Essential Maintenance for Your Home’s Most-Popular Appliances

Since the bustle of upcoming holiday events is still just a twinkle in your eye, be proactive and make sure hard-working appliances are in tip-top shape. You’ll save yourself time, money and the hassle of major repairs during peak entertaining season.

• Keep this essential appliance in peak working condition by using—and frequently replacing—Filtrete™ Vacuum Bags and Filters.
• Filtrete™ Brand’s HEPA vacuum filters trap 99.97 percent of dust mite debris, animal dander, mold and pollen, while vacuum bags capture allergens, dust and pet hair.

• Swap out your air filter with each season. Filtrete™ Healthy Living Air Filters help capture dust, bacteria, viruses and allergens.
• Clear some space around your HVAC unit. Make sure there’s nothing blocking the flow of air.

• Check fridge temps. If perishable items spoil too quickly, or produce (such as leafy greens) gets frosty, adjust temps accordingly.
• Clean condenser coils to maintain peak efficiency.
• Test the door seal by closing it on a piece of paper. If the sheet slips out of a closed door, replace the seal to ensure you’re not wasting energy.

• Test hoses and fittings. Make sure all connections are tight and that there are no leaks or cracks.
• Clean rubber gaskets and drums.
• Clean drain pump filter (front-loading washers only).

• Check exhaust duct for blockages or crimps.
• Wash lint filter to remove built-up residue that could block airflow.

• Clean and deodorize naturally. Add a cup of distilled white vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher and run a cycle on the hottest temp.
• Remove and wash filter. You may need to consult the manual for this one, but it’s important to make sure the filter works properly to avoid strange smells.

• Clean range hood and check fan/filter. If you’re a heavy stovetop user, this one’s a biggie for air quality. Consult your manual to determine how to clean and when to replace a filter.
• Wash burners, pans and grates. Make sure you safely remove the parts and avoid abrasive scrubbers when cleaning metal.
• Scrub gas burner holes with a stiff wire, and use a warm water and soap solution to clean the surrounding area.