12 must-do spring maintenance tasks for your appliances

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a fresh start, and that includes your home appliances! By tackling these essential cleaning and maintenance tasks, you’ll not only extend the life of your appliances but also ensure they’re working at their best. Plus, a little attention now can help you avoid costly repairs down the line. We share our 12 must-do spring maintenance tasks for your appliances.

Spring Maintenance Task #1: Refrigerator

Your refrigerator works tirelessly to keep your food fresh, so it’s important to give it some TLC.

• Toss expired products: Start by emptying your fridge and getting rid of any expired items.  
• Give your fridge a good clean: Remove shelves and drawers to wash them with warm, soapy water. Use a gentle and non-toxic All Purpose Cleaner to clean the inside of the fridge and wipe down the interior. Tackle stubborn food spills with a non-abrasive scrubber. This helps remove odours and stains.
• Check the seals: Worn or dirty seals can cause your fridge to work harder than it needs to. Wipe them down and inspect for any cracks or damage. If they’re not sealing properly, it might be time to replace them.
• Replace your fridge water filter: Changing your fridge water filter every 6 months keeps your water clean and free of contaminants like iron, lead, and mercury. If it’s been a while since you last replaced your filter, your replacement light has been neglected, or if your water tastes or smells off, it’s time to install a replacement filter. Statewide offers genuine filters for all the top brands including LG, Samsung and Fisher & Paykel.
• Give your stainless steel fridge a shiny finish:  Use stainless steel polish to remove fingerprints and smears, and protect against new marks.

Spring Maintenance Task #2: Oven

Keeping your oven clean and well-maintained is essential for optimal performance and safety.

• Give your oven a thorough clean: To remove grease, grime, fat, and burnt food, use a non-caustic, low-fume cleaner. We recommend Aktivo Easy Off Oven & BBQ Cleaner. Simply spray, wait, and wipe.
• Tackle the glass oven door: Grime can quickly accumulate on your oven door. Start by gently scrubbing with a microfibre cloth and an effective cleaner. For stubborn stains, use a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply the paste, let it sit overnight, and then wipe it away with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
• Change your oven globe: Checking and replacing the oven globe is a quick task that improves visibility and ensures efficient cooking. Be sure to install a replacement globe that is designed specifically for ovens and ensure the wattage and cap fitting are the same as your existing globe.
• Check the heating elements: If you notice uneven cooking or the elements aren’t glowing bright orange when fully heated, it could be a sign that they need replacing.  Inspect them for signs of wear and tear. To identify which of your oven elements is not working, use the oven function selector to select each heating function in turn.

Maintenance Task #3: Cooktop

Whether you have a gas or electric cooktop, it’s important to keep it clean to ensure it works efficiently.

• Gas cooktops: Remove the grates and burner caps, and soak them in warm, soapy water. Scrub off any stubborn grease. For the surface, use a non-abrasive cleaner to avoid scratching. Next, clean your gas stovetop with a few drops of dishwashing detergent and a sponge before wiping away any excess residue.  Check out our guide to cleaning gas stove burners.  

• Electric cooktops: For glass or ceramic cooktops, a mixture of baking soda and water can help remove burnt-on residue. Be gentle to avoid damaging the surface.

Spring Maintenance Task #4: Rangehood

Your rangehood is essential for removing smoke, grease, and odours from your kitchen. Over time a build-up of dirt, grease and grime can accumulate.

• Clean the filters: If your rangehood has aluminium or stainless-steel filters, remove them and soak them in hot, soapy water. Scrub away any grease build-up. For a quick cleaning cheat – pop your metal filters in the dishwasher and run through a hot cycle. For charcoal filters, it’s usually best to replace them every 6-12 months.
• Wipe down the exterior: Use a degreaser or a mixture of water and dish soap to clean the exterior of the rangehood. This will help it look and function like new.
• Change the rangehood globe: Replace any burnt-out globes (bulbs) promptly to maintain adequate lighting. Get it done in 4 easy steps!

Spring Maintenance Task #5: Dishwasher

Over time, your dishwasher can accumulate food particles, mineral deposits, grease, and soap scum. This buildup can lead to unpleasant odours and reduce your dishwasher’s efficiency. To keep it running smoothly, give your dishwasher a thorough deep clean.

• Deep clean your dishwasher: Remove the racks and trays, and soak them in hot, soapy water. Next, check the spray arms for clogs. Remove them, rinse under hot water, and use a thin wire to dislodge any debris from the spray arm holes.
• Clean the filter: The filter at the bottom of your dishwasher can collect food particles over time. Remove it and rinse it under warm water to prevent clogs and unpleasant odours. Check out our ultimate filter guide!
• Clean and check your dishwasher seal: Clean your dishwasher seal with a hot soapy water and a sponge. Inspect the seal for any signs of wear and tear and replace if necessary.
• Run a cleaning cycle: To get rid of any lingering grime or odours, place a cup of vinegar on the top rack and run a full cycle on the hottest setting.

Maintenance Task #6: Coffee machine

Giving your coffee machine a thorough clean removes coffee oils, residue, and mineral buildup, which can affect the taste of your coffee and reduce the machine’s performance. Regular cleaning ensures better-tasting coffee and maintains optimal brewing efficiency.

Clean your coffee machine: To clean your coffee machine, start by removing and washing the removable parts with warm, soapy water.

