance and repairs

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5 Simple Ways to Cut Down on Food Waste

5 Simple Ways To Cut Down On Food Waste

If you think you’re wasting too much food and packaging, then stick around and read our 5 top tips for reducing your food waste!

5 Simple Ways To Cut Down On Food Waste

Food glorious food – we all love it and, with the bountiful selection of choice in supermarkets today, we unfortunately we have the growing tendency to waste tons of food each year. According to the Eco Experts, the UK throw away around 9.52 million tons of food per year, which equates to the Royal Albert Hall being filled 192 times. We all want to do our bit for the planet, so we’ve put together a few simple ways to cut down on your food waste.

1. It’s Time To Get Freezing

Whether it’s leftover lasagne from last night, or the abundance of fruit and veg that’s nearing its best before date, stick everything in the freezer and consume within the following three months. Not only does this save you on cooking prep time, but it also cuts down on your food waste, allowing you to spend less on shopping.


2. Keep It Cool

Bacteria thrives in warmer temperatures, which can cause food to go off quicker and, in turn, be wasted. Ensure your fridge is kept between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius to be at an optimum temperature to keep your food fresh.

3. Rotate Your Food

Similar to supermarkets, a great way to keep on top of best before dates is to rotate your food within the fridge, bringing produce that is nearing the end of its life to the front of the fridge – a simple reminder to use it first.

4. Compost If You Can

Whilst this is not always the most readily available option for everyone, making an effort to compost what you can, if you can, is a great way to cut down on waste and be more environmentally friendly.

5. Plan Your Meals

This may seem obvious but planning your meals ahead of time can cut back on food waste dramatically. Following a stricter shopping list can ensure you only use what is necessary for a recipe or a lunch box and can help you avoid throwing away food that isn’t used.

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Vacuum Cleaner Maintenance Tips

How to Keep Your Vacuum Cleaner Well Maintained

While repairing and reusing your appliances is always the ultimate goal, there comes the point where they need replacing.

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How to Keep Your Vacuum Cleaner Well Maintained

Like everything else in life, your vacuum cleaner will work most effectively with some regular TLC. Even bin trucks are cleaned on a daily basis, and the same applies to your vacuum cleaner. It’s one of the most hardworking tools in your house-cleaning toolbox.

01 – Blockages, Blockages, Blockages


Have you ever started vacuuming and then realised, to some annoyance, that the suction isn’t working properly and the area is no cleaner? blockages are the number one cause in a total loss of suction. Not only do they make your vacuuming job harder, they may cause your vacuum cleaner to rapidly overheat. For vacuums which use bags, not reusing bags will help prevent this as they can become clogged with dust and drastically reduce efficiency. 

This process is similar when it comes to bagless vacuum cleaners. All you have to do with bagless vacuum cleaners is to empty the canister every time you finish using it. The good thing about bagless vacuum cleaners is that most of them have a ‘maximum fill line’ to show how much dirt can be contained inside the canister. You’ll have to check this if your machine’s suction is poor.

Always make sure your vacuum cleaner is unplugged from the electrical socket before you clean the appliance. You can go further by checking the entrance to the machine by undoing the hose.

02 – Filtration System


In order to remove any clumps of dust, you’ll need to find where your vacuum cleaner’s filters are located and proceed to tap your opened filter on a relatively hard surface. We recommend not doing it inside as you’ll be transported to a sand sandstorm in the Sahara Desert. 

On the other hand, if your filter is washable, then run it through warm water thoroughly, making sure to get all the nooks and crannies. Once completed, move it to a safe and quiet spot – away from children – and leave it to dry for 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can put it back inside your machine.

03 – Maintaining Brush Heads


Just like an artist makes sure his brushes are always in tip-top condition, you must do the same with your vacuum cleaner. Thankfully, just like putting paintbrushes in a cup of water and letting it soak, vacuum cleaner brush heads are super easy to clean. But, many people get it wrong!

If you see any hairs, threads, pieces of Legos stuck with glue from your little one, then get a nice pair of scissors and simply cut the threads preventing it from functioning properly. You might be wondering why we haven’t said to pull it out. Well, pulling threads has an extremely high chance of damaging your vacuum cleaner’s bristles. 

Most vacuum cleaners have little but visible indents to guide your scissors through the length of the head so that you don’t cut the bristles. And afterwards – if your vacuum cleaner’s brush head has no electrical elements – clean it under lukewarm water, making sure to massage the bristle in order to remove all the embedded dust, fibres, and those glue pieces of Legos. Once done, make sure to dry it for a minimum of 24 hours before fitting it back into your machine.

04 – Smelly Vacuum Cleaner


If you’ve recently turned your vacuum cleaner on and detect an unpleasant smell, then that usually means your cleaner has sucked in something it shouldn’t have. And sometimes, you don’t even have to turn your cleaner on to smell it.

Remove and change the bag, or for a bagless vacuum cleaner, empty the canister and wash away any residue. Allow the canister to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before reconnecting it to your appliance.

It’s Broken! Is All Hope Lost?


If your vacuum cleaner is not working properly or potentially completely dead, contact us about our Repair & Care options to see if we can help you out. We hope this article helped you with your vacuum maintenance! 

Need To Take Action?

