10/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/15/2024 02:56
When the coils behind your fridge are dirty (think pet hair, dust and assorted fluff) the refrigeration process is hindered. Meaning your fridge may not be cooling efficiently - resulting in it working harder than it needs to. To keep your fridge running as efficiently as possible, you should make a note to clean the back of your fridge every six months or so - more often if you have pets that shed. The good news? It only takes about 10-15 minutes.
While you're in cleaning mode, it's a great opportunity to give your fridge a good clean and check the temperature is set to the optimal range. 3°C-4°C for the fridge and between -15°C and -18°C for the freezer.
It's no secret that cleaning the oven is usually one of the most dreaded household chores. It's seen as a time-consuming job requiring lots of elbow grease. Whilst it may not be the most enjoyable task, it is a satisfying one that you should aim to do every three months or so.
Dirty ovens not only look bad, they pose a fire hazard and have an increased risk of producing smoke (releasing harmful toxins and affecting the flavour of food). The grease can also damage the heating elements over time, shortening the lifespan of your oven.
A dirty oven also takes longer to cook your food, compared to a clean one which will reach the required temperature more quickly and distribute heat more evenly - helping to conserve energy.
Who cleans the one who does the cleaning? That's the question when it comes to dishwashers. Dirty dishwashers mean dirty dishes and a shorter lifespan for your appliance. It's also no surprise that if your plates aren't cleaned properly, you'll end up rewashing them - using double the water and power. So, to keep your dishwasher as energy efficient as possible, give it a good clean once a month.
How often do you think about the exhaust fans in your bathroom? We're sure it's not often. But, it's important to keep these clean, not only to ensure they're correctly pulling the steam out of the air (preventing mould and mildew) but to keep energy usage down too.
When exhaust fans are dirty, dust and debris can build up and obstruct the fan blades. Impeding air flow, straining the motor and increasing energy consumption. The good news is cleaning them isn't too hard and you only need to do it every few months.
Before the heat kicks in, make time to have your air-conditioner serviced and give your filters a good clean. Not only will this ensure dust and particles aren't being recycled within your house, it also means your air-conditioner will work more efficiently - and if there are any issues with your coils or the unit itself, you've got plenty of time to arrange repairs before the balmy nights set in.
Much like the dishwasher, the washing machine also needs a clean once a month. One of the most used appliances in the house, the washing machine can end up filled with dirt and grime. And, if left dirty, you may need to use a higher or longer wash cycle to get your clothes and linen clean - spiking your energy usage unnecessarily. This is especially true if you have to wash your laundry a second time because it comes out smelling bad or covered in mould stains.
A few simple steps will have your laundry smelling lemony fresh in no-time.
With your home sorted, why not give your subscriptions a spring clean too? These days it's easy to end up with a whole bunch of streaming services, so it may be worthwhile seeing what you're currently subscribed to and unsubscribe from one or two. An easy way to save a little extra each month. And, while you're at it, why not check your internet plan and make sure you're on the best offer for your household. If you sign up to any Origin Internet plan online, you'll get a 12-month Paramount+ subscription included.