Microwaves, iron, washing machine, household appliances have invaded our interiors! To increase the lifespan of these everyday objects and optimize their performance, follow our maintenance advice.
The number one cause of coffee machine failure is the presence of limescale in the internal surfaces and piping. Composed of calcium carbonate, limestone is formed as a result of a chemical reaction when water is heated to a high temperature.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
To prevent lime deposits in your coffee machine and maintain optimum pressure, use filtered water over tap water. The simple use of a filter carafe will improve the longevity of your coffee maker.
OCCASIONAL MAINTENANCE
Complete descaling with a dual-use product (descaler and detergent) is recommended for a complete cleaning of your coffee machine.
Frequency: Once a year at least.
TRICK
For a coffee worthy of the best Italian espresso, run hot water every morning (without coffee) to clean the circuit and heat the entire machine.
THE MICROWAVE
Regularly used, the microwave can prove to be a significant source of bacteria if it is not cleaned frequently. So, to keep a clean device that lasts over time, here are some tips.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
After each use, remember to wipe the walls of the door with a damp cloth or sponge (foam side) to remove any residue that could have been ejected during cooking.
OCCASIONAL MAINTENANCE
To find its microwave as new, clean it thoroughly using a plastic brush with a small head on which you have first poured white vinegar. This will allow you to access every nook and cranny as well as ventilation.
Frequency: once a month.
TRICK
To eliminate odors, mix lemon juice and water in a bowl then bring everything to a boil and let the steam act on the walls.
THE IRON
Sole that sticks, yellow streaks on the laundry, creases that persist … We have all been confronted with these inconveniences one day. However, avoiding these hazards turns out to be child’s play!
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
To limit the appearance of lime in your iron, put one to two tablespoons of white vinegar in the tank.
Also, consider replacing your tap water with demineralized water. Of course, the cost is higher, but your iron will be better maintained and its life expectancy will be longer.
OCCASIONAL MAINTENANCE
If limescale appears, completely fill the reservoir of your iron with white vinegar. Turn it on but leave it in the steam position so that all the vinegar evaporates and then rinse them with water.
Frequency: once a month.
TRICK
To clean the soleplate of the iron, wait for it to cool, and rub it with a tea towel soaked in white vinegar and salt.
THE VACUUM CLEANER
To avoid ending up with a cloud of dust in its interior, the vacuum cleaner requires regular maintenance. Its longevity will only be improved!
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
Whether bagged or bagless, your vacuum cleaner deserves the greatest attention so that its suction power is not damaged.
– vacuum cleaners with bag
Remember to change the bag of your vacuum cleaner when it is three-quarters full. Each brand has a particular model of bag, but you will also find universal bags that can be installed on any type of vacuum cleaner in stores specializing in household appliances (Darty) or in supermarkets.
– bagless vacuum cleaners
Wash the dust filter when it is dirty. Unplug the vacuum cleaner before cleaning and wash it if necessary with lukewarm water.
OCCASIONAL MAINTENANCE
– vacuum cleaners with bag
Change the vacuum cleaner filter which prevents dust particles from reaching the motor and damaging it.
Frequency: every five years.
– bagless vacuum cleaners
The engine filter must be changed by a specialist.
Frequency: at least once a year.
TRICK
To avoid bad smells, you can pour a tablespoon of washing powder into the bag.
THE FRIDGE
In contact with food, the refrigerator is not immune to bacteria! It is therefore essential to clean it regularly and to give it special care.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
For food safety reasons, it is advisable to clean your refrigerator once a week. Ban toxic products like bleach and prefer a mixture of water and alcohol vinegar.
OCCASIONAL MAINTENANCE
A well-maintained refrigerator will use less energy. For this reason, its defrosting is essential. Thus, a layer of 3 mm of frost increases your consumption by 30%, which represents 40 euros per year!
A well-maintained refrigerator will use less energy. Thus, a layer of 3 mm of frost increases your consumption by 30%, which represents 40 euros per year! For this reason, its defrosting is essential and will remove the ice that has formed over the months. Even if defrost still concerns some refrigerators, it is mainly used for deep freezers (freezer integrated into the refrigerator).
There are two defrost systems:
– the manual method: you choose when to defrost your refrigerator and the method. In this case, unplug your refrigerator after emptying it, leave the door open overnight (or longer depending on the ice level), then sponge the water. To accentuate the defrosting, you can soak a sponge in hot water and run it over the ice then remove the frost using a spatula. Also, remember to wipe the remaining moisture on the walls to prevent the frost from reforming too quickly.
– the semi-automatic method: you must start the process yourself by pressing the defrost button. After turning on the system, the cooling circuit shuts down and the ice that has formed will melt. The water is then evacuated through a channel and a collector to a recovery tank located above the compressor. After a while, the cooling system starts up again and the water from the cast iron will evaporate due to the heat produced by the compressor.
Frequency: every three months.
TRICK
Don’t forget to vacuum the condenser on the back of your refrigerator from time to time. Dust settles there, resulting in less efficient heat dissipation.
THE OVEN
It is necessary to clean your oven after each use! A recent stain is much easier to remove than a dry stain, so roll up your sleeves for a little cleaning after each use. Your good meals will only be better!
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
A few simple steps are enough to keep an oven clean: After each use, do not forget to run a sponge (foam side) soaked in soapy water on the oven glass, inside, and on the rack.
OCCASIONAL MAINTENANCE
To completely eliminate the fat accumulated during the last uses, a solution that requires no effort is available to you: pyrolysis. After cooking, start the pyrolysis cycle which will clean your oven at over 500 ° C.
The result is clear: without the need to scrub, the grease and residue are turned into ash. You just have to remove them with a dry sponge!
Frequency: once a month.
TRICK
If your oven does not have a pyrolysis mode, mix a little water with a cup of baking soda powder until you get a paste. Leave on for a few hours depending on the dirt, then remove the paste with a damp sponge. Your oven will be clean!
THE DISH-WASHER
In order for your most beautiful glasses to remain shiny and that no white marks appear, your dishwasher must be protected against limescale.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
Check the rinse aid and regenerating salt level as well as the condition of the filter each time you use it. If necessary, add the necessary products.
OCCASIONAL MAINTENANCE
Run your empty dishwasher to maximum rinse heat with your usual dose of detergent and check that the nozzles are not clogged.
Frequency: once a year.
TRICK
For a better seal, regularly clean the door seal with a little soapy water.
THE WASHING MACHINE
The washing machine is one of the expensive household appliances. To make it last over time, think of a few simple things you can do.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
The washing machine does not require any particular maintenance apart from the fact of removing the parts and other objects accumulated in the filter. In this case, unmount the machine’s cache to recover them.
OCCASIONAL MAINTENANCE
To prevent them from getting dirty, don’t forget to clean the detergent drawer and the gaskets of your washing machine with a damp sponge or run a machine at 60 ° C with a special descaler.
Frequency: twice a year.
TRICK
For 100% natural cleaning, pour a few drops of white vinegar on your sponge.
THE CLOTHES DRYER
The tumble dryer is arguably the household appliance that requires the most maintenance. But regular maintenance helps prevent clogging and premature wear.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
Before or after each use, it is necessary to empty the water collection tray if you have a condensation dryer and to clean the filter by hand so as not to clog it.
OCCASIONAL MAINTENANCE
Once your dryer is unplugged, remove all fiber residue with a vacuum cleaner. Then, with a sponge and a little hot, soapy water, clean the inside of the drum, the door seals, the outside …
Frequency: at least once a month.
TRICK
You can use soda ash to clean your dryer. Very effective against tartar and residue, they will also remove bad odors!