Home Appliance Maintenance & Repairs: Easy Tasks You Can Tackle Today

We understand that life gets busy and it’s easy to overlook the maintenance needs of our household appliances. However, neglecting these tasks can lead to decreased efficiency, potential breakdowns, and even costly repairs down the line. In our latest blog, we guide you through some easy DIY maintenance tasks that you can tackle today to keep your appliances running smoothly. Let’s get started and breathe new life into your appliances!

Reviving Your Fridge and Freezer: Easy Maintenance Tips

Deep clean your refrigerator

Deep cleaning your refrigerator will remove unpleasant odours and help it run more efficiently. Empty out the contents and wipe down the shelves, drawers, and walls with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. Don’t forget to clean the gaskets to maintain a proper seal.

Vacuum the condenser coils

Locate the coils, usually at the back or underneath the fridge, and gently vacuum away the dust and debris that can hinder performance.

Check the door seals

Inspect the door seals for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or tears.  A tight seal is crucial to keep the cold air in and maintain energy efficiency. To replace a faulty door seal you will need to gently peel off the old seal from the door. After cleaning the door surface thoroughly, you can install a new seal by pressing firmly into place. Read our step-by-step guide to replacing your fridge door seal here.

Replace your refrigerator light globe

Unplug your refrigerator from the power source first. Locate the globe and remove the bulb cover. Carefully remove the old globe, then insert the new globe. Lastly, secure it in place. Replace the bulb cover and plug refrigerator into power source.

 Read our detailed guide to replacing your refrigerator light bulb.

Replace your fridge water filter

Changing your filter regularly reduces common contaminants like iron, particulates, lead, mercury and asbestos in your drinking water and ice cubes. This not only improves the taste of the water, but also eliminates unpleasant odours. A fresh fridge filter can prevent any drop in water pressure. Generally, it is recommended to change the fridge filter every six months. However, if you use your fridge frequently, then you may need to switch it more frequently.

Replace your fridge water filter quickly and easily with our guides to changing your LG, Fisher & Paykel or Samsung filters.

Find replacement fridge and freezer spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares.

Quick fixes and maintenance tips for your oven

Your oven is the heart of your kitchen. Keep it in top shape with these easy maintenance tasks:

Check the door seal

Ensure the oven door forms a tight seal when closed. A damaged seal means your oven uses more energy and your food won’t cook correctly. A worn or damaged oven door seal will need to be replaced.

Replace faulty parts

If you encounter simple issues such as a faulty oven light bulb or worn-out oven racks, it is an easy fix. To replace a faulty or burnt out light globe, you will need to first disconnect the oven from the power source. Then, remove your oven globe cover and gently pull out the faulty globe. Fit the new globe gently and reattach the oven globe.

Inspect your oven elements

Faulty and burnt-out oven elements can cause your oven to stop heating. Perform a visual inspection and look for signs of damage. If the elements fail to glow or produce heat, they will likely need replacement. You can follow our guide to changing an oven element here.

Fix an oven door that won’t close properly

If your oven door won’t close properly, the oven won’t retain and distribute heat evenly, causing unevenly heated or undercooked food. The cause could be a simple obstruction, a faulty seal or a broken spring or faulty door hinge. Use our troubleshooting guide to determine the problem and identify the correct fix.

Find replacement oven & cooktops spares at Statewide Appliance Spares.

Easy Maintenance for Your Microwave: Keeping It Clean and Functional

Your microwave is a handy appliance for quick meals and reheating leftovers. Give it the attention it deserves with these maintenance tips:

Wipe down the interior

Regularly wipe down the interior with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent to remove any food splatters or stains.

Clean the turntable

Remove the turntable and wash it separately. Dry it thoroughly before placing it back in the microwave.

Eliminate odours

If your microwave emits unusual odours, place a microwave-safe bowl filled with water and a few slices of lemon inside. Heat it for a few minutes to eliminate the odours.

Check out all our essential microwave tips.

Shop microwave spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares.

Clearing the Air: Rangehood Maintenance and Easy Fixes

Clean the rangehood filters

Remove and wash the filters with warm water and dish soap. Ensure they are dry before reinserting them.

Read our guide to the easiest way to clean your rangehood filters.

Wipe down the exterior surfaces

Remove grease and residue buildup from the rangehood’s exterior surfaces.

Change your rangehood globe

If your light globe has burnt our or needs replacing, you can tackle this task in less than 5 minutes.  Rangehood gloves are usually LED, incandescent or halogen. Unsure which globe you need? Check out your user manual or reach out to the Statewide team for advice. To change your globe, disconnect your rangehood from the power source first.

If your rangehood has an LED globe, either unscrew the globe in an anti-clockwise direction, or push in and twist one quarter turn in an anti-clockwise direction.

For a halogen light, you will need to use a flat head screw driver to gently remove the halogen light glass cover.

Note: Do not touch the halogen glove surface or inside the reflectors. Always use gloves or a lint free cloth as any oily residue from your fingertips can cause breakage or shorten the lifespan of your globe.

