Appliance Care Tips to Prevent Common Breakdowns
Your appliances often work hardest during periods of heavy use, and many breakdowns happen not because of age—but because of stress, overload, or lack of airflow. These technician-approved tips address the most common service calls we see and can help extend the life of your appliances while keeping them running safely and efficiently.
Ovens, Ranges & Microwaves
Do not line the oven bottom with foil. Foil traps heat and can crack oven liners, damage temperature sensors, or cause overheating.
Keep oven vents clear. Blocked vents lead to uneven cooking and excessive internal heat buildup.
Allow cooling time between extended uses. Continuous high-heat operation shortens the lifespan of igniters, elements, and control boards.
Cover food in the microwave. Steam and food splatter can damage door switches and internal components over time.
Washers & Dryers
Avoid overloading the washer. Heavy loads put strain on bearings, suspension rods, and drive motors.
Wash bulky items separately. Comforters and blankets often cause severe off-balance conditions.
Use the correct amount of detergent. Excess soap leads to oversudsing, which can cause drain issues and pressure sensor failures.
Clean the lint filter after every load and check the vent regularly. Restricted airflow overheats dryers and commonly blows thermal fuses.
Give the dryer breaks during multiple loads. Continuous operation can overheat motors and heating elements.
Refrigerators & Freezers
Maintain airflow inside the unit. Avoid blocking air vents so cold air can circulate properly.
Let hot food cool before storing. Placing warm items inside raises internal temperatures and overworks the compressor.
Clean door gaskets regularly. Dirty seals cause air leaks and longer run times.
Limit unnecessary door openings. Frequent opening forces the refrigerator to work harder to maintain temperature.
Dishwashers
Clean the filter regularly. Food debris buildup can clog pumps and reduce cleaning performance.
Scrape dishes before loading. Excess food causes clogs, while completely rinsing dishes can reduce washing efficiency.
Run hot water before starting a cycle. This helps ensure proper cleaning and heater performance.
Load dishes correctly. Blocked spray arms lead to poor results and added strain on motors.
Power & Electrical Protection
Avoid running multiple high-draw appliances simultaneously. Large appliances running together can cause voltage drops that damage control boards.
Unplug countertop appliances when not in use. Power surges can damage electronic components.
A Final Tip from the Pros
Appliances are designed to make life easier—not more stressful. If something doesn’t sound, smell, or operate correctly, it’s often best to stop using it and have it checked before a small issue turns into a costly repair.
Slicker’s Appliance Repair is here to help you protect your appliances, your home, and your peace of mind with honest diagnostics and professional service. contact us!