Appliance Maintenance That Prevents Breakdowns

Most household appliances don't need much attention, but a few minutes of care every month or season can prevent common breakdowns. Regular maintenance also helps if you ever need to file a home warranty claim, since many plans exclude failures caused by neglect. Here's a practical, appliance-by-appliance checklist.

Refrigerator

Your refrigerator runs around the clock, so small problems add up.

• Clean the condenser coils a couple of times a year. Depending on the model, they're behind a kick plate at the bottom or on the back. Unplug the fridge first and use a coil brush or vacuum attachment.
• Check door gaskets. Wipe them clean and make sure they seal. A dollar bill test can help: close the door on a bill and see if it slides out easily.
• Replace the water filter on the schedule in your manual if your fridge has an ice maker or water dispenser.
• Keep vents clear inside the fridge so air can circulate.

Our refrigerator coverage page explains how home warranties typically handle fridge repairs.

Dishwasher

• Clean the filter. Many dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom. Rinse it regularly to prevent odors and poor cleaning.
• Check spray arms for clogged holes and clear them with a toothpick.
• Inspect the door seal for food buildup or damage.
• Run hot water at the sink before starting a cycle so the dishwasher fills with hot water.
• Scrape, don't pre-rinse heavily. Large food scraps can clog the filter, but many manufacturers say heavy pre-rinsing isn't needed. Check your manual.

Clothes washer

• Leave the door or lid open after use so the drum can dry, especially on front-loaders.
• Wipe the door gasket on front-loaders to prevent mold and odors.
• Run a cleaning cycle monthly with a washer cleaner or as your manual suggests.
• Inspect hoses for bulges, cracks or leaks. Many people replace rubber fill hoses with braided stainless steel hoses.
• Don't overload the machine, which strains the motor and suspension.
• Keep the washer level to reduce shaking and wear.

Clothes dryer

Dryer care is about both performance and safety.

• Clean the lint filter after every load.
• Clean the dryer vent duct at least once a year, or more often with heavy use. Lint buildup can reduce efficiency and create a fire hazard.
• Check the outside vent flap to make sure it opens freely.
• Avoid crushing the vent hose behind the dryer.

Oven and range

• Wipe up spills soon after they cool so they don't bake on.
• Use the self-clean feature carefully. It runs at very high heat. Follow your manual and don't use it right before a big cooking day, in case something goes wrong.
• Check burner igniters on gas ranges for food debris.
• Clean range hood filters regularly to keep grease from building up.

Built-in microwave

• Wipe the interior often to prevent splatters from hardening.
• Clean or replace the grease filters underneath over-the-range models.
• Replace the charcoal filter if your model recirculates air.
• Never run it empty, which can damage the magnetron.

Water heater

• Flush the tank about once a year, or as your manufacturer recommends, to remove sediment.
• Test the temperature and pressure relief valve periodically, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep the area around the heater clear.

Our water heater coverage page explains common coverage terms.

A simple maintenance calendar

1. After each use: clean the dryer lint filter.
2. Monthly: clean the dishwasher filter, run a washer cleaning cycle, wipe gaskets.
3. Every few months: inspect washer hoses, clean range hood and microwave filters.
4. Twice a year: clean refrigerator coils, check door seals.
5. Yearly: clean the dryer vent duct, flush the water heater.

Keep records

If you have a home warranty, keep a simple log of maintenance with dates and photos. Save receipts for filters, parts and professional service. When a technician visits for a claim, these records can help show the appliance was cared for. Our home warranty overview explains how plans work.

How Warranty Wizards can help

We help you compare home warranty plans from third-party providers and explain what each plan covers before you buy, including appliance coverage and limits. To see your options, get a free quote.