Top Maintenance Tips for Your Home’s Major Appliances

Top Maintenance Tips for Your Home’s Major Appliances

Written for PRS Appliances – Honolulu, HI


Keeping your home’s major appliances in top condition doesn’t just save you money—it also extends their lifespan, boosts performance, and helps avoid unexpected breakdowns. At PRS Appliances, we believe proper care leads to better value, especially here in Hawaii where island humidity and salt air can take their toll.

Here are our top maintenance tips to keep your appliances running smoothly year-round.


🧊 Refrigerator & Freezer

1. Clean the Condenser Coils:
Dust and debris build up quickly, especially in coastal homes. Clean coils every 6 months to improve energy efficiency.

2. Check Door Seals:
A loose or cracked gasket wastes energy. Test with a dollar bill—if it slips out easily, you may need a new gasket.

3. Set Proper Temperature:
Keep your fridge at 37–40°F and your freezer at 0°F for optimal food preservation.


🔥 Oven & Range

4. Clean Spills Right Away:
Spilled food and grease can create smoke or odors and damage heating elements. Wipe up spills as soon as the surface is cool.

5. Inspect Burners and Igniters:
Uneven flames or slow ignition? Clean the burners or replace the igniter if needed—both are common and easy fixes.

6. Use the Self-Cleaning Cycle Wisely:
Avoid using it during hot, humid days—it can overwork your appliance. Stick to no more than a few times per year.


🧺 Washer

7. Don’t Overload It:
Heavy loads strain the motor and suspension rods. Wash lighter loads to extend the machine’s lifespan.

8. Leave the Door Open After Use:
Helps prevent mold and mildew—especially important in Hawaii’s humid climate.

9. Clean the Drain Pump Filter:
Lint, coins, and debris can clog your pump. Check and clean every 1–2 months.


🌬 Dryer

10. Clean the Lint Trap After Every Load:
It improves efficiency and helps prevent fires.

11. Inspect the Vent Hose:
Make sure it’s not kinked, clogged, or damaged. Poor ventilation is a leading cause of heating issues.

12. Listen for Noises:
Squeaks or rattles? It might be time to replace drum rollers, belts, or the idler pulley—all easy repairs we can help with.


🍽 Dishwasher

13. Clean the Filter Monthly:
A clogged filter leads to dirty dishes and strain on the motor.

14. Run a Vinegar Cycle:
Once a month, run a hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar to remove mineral deposits and odors.

15. Check for Leaks:
Inspect door seals and hoses regularly—especially in rental or shared homes with heavy use.


🛠 Pro Tip: Schedule an Annual Appliance Checkup

Just like cars, appliances benefit from regular inspections. At PRS Appliances, we can help you assess your appliance condition, recommend replacement parts if needed, or even offer cost-effective replacements from our open-box and scratch-and-dent inventory.


📍 Visit PRS Appliances in Honolulu

Whether you need a new appliance or just expert advice on keeping your current ones going strong, come see us at 540 Lagoon Dr. in Honolulu.

We specialize in affordable, reliable appliances and practical solutions for Hawaii’s unique climate and lifestyle.


PRS Appliances – Keeping Island Homes Running Right, One Appliance at a Time. Always, Service with the Spirit of Aloha.

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