Descale your coffee machine: Over time, minerals from water, especially in hard water areas, build up inside the machine, affecting the taste of your coffee and reducing efficiency. To descale, use a descaling solution designed for coffee machines – we recommend Aktivo Coffee Machine Descaler). This will keep your coffee tasting fresh and your machine running smoothly.

Spring Maintenance Task #7: Air fryer

Cleaning your air fryer is crucial for maintaining its performance and longevity. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of food particles, grease, and oil, which can cause unpleasant odours and affect the taste of your food.

• Clean the basket and tray: Remove the basket and tray from the air fryer and wash them with warm, soapy water. If there’s stubborn grease or food residue, soak them for a few minutes before scrubbing. Make sure they’re completely dry before reassembling.
• Wipe down the interior: Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the air fryer after every few uses. Avoid abrasive sponges, as they can damage the non-stick coating.
• Clean the heating element: Occasionally, food particles can get stuck on the heating element. Unplug the air fryer and let it cool down completely. Then, use a soft brush or cloth to gently clean the heating element.
• Check for grease build-up: Wipe down any visible grease on the outside and inside of the machine regularly.
• Inspect the air vents: The air vents on your air fryer should be clean and unobstructed for proper airflow. Wipe them down with a dry cloth to remove any dust or debris.

Spring Maintenance Task #8: Microwave

• Wipe down the interior: Splattered food and spills are common in microwaves. To clean, place a bowl of water with a few slices of lemon or a splash of vinegar inside, then run the microwave on high for a few minutes. The steam will help loosen grime, making it easier to wipe away with a damp cloth.
• Clean the turntable: Remove the glass turntable and wash it with warm, soapy water. If it’s particularly dirty, let it soak before scrubbing. Dry it thoroughly before placing it back in the microwave.
• Wipe the exterior: Don’t forget to clean the microwave’s exterior, including the control panel. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner for a sparkling shine.
• Check the door seal: The door seal is crucial for keeping heat inside the microwave. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any food particles or grease, and inspect it for cracks or damage.

Maintenance Task #9: Washing machine

Remove odours, soap scum and mould with a thorough deep clean of your washing machine.

• Deep clean your washer:  Start by putting your machine through a vinegar and bicarb soda cycle. For front load washing machine, add 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda into the detergent drawer and ½ cup white vinegar into the drum. Let it run for a complete cycle on the hottest setting.
• Descale your washer:  Use a descaling product specifically designed for washing machines, and add to your washer before running a hot cycle. This will effectively remove limescale and grime and increase your washing machine’s efficiency.
• Clean the dispenser: Remove the dispenser drawer and rinse clean under clean, warm water. After your wipe it clean, replace the dispenser.
• Wipe the door seal: Front-loading machines can develop mould around the door seal. Wipe it down with hot soapy water and dry with a microfibre cloth.
• Check the hoses: Inspect the hoses for any signs of wear or leaks. If you notice any damage, it’s best to replace them to avoid a potential flood or damage.

Spring Maintenance Task #10: Dryer

• Clean the lint filter: To clean your dryer lint filter, simply remove it from the dryer and use a soft brush or your hands to clear off the lint. For a deeper clean, rinse the filter under warm water and let it dry completely before reinserting it
• Check the vent hose: Lint can accumulate in the vent hose, reducing airflow. Disconnect the hose and use a vacuum or brush to remove any build-up.
• Wipe the drum: If you notice any residue inside the drum, wipe it down with a damp cloth to keep your clothes clean and fresh.
• Clean and check the dryer door seal: Give your door seal a light scrub with hot, soapy water and a soft sponge. Inspect your seal for any signs of cracks or wear and tear, which can impact the temperature in your dryer. Replace your dryer door seal if necessary.

Maintenance Task #11: Air conditioner

Time to get your air conditioner ready for the hot summer months ahead. Regular maintenance can help your air conditioner run more efficiently and extend its lifespan.

• Clean the filters: To clean your air conditioner filters, remove them from the unit and gently vacuum away dust and debris. For a deeper clean, rinse the filters under warm water and let them air dry completely before reinstalling. Regular cleaning ensures better airflow and efficiency.
• Clean the coils: Dust and debris can accumulate on the coils, reducing efficiency. Use a soft brush or vacuum to gently clean them.
• Check the thermostat: Check your thermostat to ensure it’s working correctly and set to the desired temperature. Start by setting the thermostat to a lower temperature than the current room temperature. Listen for a click, which signals the air conditioner to start cooling. Let the AC run for a few minutes and check if the temperature drops as expected. If the AC doesn’t respond, there may be an issue with the thermostat, and replacing it might be necessary.

Spring Maintenance Task #12: Vacuum cleaner

Your vacuum cleaner is essential for keeping your floors clean and dust free, but it can lose suction if not maintained properly.

• Clean the filters: Remove the vacuum filter and tap to remove excess dust and debris. Rinse thoroughly under warm water and allow to air dry before replacing. Check out our guide to cleaning your vacuum cleaner filter here.
• Clean the canister: To clean your vacuum cleaner canister, empty it of all debris, then rinse the canister with warm, soapy water. Let it dry completely before reassembling to prevent mould or odours. Regular cleaning ensures better suction and performance.
• Change your dustbag:  Changing your vacuum cleaner bag will help maintain your vacuums cleaning performance.
• Check the brush roll: Hair and debris can get tangled in the brush roll, reducing its effectiveness. Use scissors to carefully remove any build-up.

Dodge unexpected repairs and keep your home appliances running smoothly with our spring-cleaning maintenance tips.

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