Why You Need To Clean Your Appliances More In The Summer

Summer is the ideal season for firing up your grill, reading a book by the beach, working on your tan, hosting summer parties, and indulging in outdoor activities. But the soaring temperatures also mean your home appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and dishwashers, work twice as hard to keep your food fresh, indoors cool, and clothes and dishes clean. Besides working harder, your appliances might also overheat and malfunction due to the hot weather. So you must maintain your appliances and keep them clean in the summer to prolong their life and prevent them from breaking down.

Another reason you need to clean your appliances more in the summertime is that they're typically used more during these months than in others, giving way to more possible spills, leaks, and clogs. The hot and sticky weather is perfect for mold and mildew to grow on your appliances, including garbage disposals, microwaves, and ovens, and make them smell unpleasant.

The topmost reason you should keep your appliances clean during the summer season is health. Home appliances are extremely susceptible to disease-causing bacteria and viruses in hot climatic conditions. So it's important to keep them clean to prevent the germs from taking advantage of the heat to multiply and spread rapidly as it'll make you fall sick. Moreover, mold and mildew might stick to your appliances and choose them as their breeding ground, contaminating your food and causing respiratory issues.

Due to the high usage of cooling and cleaning appliances, your utility bills will also take a beating during the summer. But ensuring they're clean will make it easier for them to function and turn them energy efficient, effectively lowering your bill amount and, by extension, your carbon footprint. Additionally, keeping your appliances clean will extend the life span of your expensive investments, ensuring they last longer and provide a better ROI (return on investment).

While it's essential to keep appliances clean during summer to prevent the growth of germs and prolong the durability of your appliances, knowing which parts to clean is equally important. For instance, your refrigerator works quite hard to keep your food items cool and fresh, so clean its condenser coils and evaporator fan to help it beat the heat. Maintaining a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below inside the fridge will also go a long way in helping your appliance run smoothly.

Similarly, cleaning your air conditioner's air filters and condenser coils to unclog the air vents will improve their efficiency. Your washing machine, meanwhile, might also be handling a load bigger than usual during the summer months, so make it a point to clean the appliance's drum and air filters regularly. Also, keep an eye out for any lint buildup to prevent it from getting overheated. Further, don't forget to clean your dishwasher's filter to keep it functioning adequately, as well as routinely rid your garbage disposal of any lingering scraps — and lingering smells.