This is important information, because nearly 10% of the annual budget of the average household in Europe and North America is spent on energy consumption.
Here are a few tips to help your appliances last as long as possible and consume less energy. Better appliance maintenance also means protecting the environment and acting in favor of ecology, since less waste is produced.
You should descale your washing machine every six months or so, as this operation removes the limescale which, over time, impairs its operation. Our advice:
The washing machine
– spray seals, detergent compartment and drum with white vinegar
– Leave for a few hours
– Then run a short-cycle wash with towels, sheets and kitchen linen.
In fact, white vinegar has the same properties as fabric softener, but is more environmentally friendly.
As far as maintenance is concerned, perform it on a more regular basis, once a month:
– clean the detergent compartment by pouring in hot water to loosen dirt
– also clean the filters and drainpipe. To do this, be sure to read the machine’s instructions.
– run a vacuum machine at 90°C to remove detergent residues and encrusted bacteria
Dishwashers
The dishwasher is another important item requiring regular maintenance, and there are several elements that need to be cleaned:
– The filter: it must be cleaned regularly. To get rid of dirt, use hot water and washing-up liquid.
– Gaskets: use a brush and a cloth to clean any impurities from the gaskets, in order to maintain the original water tightness of the appliance.
– Washing arms: holes can become blocked and impair water circulation, so soak them in hot, soapy water.
– Once a year, run your dishwasher empty with only your usual dishwasher tablet. For optimum cleaning, add a small amount of white vinegar.
The refrigerator
Here we come to the most important item in the kitchen: the fridge. It’s the appliance you need to pay particular attention to, as it stores your food.
You need to maintain your fridge regularly to avoid over-consumption and keep it running smoothly, so to eliminate bacteria inside your fridge :
– It’s best to clean with a sponge or cloth soaked in warm water, white vinegar and lemon. Then wipe with a clean cloth. We recommend cleaning once a week.
– Remove dust from the grille behind your fridge with a cloth, to allow heat to escape and improve performance.
– You need to check that your fridge is watertight, as a poor seal can also impair cooling and lead to over-consumption of electricity. Perform the test using a sheet of paper. If, when you close the fridge door, the sheet of paper pulls out easily, you may need to replace the seals.
With these different actions, your appliances will last longer, so you’ll spend less and they’ll consume less energy, which is good for the environment.
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