Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments you make in a lifetime. Part of that significant investment includes the everyday appliances that care for your clothes, dishes and food. Whether your condo comes with brand new appliances or ones that have seen some use, all appliances can benefit from a little TLC to keep them at their best. Not only will regular maintenance on appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry machines help them work better, it will also help extend their lifespan while improving efficiency.

Here are a few simple tips to keep your appliances running smoothly for years to come.

Clean inside and out

One of the most basic aspects of appliance maintenance involves keeping the unit clean both inside and out.

Over time washing machines and dishwashers can be affected by residue and mineral build up causing an unwanted odour, but the right cleaner will break down residue to keep your appliances running like new. Products like the affresh® Washer Cleaner are easy-to-use and help break down residue better than bleach. Choose a dishwasher cleaner that is safe for dishware, like the affresh®Dishwasher Cleaner, so you can clean your machine while running your next cycle. Leading major appliance manufacturers recommend using affresh® cleaners once a month to help keep appliances performing at their best.

Keeping the outside of your appliances clean is also important. Stainless steel appliances are very popular for contemporary homes but are often the toughest to maintain. Stainless steel cleanersand wipes do a great job of tackling residue (including those pesky fingerprints!) and adding shine.

Don’t forget about the filters

Appliances like vacuum cleaners, dryers and even condo air vents have filters that are specifically designed to trap debris, allergens or other contaminants. Be sure to change these filters regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. Regular maintenance will ensure appliances work efficiently and prevent damage possible from improper filtering.

A little add-on can go a long way

While maintaining your appliances will help extend their life expectancy, you can also enhance the way they work. Often there are appliance add-ons that can provide additional benefits.

Take the refrigerator for example. As fruits and vegetables ripen, they naturally emit ethylene gas, causing produce to ripen faster in your refrigerator. The KitchenAid® Produce Preserver is an add-on that attaches to any refrigerator crisper to absorb ethylene and help produce stay fresher, longer. The KitchenAid® Produce Preserver has refill kits that require replacement every 6 months and are a cost-efficient solution. With Canadians spending approximately $40.80/week on fresh produce and throwing out close to 10 per cent of their purchase, produce preservers can go a long way in terms of helping reduce wasted produce.

Though not always top of mind, appliance maintenance can extend the life of your machines and help you protect your investment. Remember: a little extra care can go a long way.