Myth-Conceptions: Top Household Appliance Myths

Household appliances are essential elements of modern living. Yet, there are many misconceptions out there about these devices that can lead to incorrect usage. This article will discuss some of the most common myths related to household appliances and dispel any misunderstandings. 

So let’s get started and separate fact from fiction!

Dishwasher Myths

Dishwashers are a common appliance in most households, making cleaning dishes a breeze. However, with their regular use, many myths and misconceptions have arisen about how to properly use and maintain them. We will address and debunk some of the most common dishwasher myths, providing you with accurate information to keep your dishwasher running efficiently and effectively.

Handwashing Dishes Saves Water

While it is a common misconception that hand-washing dishes saves more water than using a dishwasher, this isn’t the case. In fact, it’s not even close! Modern dishwashers use far less water than hand washing ever could. This might not have been true ten to fifteen years ago when dishwashers used closer to 15 gallons, which might be the reason for the pervasive myth. However, according to the National Resources Defense Council, hand washing can use up to 27 gallons of water per load. This compares to as little as 3 gallons with an ENERGY STAR-rated dishwasher. So, unless you have a very small load of dirty dishes that you need immediately, it is more efficient to use the dishwasher over hand washing. 

You Should Rinse Dishes Before Running The Dishwasher

Your dishwasher is more efficient than hand-washing dishes, but should you pre-rinse your dishes before running the dishwasher? The short answer is no.

In fact, here are a few reasons why:

• Pre-rinsing can reduce the effectiveness of dishwashing detergent, which is actually designed to attach to food particles. Without food residue, it can rinse away before getting dishes clean.
• It can also damage delicate items such as glassware or china, which shouldn’t be exposed to more heat and friction than necessary. 
• It just isn’t necessary. Modern dishwashers are capable of cleaning and sanitizing dishes. Pre-rinsing only wastes time and water.

In light of these points, it is better to let the dishwasher do its job without any extra help from you. After all, that’s what it’s specifically designed for!

Refrigerator Myths

Refrigerators are an essential part of our daily lives, and we rely on them to keep our food fresh and safe to eat. However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding refrigerator usage that can actually harm your food or your appliance. 

Refrigerators Should Be Cleaned Every Few Weeks

Particularly tidy people will tell you that you need to fully clean your refrigerator every couple of weeks.In actuality, this is not necessary and can actually cause harm to energy efficiency. Doing so often will only result in an unnecessary waste of energy, as you need to stand with the fridge door open to clean the interior. This lets cold out and making the appliance work harder to get down to temperature. Clean only the necessary excess food debris and spot clean as necessary. Check and throw away spoiled foods to prevent bacteria growth. Check out our full guide to refrigerator organization to keep things fresh and clean. 

Refrigerators Should be Kept at Low Temps For Them to Work Efficiently

Fridges use the cold to keep your food fresh, so it may seem logical that colder temperatures could make a refrigerator more efficient. This isn’t true. Setting the temperature too low could lead to food waste due to excessive frosting or freezer burn due to rapid cooling cycles. It is best practice then to keep your refrigerator at the recommended temperature settings provided by the manufacturer. 

Washing Machine Myths

Washing machines are a modern convenience that we’ve come to rely on heavily for our laundry needs. However, with widespread use, myths and misconceptions about how to use and maintain them have also emerged. Some of these myths could actually be harming your washing machine and causing unnecessary expenses.

Detergent is Good, So More Must Be Better

One common myth about washing machine usage is that more laundry detergent is better. However, using too much detergent can actually cause more harm than good. Firstly, excess detergent is difficult to rinse out, and can leave residue on clothes, causing them to appear dull and stained. Additionally, using too much detergent wastes money and can be harmful to the environment. In high-efficiency (HE) washing machines, using too much detergent can cause problems, such as clogging the machine’s dispenser and pump, leading to expensive repairs. To avoid these issues, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for detergent usage and use only the amount needed for your specific load size – usually only about two tablespoons!

Big Loads of Laundry Save Time and Water

Many people believe that doing fewer, larger loads of laundry saves time, effort, detergent, and water, which can all be pretty appealing! However, this is a common myth that can actually do more harm than good. Overloading your washing machine with too many clothes can strain its motor and other components, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, underusing your washer can cause a buildup of dirt and grime, which can damage the machine’s inner workings and cause clogs. To avoid these problems, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for load size and frequency of use. This will help prevent strain on the machine and reduce the risk of damage, ensuring that your washing machine lasts as long as possible and remains in good working condition.

