Many of us rely heavily on our home appliances for day-to-day living, and a lot of them are now more energy-efficient than ever before. But despite the fact that they’re generally easier to use than in the past, there are still common mistakes people make when using their appliances.
Find out what the most common mistakes are!
Ignoring a loose oven door seal
An oven is one of those appliances that we use constantly and yet rarely give a second thought. The next time you're baking, take a quick look at the oven door seal. If it's discolored or cracked, it could be leaking heat and shortening the lifespan of your oven. It costs just £20 to replace an average oven door seal and will save you money in the long run by keeping your oven working efficiently.
Ignoring rust on dishwasher tines
You'd be surprised at how many people neglect to inspect the tines on their dishwashers regularly. This is something that should be done monthly, and anything that shows signs of rust or bending should be replaced immediately. Not only does this help keep your machine running as it should, but it can also help prevent damage to crockery and cutlery.
Mounting a TV above a fireplace
Mounting TVs above fireplaces is an increasingly popular trend in living rooms across the world, but this is one trend that should end immediately. Not only does mounting a TV above a fireplace force you to look up for extended periods of time, which can strain the neck and back muscles, it also causes glare on the screen from overhead lights and windows. Consider mounting your TV on an arm that lets you angle it down for more comfortable viewing instead.
Cleaning your fridge and freezer with bleach
You may think a good clean once in a while will do your freezer good. But don't use bleach - it can react with the plastic and create toxic chemicals that will contaminate your food. Stick to warm water and dish soap instead.
Putting metal in a microwave
Not all metals are microwave-safe, so make sure you check before you pop something metallic in for reheating. If a metal utensil or container is used inside the microwave, this can cause sparks and damage the appliance itself.
Abandoning the iron
If you've ever left your iron on before leaving the house then you're not alone. However, this habit can be dangerous as any items which come into contact with the iron will melt or catch fire. Furthermore, it could also cause a fire if left unattended for too long. It's best to leave your iron off and unplugged until you're ready to use it again.
Overlooking washing machine mechanisms
Most people rely on their washing machines on a daily basis but few know how they really work or what makes them tick. If anything goes wrong with your wash cycle then you should call out an engineer straight away rather than attempting to fix it yourself as this could further damage your appliance.
Overloading the dishwasher
It may be tempting to squeeze in a few extra dishes every now and then, but overloading your dishwasher can result in your dishes not getting cleaned properly, which will force you to wash them all over again. And that's just bad for everyone.
Not descaling the coffee machine
It's easy to forget about descaling the coffee machine, but it's essential if you want your appliance to last. Descaling helps break down the limescale that builds up over time and can negatively impact your machine's performance. And if you don't regularly descale, you'll start to notice a significant decrease in the quality of your coffee — nobody wants that! If you have a steam wand on your machine, then this is even more important as the build-up inside can be quite severe.
Not cleaning the blender immediately
Cleaning up after a smoothie is probably the last thing you want to do when you're trying to cool down after a workout. But if you don't clean your blender straight away, your next smoothie will taste dodgy. The leftover smoothie residue can get moldy and it's almost impossible to remove it once it's dried up. Soak your blender as soon as you've used it with hot soapy water, or just put soap and water in the blender, whizz it up, and rinse it out.
Not emptying the vacuum cleaner
Your vacuum cleaner has its own filter which needs to be thoroughly cleaned regularly – otherwise, the suction power will diminish and it will struggle to pick up dirt. You should also empty the dust compartment every time you use your vacuum cleaner so that the dirt doesn't get stuck in there, causing problems for your machine.
Forgetting about the boiler
When was the last time you had your boiler serviced? If you can't remember - or haven't done it in a while - it's time to book an appointment. It will help ensure your boiler stays in good working order for years to come. Plus, if there are any problems, a trained engineer can spot them before they become dangerous.
Lining the oven with tin foil
If you love baking but hate cleaning, then covering your oven in tin foil to catch any spills is probably something you've thought about doing once or twice.
But don't do it! Tinfoil can spark inside your oven and cause a fire. Instead, buy some silicone baking mats that are reusable over and over again.
Failing to descale the kettle
If your kettle is beginning to sound a bit funny or takes ages to boil, it's time to descale it. If you live in a hard water area, limescale can build up over time and affect its performance.
Not cleaning the filter on your washing machine
This one is easily overlooked but just like any other appliance with filters, it's important to clean it regularly to ensure decent airflow and water drainage. Plus, it'll keep your machine running better, longer.
If you have a machine malfunction, you should fix it as soon as possible using Samsung washing machine parts. When you regularly maintain your washing machine, you will be sure that your laundry will always be shiny and clean.
Not closing the door on your fridge or freezer
It may seem like a no-brainer, but leaving the door to your fridge or freezer open for an extended period of time can seriously affect your appliance's performance. As a general rule of thumb, try to keep the door closed for as long as possible.
Not replacing range hood filters
It's important to replace range hood filters regularly. If you don't, grease and moisture will build up and clog the filter, reducing the efficiency of the hood. This can also lead to unpleasant odors.
Overlooking air conditioning filters
The filters in your air conditioner need replacing about every three months. It's a good idea to wash them with warm water and detergent regularly as well because they can harbor dust, mold, dirt, and other debris which can affect how well they work.
Forgetting about toaster crumbs
Toasters are an excellent partner for making breakfast, lunch, or dinner more enjoyable. But when was the last time you cleaned yours? If you've got a removable bottom tray, it's easy to catch crumbs before they burn and cause smoke. If not, unplugging the toaster and emptying it is a good idea every few weeks. You should also look at the area where the toast pops up — that's another common hiding place for crumbs and debris.
What are the most common mistakes you make?