To replace an incandescent globe, either unscrew the globe in an anti-clockwise direction, or push in and twist one quarter turn, in an anti-clockwise direction.

Once your old globe is removed, replace with your new globe and secure into place.

Shop rangehood spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares.

Easy Fixes for your dishwasher

Deep clean your dishwasher

Give your dishwasher a thorough and deep clean by putting it through a vinegar cycle. Wipe the interior of your unit and the door seal with warm soapy water and a sponge. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to your dishwasher and run a full hot water cycle.

Check your dishwasher door seal for signs of wear and tear

Carefully examining the rubber gasket around the inner edge of the dishwasher door. Look for any signs of wear, tears, or damage and replace if necessary. A deteriorating seal can lead to leaks and inefficient operation.  Give the seal a thorough clean wit h a soft cloth and warm, soapy water.

Descale your dishwasher

Descaling your dishwasher removes mineral deposits and limescale buildup that can affect its performance.  To descale your dishwasher, empty your dishwasher including all racks. Place the container with the descaling solution on the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Close the dishwasher door.

We recommend Aktivo Dishwasher + Washing Machine Descaler. Set the dishwasher to a regular or heavy-duty cycle, selecting the hottest water temperature option. Start the cycle to allow the descaling solution to circulate throughout the dishwasher. Once the descaling cycle is complete, run a separate rinse cycle . This will ensure that any remaining descaling solution or residue is thoroughly rinsed away. This step helps prevent any lingering taste or odours.

Clean the filter

Remove the dishwasher filter, typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher, and wash in warm soapy water. Brush away any food particles or debris. Rinse the filter thoroughly and allow to air dry. Then reinstall.

Restoring Your Washing Machine: Maintenance Tips for Fresh Laundry

Your washing machine tackles piles of laundry, so give it some care with these maintenance tasks.

Clean the detergent dispenser

Remove any residue or build-up from the detergent dispenser. Use a cloth or a small brush to ensure it is clean and free from clogs.

Run a vinegar and bicarb cycle

Remove unwanted smells by putting your washing machine through a vinegar and bicarb wash cycle.  For a top loader, set your machine at its hottest and longest setting. When it has filled up with water, add 2 cups vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda. Let it run for a complete cycle. For a front loader, just 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 washing machine

Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate inside your machine, affecting its efficiency and cleaning performance. Descaling your washing machine remove these deposits and increases your washer’s performance and efficiency. To descale your machine, prepare your descaling solution. We recommend Aktivo Dishwasher + Washing Machine Descaler. Pour your solution into your machine’s detergent compartment (front loader) or directly into the drum (top loader). Set your washing machine to run on the hottest, full cycle, to dissolve and flush out any built-up limescale and other residues.

Follow our step by step guide to descaling you washing machine on our blog.

Wipe down the rubber seal (gasket)

Wipe down the drum, door and gasket. Give the seals a thorough clean with a toothbrush or soft bristled sponge. Water, dirt, and grime can get trapped in the seal’s folds, leaving a musty smell or cause mould or mildew to grow.  Check the seals for any damage, splits or cracks and replace if necessary.

Inspect the hoses for any signs of wear or leaks

Inspect the hoses regularly – make sure the fittings are tight and that there are no cracks, leaks or fraying. Replace your faulty washing machine hose if any problems found.

Give your removable lint trap filter a good clean

If you are noticing lint deposits on your clothes, it could be a sign that your lint filter needs cleaning.

Check out our washing machine troubleshooting guide for common washing machine problems and fixes.

Shop Washing Machine spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares.

Maintaining Your Dryer: Efficiency and Safety Tips

Your dryer ensures your clothes come out warm and dry. Show it some care with these maintenance suggestions:

Clean the exterior

Clean the exterior of your dryer with a soft damp cloth. You can use Aktivo All Purpose Cleaner to remove dirt, grime and build up. Don’t forget the knobs and buttons, which can accumulate dirt and bacteria.

Clean the lint trap

After each use, clean the lint trap to remove any buildup. A clogged lint trap can reduce efficiency and pose a fire hazard.

Check the dryer vent

Periodically check the vent for lint accumulation and remove any obstructions. Proper ventilation is essential for efficient drying and safety.

Inspect the drum and electrical cord

Check the dryer drum for signs of wear or damage. Examine the electrical cord for fraying or loose connections. If you notice any issues, seek professional assistance.

Shop Dryer spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares.

By following these easy tasks, you can help extend the lifespan of your appliances, improve their performance, and prevent costly repairs. Remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping your appliances running smoothly.

Where to buy appliance spare parts

Find all your spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares. The biggest range of spare parts for all the top brands, ready for fast Australia wide shipping. Need help finding the right spare part for your home appliance? Our friendly team are on hand, ready to help! Call us on Free Call 1800 005 220.

All the latest on the Statewide blog

Visit our blog for all the latest on appliance repairs and care.  You can find our ultimate guide to home appliance filters and essential safety tips for your home appliance repairs.

Check out your YouTube channel

Need help with home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube channel.