Top 10 Most Neglected Appliances in a Residential Home

12/8/20235 min read

gray steel 3-door refrigerator near modular kitchen

Introduction

When it comes to maintaining a residential home, there are certain appliances that often get overlooked. While we may remember to clean the floors, dust the furniture, and organize our closets, we tend to neglect the regular maintenance and servicing of our appliances. This can lead to decreased efficiency, increased energy consumption, and even potential safety hazards. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 most neglected appliances in a residential home and the general services that are typically not completed for each appliance.

1. Refrigerator

The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in any home, yet it is often neglected when it comes to regular maintenance. General service tasks that are commonly overlooked include:

Cleaning the condenser coils: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the condenser coils, reducing the efficiency of the refrigerator. These coils should be cleaned at least twice a year.
Checking the door seals: Damaged or worn-out door seals can cause air leaks, leading to increased energy consumption. It is important to regularly inspect and replace any faulty seals.
Emptying and cleaning the drip pan: The drip pan collects condensation and other liquids that accumulate in the refrigerator. It should be emptied and cleaned regularly to prevent unpleasant odors and the growth of mold or bacteria.

2. Dishwasher

While the dishwasher may seem self-cleaning, it still requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Neglected service tasks for dishwashers include:

Cleaning the filter: The dishwasher filter traps food particles and debris, preventing them from clogging the drain. It should be cleaned regularly to avoid blockages and to maintain proper water flow.
Checking and cleaning the spray arms: Over time, the spray arms can become clogged with food particles or mineral deposits. Regularly inspecting and cleaning them will help ensure that dishes are thoroughly cleaned.
Descaling the dishwasher: Hard water can cause mineral buildup in the dishwasher, affecting its performance. Descaling the dishwasher periodically will help remove these deposits and improve efficiency.

3. Washing Machine

The washing machine is another appliance that often gets neglected in terms of maintenance. Here are some commonly overlooked service tasks:

Cleaning the detergent drawer: The detergent drawer can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew if not cleaned regularly. It should be removed and thoroughly cleaned to prevent unpleasant odors and maintain hygiene.
Inspecting and cleaning the rubber gasket: The rubber gasket around the washing machine door can accumulate dirt, lint, and soap residue. Regularly cleaning and drying it will prevent mold growth and maintain a tight seal.
Checking the hoses: Over time, washing machine hoses can deteriorate and develop leaks. Regularly inspecting the hoses and replacing them if necessary will help prevent water damage.

4. Dryer

While most people remember to clean the lint trap after each use, there are other neglected maintenance tasks for dryers:

Cleaning the vent duct: Lint can accumulate in the vent duct over time, reducing airflow and increasing the risk of a fire. It is important to clean the vent duct at least once a year.
Inspecting and cleaning the drum: The drum of the dryer can accumulate residue from fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth will help maintain its efficiency.
Checking the exhaust hood: The exhaust hood on the outside of the house can become clogged with lint or debris. Regularly inspecting and cleaning it will ensure proper ventilation.

5. Oven

The oven is often neglected when it comes to regular maintenance, but it is important to keep it clean and functioning properly. Neglected service tasks for ovens include:

Cleaning the oven interior: Food spills and grease can accumulate inside the oven, affecting its performance and causing unpleasant odors. Regularly cleaning the oven interior will help maintain its efficiency and prevent the buildup of residue.
Checking and replacing oven seals: Damaged or worn-out oven seals can cause heat loss, resulting in longer cooking times and increased energy consumption. It is important to regularly inspect and replace any faulty seals.
Calibrating the oven temperature: Over time, the oven temperature may become inaccurate. Calibrating the oven periodically will ensure that it heats up to the desired temperature.

6. Air Conditioner

Regular maintenance of the air conditioner is essential to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency. Neglected service tasks for air conditioners include:

Cleaning or replacing the air filters: Dirty or clogged air filters can restrict airflow and reduce the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. It is important to clean or replace the filters regularly.
Cleaning the condenser coils: Dust and debris can accumulate on the condenser coils, reducing the efficiency of the air conditioner. These coils should be cleaned at least once a year.
Checking the refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant levels can indicate a leak and can cause the air conditioner to work harder, increasing energy consumption. It is important to regularly check and refill the refrigerant if necessary.

7. Water Heater

The water heater is often forgotten until it stops working, but regular maintenance can extend its lifespan and improve efficiency. Neglected service tasks for water heaters include:

Flushing the tank: Sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the water heater tank over time, reducing its efficiency. Flushing the tank annually will help remove the sediment and improve performance.
Checking the pressure relief valve: The pressure relief valve is an important safety feature of the water heater. It should be checked periodically to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Insulating the pipes: Insulating the hot water pipes can help reduce heat loss and save energy. It is a simple task that is often overlooked.

8. Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal is an appliance that is often neglected until it becomes clogged or stops working. Neglected service tasks for garbage disposals include:

Cleaning the disposal: Food particles and residue can accumulate in the garbage disposal, causing unpleasant odors and clogs. Regularly cleaning the disposal with a mixture of ice and vinegar will help keep it clean and odor-free.
Sharpening the blades: Over time, the blades of the garbage disposal can become dull, affecting its performance. Sharpening the blades periodically will ensure that they can efficiently grind food waste.
Checking for leaks: Leaks can cause damage to the garbage disposal and surrounding areas. Regularly inspecting for leaks and repairing them promptly will help prevent further damage.

9. Microwave

The microwave is a commonly used appliance that often gets neglected in terms of maintenance. Neglected service tasks for microwaves include:

Cleaning the interior: Food spills and splatters can accumulate inside the microwave, affecting its performance and causing unpleasant odors. Regularly cleaning the interior will help maintain its efficiency and hygiene.
Inspecting and cleaning the door seals: Damaged or worn-out door seals can cause heat loss and reduce the microwave's efficiency. Regularly inspecting and cleaning the door seals will help maintain a tight seal.
Checking and replacing the microwave waveguide cover: The waveguide cover protects the microwave's components from food particles and grease. It should be inspected and replaced if damaged or dirty.

10. Coffee Maker

Many of us rely on our coffee makers to kick-start our day, but they often get neglected in terms of maintenance. Neglected service tasks for coffee makers include:

Descaling the coffee maker: Mineral deposits from water can accumulate in the coffee maker, affecting the taste of the coffee and its performance. Descaling the coffee maker regularly will help remove these deposits.
Cleaning the coffee pot and filter basket: Coffee oils and residue can build up in the coffee pot and filter basket, affecting the taste of the coffee. Regularly cleaning these parts will help maintain the quality of the coffee.
Inspecting and replacing the water filter: If your coffee maker has a water filter, it should be inspected and replaced regularly to ensure that it is effectively removing impurities from the water.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance and servicing of household appliances are essential to ensure their optimal performance, energy efficiency, and longevity. By paying attention to the often neglected appliances mentioned in this article, and performing the recommended maintenance tasks, you can save money on energy bills, prevent potential safety hazards, and extend the lifespan of your appliances. Make it a habit to include these neglected appliances in your regular home maintenance routine, and you will reap the benefits in the long run.