What not to do with your appliances right before the holidays

The holidays are a magical time but they can also be pretty stressful. With so much to plan and prepare, the last thing you need is an appliance acting up right when you need it most. Imagine the turkey half-cooked because the oven gave out or a dishwasher disaster when it’s piled high with dinner plates.

We’re here to help you avoid those headaches by highlighting what not to do with your appliances in the days leading up to the holidays. Let’s make sure your home appliances are running smoothly so you can focus on enjoying the season!

Note: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences. We strongly recommend consulting the use and care information for your specific appliance model for the most accurate guidance.

Don’t neglect cleaning

Your appliances work hard all year, but the holidays put them to the test. The oven, fridge, dishwasher, and washing machine all seem to be running nonstop. Before the holiday rush starts, it’s important to give them a little TLC.

Take your oven, for example. If it hasn’t been cleaned in a while, leftover grease and grime could cause uneven cooking or even smoke. And your refrigerator? Its coils collect dust, which makes it harder to keep all those holiday ingredients cool. A clogged dishwasher filter can leave dishes less than sparkling, just when you need them to shine.

The good news is that these maintenance tasks are simple: wipe down the inside of your oven, vacuum the fridge coils, and clean the dishwasher filter. These quick fixes can prevent bigger problems and keep everything running smoothly when it matters most.

Read more: New Year’s resolution: Clean and maintain your home appliances

Don’t overload your appliances

When it comes to your appliances, more is not always better. Overloading them can cause serious problems, and the timing couldn’t be worse.

It’s tempting to cram every dish, pot, and pan into your dishwasher after a big dinner, but overloading can block water flow and leave your dishes less than clean. Your washing machine is another one, piling in all those extra holiday linens and clothes can strain the motor and even cause it to stop mid-cycle. And let’s not forget the fridge and freezer. Packing them so full that air can’t circulate properly can result in uneven cooling and spoiled food.

To avoid these issues, be mindful of the load limits. Run smaller, more frequent loads in the dishwasher and washing machine. If your fridge is bursting with holiday treats, consider a cooler, garage fridge, chest freezer or mini-fridge for overflow. Your appliances will thank you.

Don’t use improper cleaning methods

A clean appliance is a happy appliance, but cleaning them the wrong way can lead to big problems, especially right before the holidays. Sometimes, in our rush to get everything spotless, we use methods or products that do more harm than good.

Using the self-cleaning function too close to the holidays might seem like a great idea, but the high heat can sometimes overload the appliance or cause damage, leaving you oven-less just when you need it most.

Instead, stick to safe and gentle cleaning practices. Use baking soda and vinegar for scrubbing tough spots in the oven instead of relying on self-cleaning. Wipe down electrical gadgets with a damp cloth. A little care goes a long way in keeping your appliances ready for a big day.

Read more: How to Maintain Your Mixer for Holiday Baking

Don’t panic about last-minute repairs

When an appliance starts acting up right before the holidays, tackling a repair can be manageable if done correctly. Some issues require a little time and effort, but rushing through without the right parts or knowledge can lead to bigger problems.

For simple fixes, start by identifying the problem. Common solutions include cleaning clogged filters in the dishwasher or dryer, checking for loose parts, resetting circuit breakers or testing parts with a multimeter. If you need replacement parts, visit us at www.appliancepartspros.com. We offer a huge selection of OEM repair parts with super-fast shipping, so you can get what you need in time for the holidays, even down to the last minute.

Stick to straightforward repairs, such as replacing oven bulbs, fridge gaskets, or water filters. Avoid diving into complex disassemblies or internal electrical components unless you’re confident in your skills. Always unplug the appliance before starting work, and use reliable resources like our videos and blog articles to guide you.

With the right parts and preparation, you can handle many repairs yourself and keep your appliances running smoothly for the holiday season.

Don’t delay updates

The holidays can put a lot of strain on your appliances, and your energy bills. Staying on top of updates, both physical and digital, can help your appliances run more efficiently and reliably during this busy season.

For physical updates, check for common energy-saving improvements. For example, replace worn refrigerator door seals to prevent cold air from escaping, swap out oven or fridge bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs, and clean dust off refrigerator coils to help it cool effectively.

But don’t forget about digital updates! Many modern appliances, like smart refrigerators, ovens, and washers, require occasional software updates to fix bugs, enhance performance, or add new features. Check the manufacturer’s app or website to see if your appliances are running the latest software. These updates can also optimize energy use, helping you save on utility bills during the holiday rush.

Taking care of both physical and digital updates ensures your appliances are ready to handle the extra workload while keeping your energy costs in check. A little preparation now can make a big difference later!

Read more: Holiday Gift Guide for Home Appliances

Need more help?

If you’re looking for replacement parts, grab your model number and visit AppliancePartsPros.com. With over two million parts in stock, most orders arrive within two business days. Need help finding the right part or placing an order? Our team is here to assist, just give us a call at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While waiting for your new part to arrive, check out our DIY blog and explore thousands of helpful video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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