Mistakes that reduce the lifespan of household appliances.

Most household appliances break down before their potential lifespan. A common reason is that consumers are too lazy to read the instruction manuals and use them incorrectly.

Bright Side's experts have listed common mistakes people make with household appliances, along with recommendations for proper usage.

Washing machine

Do not place heavy objects on the washing machine, or stand on it.

When putting clothes into the washing machine, don't forget to check the pockets. Leftover tags, keys, lighters, etc., can damage the washing machine during the washing process.

It's important to use detergent and fabric softener specifically designed for washing machines. Hand-washing detergents produce more foam than machine-washing detergents, and using them can cause excessive foaming, potentially damaging the machine.

Don't forget to wipe down the rubber parts and drawers after each wash cycle to prevent mold from growing inside the machine.

Remove clothes from the washing machine immediately after the wash cycle is complete. Leaving a large amount of damp clothes in the machine for an extended period can damage it.

If your washing machine doesn't have a self-cleaning cycle option, clean it manually once a month. Run the drum cycle, select the hottest wash and rinse cycle. Add some lemon juice, vinegar, or laundry detergent to the detergent dispenser.

Fridge

The first step in properly storing your refrigerator should even be taken before you bring it home. The refrigerator needs to be transported upright, with an inclination of no more than 40 degrees. Otherwise, the compressor oil inside could leak out and damage the entire system.

Plugging in your refrigerator immediately after moving it can cause oil leaks. If you are certain the refrigerator wasn't tilted during transport, wait 4-6 hours before plugging it in. If you suspect it was tilted, it's best to wait 15 hours.

Putting hot food in the refrigerator is very harmful to the appliance. It's best to let it cool down before storing it.

Modern frost-free refrigerators don't require as much defrosting as older models, but they still need regular cleaning. When cleaning, remember to unplug the refrigerator from the power source.

Forgetting to clean the back of the cabinet is also a reason why it gets damaged quickly. You can use a vacuum cleaner so you don't have to move the cabinet. And of course, when cleaning the back of the cabinet, you should also unplug it.

Electric cookers, rice cookers, slow cookers

Putting a dirty and wet pot into an electric cooker will cause it to break down faster.

Failing to wipe the inside of the pot lid after cooking can cause moisture, grease, and leftover food to accumulate there, leading to mold growth and premature damage to the pot.

Using a pot as a basin to rinse rice or other grains can scratch the inside and bottom surfaces of the pot. For the same reason, when washing pots, use a soft sponge; never use a metal scouring pad.

Overfilling the pot with too much food will overload it. It's best to only fill it below the maximum level indicated on the pot.

Microwave oven

When heating lightweight foods, it's a good idea to place a cup of water inside. The water will absorb some of the microwave radiation, making cooking and heating more efficient.

Minimize placing items right up to the top of the microwave. If you must, make sure the items do not obstruct the microwave's ventilation vents.

Never turn on a microwave oven when it's empty, as this can damage the magnetron (the component that emits microwaves).

Avoid placing excessively heavy items in the microwave (you can find information about the maximum weight allowed in the microwave in the instruction manual).

Do not use earthenware as it may cause a fire or explosion in the oven.

Do not reheat items for longer than necessary.

You should wipe away any spilled food and grease in the oven with a soft cloth.

Blender

Do not blend foods that are too hot, such as those that have just been cooked. Wait until they have cooled down to around 70-80 degrees Celsius.

Ensure that no liquids or water get inside the blender's motor. When cleaning the blender, use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the outside clean.

Do not leave the machine running for too long as this can cause the motor to overheat and malfunction.

Do not use a blender to chop dry ingredients, such as crackers.

According to VNE