Tips For Preparing Your Appliances For The Holidays

Prepare Your Kitchen Appliances

Appliance Care

• The door gasket, also known as a rubber door seal, keeps warm air from seeping inside the refrigerator, affecting its temperature and energy efficiency. A worn-out or torn gasket needs replacement immediately to avoid further problems and increased energy bills.
• You can clean your condenser coils with a bristle brush and vacuum to quickly remove any debris stuck on the coils.
• Clean the interior using a rag and cleaning solutions to remove any stains and spills from the inner walls and shelves.
• If your refrigerator has an ice maker and/or water dispenser, replace the filters to prevent the water from getting contaminated by bacteria.
• The most extensive holiday storage is often the refrigerator and the freezer. So clean and declutter them before any significant festivities and events.

• Remove any debris, such as bones, toothpicks, fruit pits, and other tough objects that could disturb the operation of your dishwasher.
• Scrape off any excess food particles left on the dishes to avoid clogging the dishwasher drain and prevent mold growth.
• Check the door gasket for leaks to prevent water from leaking from your dishwasher.
• Add a lemon solution to remove any buildup and make the appliance smell fresh and lemony.
• If the dishwasher is leaking or making unusual noises, troubleshoot and replace any broken parts to prevent a complete appliance failure.

• Test the oven thermometer. If the oven temperature is accurate, you are all set. If not, you will need to have it calibrated.
• Check the gas line for any leaks and tears. You will need to replace it if needed. You don't want any gas leaks in your kitchen.
• Deep-clean the grates and grills on your to remove any food debris accumulating.
• Use vinegar, baking soda, and water to make a DIY oven-cleaning solution.

• Clean the burner grates: remove them and soak them in the sink for several minutes—scrub the remaining buildup with a sponge or toothbrush.
• Use a non-abrasive cleaning spray to remove any grease and dirt on the surface.
• Stubborn stains on burner grates can be removed by spraying them with oven cleaner, placing them in sealed plastic bags overnight and then washing them with soap and water.
• For your range hood, clean the grease filter and the thin silvery screen. It traps airborne oils and grease to keep them out of the blower and exhaust vent.

• Clean out the vacuum cleaner and hose. Empty the canisters or bags and place them clean so they are easily accessible.
• Check the washer and dryer to see if the gaskets have leaks and need replacement.
• Do an extra cleaning on lint filters. This is crucial as lint collects in your unit and causes efficiency issues and, potentially, dryer fires.
• Clean the lint filter in your dryer after every load to keep the air flowing freely. If that's not enough to ensure that your clothes dry correctly, the unit's ductwork and vent may need professional cleaning.
• And one final tip, wash your towels, rugs, and bed sheets before the season, so you don't overload your unit during the holidays.

• Replace your air filter monthly for optimal furnace performance. Also, be careful to avoid choking your furnace by closing off too many vents in an attempt to save on your utility bills.
• The ductwork may become damaged or clogged if certain rooms are not warm enough in the winter. HVAC service should be done often for better efficiency on your unit. So before the holiday starts, schedule an HVAC service or air duct cleaning to ensure you stay comfy in your home.

One Last Tip For The Holidays

Prepare For The Holidays With Home Alliance

Who To Call for Appliance Repair On A Holiday