Features And Compartments On Your Appliances You Probably Didn't Know To Use

Appliance companies never stop innovating or finding new ways to make their products more effective. Unfortunately, not many of us get the memo when something gets updated, so we're left scratching our heads as to where that thing went that we previously used all the time. Or worse, we completely miss a clever new compartment that helps the machine run smoother or makes loading it easier. 

Rather than read the instruction manual (let's be real here; no one ever reads them), we're here to help. Here are 12 secret — or at least, secret to us — compartments hanging out in your everyday appliances that have a very specific purpose. It seems like just about every home appliance has one — from dishwashers to refrigerators to toasters — and they're all hiding in plain sight. We're going to break down what they do and how to use them for maximum good vibes from your appliances. 

Next to your dishwaser's detergent compartment may be a narrow, rectangular divot that has some kind of symbol embossed on it. This is your pre-rinse compartment, and it's meant to hold extra detergent that gets used at the start of the rinse cycle for those times you've got super-dirty dishes. Not every dishwasher has this, so don't worry if yours just has two spots for soap. If you do have this, you most likely won't use it often — but come Thanksgiving dinner, you'll be glad you have it. 

But what about that circular compartment with the twist-off cap? That's your dishwasher's rinse aid compartment, and it's meant to hold, you guessed it, rinse aid. Rinse aid isn't a detergent but a liquid used at the end of the rinse cycle that helps your dishes dry faster without water spots. An example is Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid Agent. However, one clever dishwasher hack is to skip the rinse aid and use vinegar instead. 

Your crisper drawer's main function is designed to keep produce, well, crisp. To use it correctly, you'll need to fiddle with the vent slider and regulate the amount of humidity inside the drawer. Leafy veggies or produce are likely to wilt quickly and need high humidity, so close the slider all the way. Fruits and produce that emit ethylene need less humidity and more circulation, so slide it completely open. If you've got more than one crisper drawer, use one for high humidity and the other for low. If you've only got one, use it for the high humidity produce only.

This one is multiple-choice and will depend on your oven model. First, look for a button — if you find one, it's most likely a warming drawer used for baking bread or keeping dishes warm. If there's no button, your stove is gas, and if there's already a rectangular pan there, then it's most likely a broiler, which is used to brown casserole tops, roast veggies, or cook food at incredibly high heat. Finally, if it looks like a basic drawer, it's probably just a storage drawer meant for pans, racks, and other baking supplies. Regardless of how you use it, remember to give it the occasional scrub — it's one of the parts of an oven everyone forgets to clean.

One of our favorite little-known dishwasher hacks that can give you some extra room is to check the sides of your dishwasher's top rack; most likely, you'll see a blue or gray latch on either side. These are meant to raise or lower the top rack to accommodate different-sized dishes. If you've got a giant roasting pan on the bottom, you'd raise the rack so the spinning arms don't hit it. If you've got a set of delicate wine glasses that need cleaning, use the latches to lower the top rack, saving the glass from getting hit with harsh jets of water.

If you notice a square panel toward the bottom of your front-loading washer, there are likely two things inside: a drain tube and the drain pump filter. You may never need to use these, but if your cycles are taking too long or water isn't draining enough, this is a part of your washing machine that you definitely need to clean out. Drain the hose first, but just a warning — it might be gross. After it's done draining, pull out the filter to remove any debris, then reinstall. 

If you've noticed that your dryer is taking longer to dry or clothes are still damp at the end of the cycle, check for this trap beneath where the lint screen goes. Lint, hair, and dust can get trapped under here and block airflow, making it harder for your dryer to function properly. It's a good idea to check this regularly since firefighters say lint is the number one cause of house fires. To clean out your dryer lint trap, use a vacuum hose or a brilliant lint trap gadget like Sealegend's dryer vent cleaner kit. 

At the bottom of your toaster or toaster oven is a pull-out tray meant to catch any crumbs, making it easier to keep the insides clean. To remove, just give it a little tug and slide it all the way out. Toss the crumbs in the trash and wipe down the tray with a cloth. If you need to give it a deep clean, use soap and water but make sure it's dry before putting it back in the toaster to prevent mildew or damage to the electronics. 

Your washer's detergent drawer could have multiple compartments that get confusing. The largest compartment is for detergent and should have a tray or flap. If using powdered detergent, use the tray and put the flap up to prevent sticky residues in hard-to-clean areas. If using a liquid, the tray is optional, and the flap should be down. The compartment with a flower or scent symbol is for fabric softener. In U.S. washers, the smallest compartment is for bleach. 

Newer washers may have a pre-wash compartment for detergent or starch that's used during the pre-rinse cycle. Some may have a large, round smart/auto-dispense compartment that stores bulk liquid detergent for multiple washes and is refilled as needed. 

Your range hood is an essential appliance that cleans the air and traps odors by using a filter that, unfortunately, not many people know about. The filter needs to be cleaned, as grease will build up on it over time, becoming a fire hazard. Look for a thin, rectangular panel under the hood or on the side and remove. Wash the filter with non-abrasive sponges and hot, soapy water, or take it apart and toss it in the dishwasher. Don't use chemical cleaning agents; these can corrode your filter over time. If you have a mesh filter, replace it with a new one every one to two years. If you have a carbon filter, replace it every three to four months.

Many refrigerators have an air filter inside the fridge or vent grille that uses carbon to prevent bacteria, mold, or bad smells from forming. Some think replacing it is optional, but it should be replaced every six months. To switch it out, push against the filter, and you'll feel it pop. Slide it out, then pop out the filter and place a new one in the frame. Slide the frame back into the fridge.

If you have an ice maker, you will most likely have a water filter to keep your drinking water and ice cubes fresh. You should replace it every six months, but look for a warning light on your water dispenser to be sure. To remove it, push the existing filter in; you'll feel it unlock with a pop. Discard the old filter and push a new one into place until you feel it lock. Run your water dispenser a few times; once you have a steady stream of water, your filter is ready. Don't forget to reset the warning light!