If you own a home appliance, from kitchen gadgets to home tech, our standard Appliance Care Plan helps keep your equipment running smoothly. If you notice any faults, don’t worry with the optional Repair & Care upgrade, we can have an engineer out to you quickly.

Repair tool bag used by appliance engineers for home appliance care, containing essential tools for maintenance and repairs

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air fryer

Air Fryer Maintenance Tips

Air Fryer Maintenance Tips

While repairing and reusing your appliances is always the ultimate goal, there comes the point where they need replacing.

airfryer

How to Keep Your Air Fryer Well Maintained

After dashing out £200+ on a top-of-the-line air fryer and now fearing every time you cook some chips or bake some brownies it’ll malfunction or blow up, due to not knowing how to properly maintain your new appliance, you’ll therefore need a maintenance guide, breaking down paramount areas to keep an eye on. You’re in the perfect place!

01 – Clean it After Every Use


An air fryer, just like pots and pans, should be cleaned after every use to avoid the scent of previously cooked foods and crumbs or gunk from the fat of chicken and other meats.

The most important part of an air fryer to clean is – depending on the type of air fryer – the basket, tray and pan. You don’t need any expensive equipment or follow any complex method to clean them. You can wash these by hand under the tap with fairy liquid or place them in a dishwasher depending on your model.

Since an air fryer doesn’t require any oil – or little at that – you don’t have to clean the exterior of the tray, as there won’t be any heavy oil residue on it – unless you accidentally used oil of course. If you feel like you need to clean the exterior after every use, then a simple wipe will do.

Although an air fryer doesn’t use or require any oil, its heating coil will need to be checked every few months for oil residue. If you notice some build-up or feel like you need to clean it out of habit, then a simple damp cloth will do the trick. However, make sure it’s fully dry before using it again.

02 – Don’t Clean it Like This


As your air fryer comes with a non-stick coating, using sharp tools to remove dried food or congealed fat will only cause the coating to wear away as it’s incredibly easy to scratch at it. 

You also most not under any circumstance use disinfectant. Although disinfectant does remove odours, congealed pieces of food and any other types of food residue, it’s absolutely, under any instance, to use it on your tray. The chemicals in disinfectants are too strong to be used on areas such as plates, pots and pans – you don’t ever use disinfectants on these assets, do you? The same thing applies to air fryers. 

Instead, you can use sanitisers. However, make sure to check the label to see if the product is safe to use on food-contact surfaces. 

Before you wipe the body of your air fryer make sure it’s fully turned off and at neutral temperature, as to not shock yourself or short-circuit the unit.

Step By Step Guide on How to Clean Your Air Fryer


Just like a brand new Ferrari about to be taken to the cleaners, an air fryer needs specific cleaning tools. Don’t fret, as it’s nothing expensive. In fact, you might have the tools at home already!

Step 1: Supplies

  • You’ll need a non abrasive sponge, which given the name of it, is used on materials like fiberglass, metal, ceramics, glass and marble. Most if not every household has one hiding in the corner of a cabinet, but if not then you can buy a pack on Amazon very cheaply. 
  • You’ll need a microfiber cloth for wiping away dirt, you likely have these too, but you can buy them cheap online if not. 
  • A soft bristle scrub brush will be useful for getting dirt off while maintaining the surface from scratches. 
  • Baking soda is a great cleaning tool and is a really effective abrasive, as well as a great natural deodoriser. 

Step 2: Cool Down the Air Fryer

  • Before you roll up your sleeves and begin (gently) scrubbing your tray, you must first turn off your air fryer. 
  • Unplug it and wait for it to cool down for 30 minutes. 
  • Once it is cool, begin taking out all the removable parts of your fryer. 

Step 3: Clean Those Parts

  • Squirt some soap liquid in a tub of water and begin washing the removable parts of the fryer. If there’s gunk or dried food on the parts, then let them soak in the soapy water for 10 minutes. 
  • If there’s any difficult parts to wash which aren’t coming off, then use a cleaning paste of baking soda and water. Place the soda paste onto the soft bristle brush and begin scrubbing. 

Step 4: The Interior

  • Now you can begin to wipe the interior using a damp microfiber cloth. 
  • Afterwards, wipe any soapy remains off with a nice clean cloth. 

Step 5: The Heat

  • Flip your air fryer upside down and wipe the heating element down using a damp cloth or non abrasive sponge.

Step 6: Exteriors Matter

  • Much of the same with the interior, use a cloth or sponge with soap to wipe down the exterior gently.
  • After this, wipe any remains of soap with a damp, clean cloth, then use a paper towel to polish the outside.

Step 7: Putting it Back

  • Now wipe it down with a dry cloth and let it dry for an hour or so to make sure there is no moisture left on or in the machine. 
  • Then assemble it back together and put it back, plug it in and voila! Your air fryer is now clean!

Need To Take Action?

If you own a home appliance, from kitchen gadgets to home tech, our standard Appliance Care Plan helps keep your equipment running smoothly. If you notice any faults, don’t worry with the optional Repair & Care upgrade, we can have an engineer out to you quickly.

Repair tool bag used by appliance engineers for home appliance care, containing essential tools for maintenance and repairs

Our Latest Articles

Whether you’re looking to buy new or need help with caring for existing appliances our experts are here to answer your questions with useful guides and articles.

See All Help & Advice

Continue reading