Appliance Maintenance Tips to Keep Them Working Longer in 2026
Whether you're planning on sticking with old faithful or looking to upgrade to new models, it's always a pain when your appliances break down. Below, we've collected some of the best appliance maintenance tips from our team of in-house specialists to keep them working throughout 2026 and, hopefully, beyond. While some of these steps may seem straightforward, they often get forgotten or overlooked entirely. From scheduling routine maintenance checks to replacing old parts, these quick and simple appliance maintenance tips can help boost a product’s lifespan by more than just a couple of years.
Tip 1: Read the Manual
As tedious as it may sound, the easiest way to prolong the life of your household machines is to read the user manual. These guides are filled with information on proper use and often contain several appliance maintenance tips that are specific to the model. Many of these manuals, regardless of the type, also have sections dedicated to accurate installation, operating instructions, cleaning tips and other recommended actions. Reading through each section can potentially save you from a very costly mistake, which is why this step is at the top of our appliance maintenance tips list.
Tip 2: Use the Appliance Properly, and Don’t Overfill
After reading through the manual, you'll have a good idea of which actions are safe and which ones should be avoided. You'll also be able to refer back to any of the manufacturer's appliance maintenance tips for future reference. With this information in mind, take the time to educate other household members to ensure each machine is used correctly. For example, it might be tempting to complete all of your laundry in one go. However, overfilling your machines causes them to overwork, leading to premature wear and tear. An overfilled washer means the agitator won't be able to effectively move the clothes around, which in turn strains the motor. In addition to overworked parts, you also risk uneven washing and lingering odors.
Not overfilling extends to your other appliances as well, such as your refrigerator and dishwasher. Too much food in your fridge means the compressor will work twice as hard to cool the interior. You also risk early spoilage, as the cool air might not reach each item evenly. Meanwhile, too many plates, bowls, or other cookware might block the spray arms in your dishwasher. A blocked spray arm won't work effectively, and you risk unwanted leaks. However, you also want to avoid running half-full cycles. Only running your dishwasher when it's full reduces wear and tear, meaning fewer breakdowns in the long run. The sweet spot is to leave just enough room for the spray arm to work. Additionally, try to use Eco or Energy Saving modes. These modes create gentler operating conditions while reducing energy consumption. As far as appliance maintenance tips go, appropriate use and load size is perhaps the easiest way to extend the lifespan of your daily machines.
Tip 3: Keep Up with Regular Cleaning and Checks
Regular cleaning definitely makes the top three of our appliance maintenance tips. A routine cleaning session should include removing lint from your laundry traps, dusting the coils of your refrigerator and removing baked-on grime in your oven, just to name a few. Keep track of how often your freezer should be defrosted. Defrosting improves efficiency and reduces wear and tear on the components. When it comes to smaller appliances, descaling is the number one way to increase their lifespan. Descaling is the process of removing excess minerals and build-up from kettles, water heaters and coffee makers. As you clean, be sure to double-check that each component is working properly.
The extra-tight door seals and gaskets on your refrigerator and oven are what help the machine maintain stable temperatures. One way to check them yourself is with the paper test. Simply grab a standard sheet of paper and close it within the door. Then try to gently pull it out. If it does come out, then you'll want to bring in a professional. However, if you really have to tug to try and move it, then these parts are working correctly.
If you've read through our top appliance maintenance tips and feel like you need expert help, you can always call in Abt's professional team to give your machines a routine check-up. In addition to a thorough check and clean, the team can also provide insight into which components might need replacing or have brand-specific tricks to keeping your appliances in working order. Though proper maintenance might be an investment in the moment, it will pay off in the long run.
Tip 4: Replace Worn-Out Components ASAP
Continuing through our appliance maintenance tips list, be sure to replace worn-out parts before they stop working. This prevents overworking, which wears down the other components and decreases the overall lifespan. Filters are the number one component that you’ll find yourself replacing often. Old filters not only contribute to higher energy bills, but they can also lead to early breakdowns. When you first purchase an appliance that uses a filter, be sure to check how often the filter should be replaced and mark it down in your calendar. Thankfully, keeping a small stock of these parts is easy. Plus, having one or two at the ready means you won’t need to worry about trying to order one at the last minute.
Tip 5: Turn Off or Unplug When Not in Use (If Applicable)
Completing our appliance maintenance tips list is to turn off or unplug when possible. While this might not apply to every appliance (i.e., your refrigerator), it's a great practice for some smaller ones, such as blenders or coffee makers. Even when you're not using them, certain components continue to work when the cord is left plugged in or the power is on. Unplugging is a foolproof way to greatly reduce usage over time and extend your machine’s overall lifespan.
Whether you’re looking to prolong the life of your current appliances or your future ones, regular maintenance is an investment that will pay off in the long run. When paired with prompt component replacements and proper use, your appliances can last for years before you'll need to think about replacing them. Plus, appropriate care and use could even lower your energy bills as these machines won’t need to work as hard to achieve the promised results. If you have any questions or would like more appliance maintenance tips, give our team a call at 800-860-3577. Our Learn Center is another great resource that's filled with tips, guides and more on home appliances.
Appliance Maintenance Tips FAQs
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Proper appliance maintenance helps extend the lifespan and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
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Routine cleaning sessions are a great way to not only keep your appliances clean but also give you the opportunity to ensure each part is working properly.
