Home Appliance Maintenance Calendar

Clean the dishwasher filter Dishwasher

Why: Many newer dishwashers use a manual-clean filter. A clogged filter causes poor cleaning, odors, and standing water.

1. Remove the bottom rack.
2. Twist out the cylindrical filter (usually a quarter turn counterclockwise) and lift out the flat screen beneath it.
3. Rinse under warm water and scrub gently with a soft brush. Do not use wire brushes.
4. Reinstall the filter and lock it fully into place.

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Run a washer cleaning cycle Washer

Why: Detergent residue and moisture lead to odors and mildew, especially in front-load washers.

1. Empty the drum.
2. Add a washer cleaner tablet or the cleaner your manual recommends.
3. Run the Clean Washer (or hottest Normal) cycle.
4. On front-loaders, wipe the door gasket folds dry and leave the door ajar afterward.

Flush the garbage disposal Garbage disposal

Why: Built-up food waste can slow drainage, which also slows dishwasher draining when they share a drain.

1. Run cold water and turn the disposal on.
2. Let it run for several seconds after grinding stops.
3. Clean the splash guard with a brush and mild soap with the power off.

Clean and test refrigerator door gaskets Refrigerator

Why: Leaky seals let warm, humid air in, which makes the refrigerator run longer and can cause frost.

1. Wipe the gaskets with warm water and mild dish soap; dry them.
2. Close the door on a dollar bill. If it slides out with no resistance, that section is not sealing.
3. Check for tears or flattened sections; replace a damaged gasket.

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Inspect washer fill hoses Washer

Why: A burst fill hose can release a large amount of water quickly.

1. Pull the washer out enough to see the hoses.
2. Look for bulges, cracks, kinks, or rust at the fittings.
3. Replace damaged hoses, ideally with braided stainless steel hoses.

Clean the range hood grease filter Range hood

Why: Grease-clogged filters reduce ventilation and are a fire hazard.

1. Turn off the hood and let it cool.
2. Remove the metal mesh filters.
3. Soak in hot water with degreasing dish soap, scrub, rinse, and dry before reinstalling.

Replace the refrigerator water filter Refrigerator

Why: Most refrigerator filter makers rate filters for about 6 months; old filters reduce flow and filtration.

1. Find your filter model in the owner’s manual or on the old filter.
2. Remove the old filter (twist or push-release, depending on model).
3. Install the new filter and run several gallons through the dispenser to purge air and carbon fines.
4. Reset the filter indicator if your model has one.

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Clean refrigerator condenser coils Refrigerator

Why: Dusty coils make the compressor work harder. Homes with pets may need this more often.

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Locate the coils (behind the bottom kick plate or on the back, depending on model).
3. Use a coil brush and vacuum to remove dust and pet hair.
4. Plug the refrigerator back in.

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Clean the full dryer vent duct Dryer

Why: Failure to clean is a leading cause of home dryer fires, according to NFPA.

1. Unplug the dryer (and shut off gas for gas dryers).
2. Disconnect the transition duct from the dryer.
3. Run a rotary vent brush through the duct to the exterior hood.
4. Clear the exterior flap and confirm it opens freely when the dryer runs.

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Inspect the dishwasher drain hose and door seal Dishwasher

Why: Kinked hoses cause draining problems; a worn door seal causes leaks.

1. Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks and a proper high loop or air gap.
2. Inspect the door seal for cracks or debris and wipe it clean.

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Check that the washer and refrigerator are level Washer & refrigerator

Why: An unlevel washer vibrates and wears parts; an unlevel refrigerator can keep doors from sealing.

1. Place a level on top of the appliance side to side and front to back.
2. Adjust the leveling feet until level; many refrigerators should tilt slightly back so doors swing closed (check your manual).
3. Tighten lock nuts on washer feet.