Dryer Myths

Household appliances like dryers are a common convenience, but their usage can also pose potential safety risks. Unfortunately, many common myths and misconceptions about the safety of dryers contribute to this risk. In order to keep you and your family safe, it’s essential to understand and debunk these myths. We’ll explore prevalent dryer myths and provide you with the information you need to mitigate any potential harm.

The Dryer Is Eating Your Socks.

The myth that dryers “eat” socks is a persistent one, but it’s simply not true. In reality, if small items like socks go missing in the dryer, it’s often because they’ve gotten caught in the lint trap or fallen out of the machine’s drum and into the exhaust tube or blower wheel. If the lint trap is missing or damaged, small items can easily be sucked into the dryer’s internal workings and cause problems. To avoid this issue, it’s important to check and clean the lint trap regularly and ensure that it’s properly installed. This will not only prevent small items from getting caught but will also help your dryer run more efficiently.

No Maintenance Required

False! Dryers make laundry easier, but they do require regular maintenance. Inspect and clean dryers regularly to ensure they are functioning safely. This includes cleaning the lint filter after every load. Clogged lint traps not only reduce the efficiency of your dryer but also pose a serious fire hazard. Additionally, it’s important to periodically clean the dryer vent to prevent lint buildup, which can cause overheating and increase the risk of fires (find out how to clean your dryer vent here!). Other maintenance tasks to consider include checking the drum belt and rollers for wear and tear. It is essential for homeowners to educate themselves on proper dryer safety by consulting the manual. Make sure to follow all recommended maintenance procedures as outlined by the manufacturer. By staying on top of these maintenance tasks, you can help extend the life of your dryer and ensure that it operates safely and efficiently.

Microwave Myths

The sight of a microwave oven sitting on the kitchen counter is a common one in most households. Despite its convenience and ease of use, many myths have been surrounding it for decades. It is important to be aware of these misconceptions so food can be cooked safely and efficiently.

They Cause Food Particles To Become Radioactive

This is false. Microwaves create non-ionizing radiation. The word “radiaton” can sound scary, and that’s likely the cause for this myth. However, they do not have enough energy to alter the structure of the molecules in food or cause them to become radioactive. The microwaves produced inside the oven are absorbed by food and produce the heat that cooks the food. Besides that, the presence of metal shields and screens on the window of microwave ovens prevents the radiation from escaping, which eliminates the risk of harm. All modern microwaves are are well within safety standards set by regulatory bodies around the world. It ensures no harm will come from their use when handled correctly.

They Destroy Essential Vitamins and Nutrients

Well, yes and no. Some nutrients are broken down during the cooking process – but that’s any cooking process, and not just in microwaves! We allow this because cooking also kills microbes and makes foods easier to digest (not to mention tastier). But don’t worry, there are plenty of nutrients left. In fact, research has shown that microwave cooking is actually one of the least likely forms of cooking to damage nutrients, because it cooks food quickly. This is compared to other methods such as boiling or steaming. So, in short, you can use whichever cooking appliance suits your needs and your recipes best. 

Oven Myths

Ranges are essential appliances in any kitchen, providing the means to cook and bake a variety of dishes. However, many myths and misconceptions surround these appliances, leaving homeowners confused and unsure of how to use their ovens safely and efficiently. We will debunk some of the most common myths surrounding ranges and ovens, providing you with the facts you need to make informed decisions when it comes to cooking and baking in your kitchen.

Self Cleaning Ovens is Totally Safe

The idea of having an appliance clean itself sounds like a dream come true, but the reality is that using the oven self-cleaning mode can be risky. The self-cleaning feature works by heating the oven to extremely high temperatures, which can cause a number of issues. One potential danger is the release of toxic fumes, which can be harmful to both humans and pets. This is particularly true if there is any residue from oven cleaners left behind to vaporize in the heat.

Additionally, the high temperatures can cause the oven to malfunction. That high heat can blow fuses, ruin temperature sensors, or even catch fire, especially if the oven has food debris left inside. Another downside of self-cleaning modes is that they can take a long time and use a lot of energy, which can be expensive. It is important to weigh the risks and benefits before using the self-cleaning mode on your oven. Check out our articles on how a self cleaning oven works and what to do if your oven won’t open after the self clean cycle.

Bonus Myth: DIY Appliance Repair Is Inaccessible

False! Reliable information is essential when it comes to maintaining household appliances, and we’re here to tell you that DIY appliance repair is never out of reach for the average homeowner. 

With the internet at their fingertips, homeowners have access to an abundance of reliable information and resources, such as our Youtube channel full of DIY repair tutorials that can help them repair their appliances with ease. By busting these myths and empowering homeowners with knowledge, we can help them make informed decisions about maintaining and repairing their appliances.