16 Costly Mistakes That Are Wrecking Your Household Appliances

Are you unknowingly damaging your household appliances? Without proper care, everyday habits can lead to costly repairs and a shorter lifespan for your essential devices. From dishwashers to refrigerators, many common mistakes can wreak havoc on your household appliances. In this guide, we’ll uncover the top 16 appliance abuses and share tips on how to avoid them, saving you money and keeping your home running smoothly.

Is it possible that without knowing it, you’re making damaging even dangerous mistakes with your household appliances? As I have been researching how to take care of our kitchen appliances so they will last longer, I’m learning about the most common appliance abuses that can lead to expensive repairs and even a shortened lifespan.

It’s true that these days household appliances just aren’t made to last for decades the way refrigerators, ranges, and other household appliances lasted back in our grandparents’ day. “Eight to ten years,” is what the salesman told us is what we could expect from our new refrigerator. He went on, “This machine is designed to stand up to years of use and ordinary wear and tear—assuming you don’t abuse it.”

Modern household appliances are not made to deal with abuse, misuse, and mishaps that can damage them and lead to costly repairs. Are you making these damaging and potentially dangerous mistakes? Here are the most common appliance abuses and why you can’t put liquid soap in your dishwasher, open zippers in your washer, or too much food in your fridge.

Jump to appliance:

• Dishwasher
• Washer & Dryer
• Refrigerator & Freezer
• Vacuum Cleaner
• Garbage Disposal
• Lamps & Lighting
• Toaster Oven
• Coffee Maker

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How to Avoid Common Dishwasher Mistakes

1. Washing Items with Labels

It might seem like a good idea to toss jars and bottles with labels into the dishwasher to remove them, but this can cause major problems. The paper and glue from labels can clog the dishwasher’s filter and pump, leading to expensive repairs and reducing the lifespan of your appliance. Always remove labels before washing.

2. Neglecting the Filter

Your dishwasher’s filter catches food particles and debris, keeping them from redepositing onto your clean dishes. If your dishwasher doesn’t have a self-cleaning filter (check your manual!), it’s crucial to clean it at least once a month. Gel-type dishwasher detergents are known for creating a gooey buildup on filters, leading to all sorts of headaches. A quick monthly cleaning can save you a lot of trouble and extend your dishwasher’s life.

3. Using Dishwashing Liquid

Let’s be clear: automatic dishwasher detergent is not the same as dishwashing liquid. You might think, “Just this once,” but that could be a costly mistake. Dishwashers are not designed to handle suds, and using the wrong detergent can trigger a system failure. Many modern dishwashers have a kill switch that shuts down the machine if suds are detected, requiring an authorized repair to reset it. Trust me on this—stick to using only detergent specifically made for dishwashers.

• MORE: How to Make the Best Homemade Laundry Detergent—Liquid and Powdered

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Protect Your Washer and Dryer from Costly Damage

4. Open Zippers

It’s easy to overlook, but zipping up zippers before tossing items into the laundry is crucial. Open zippers in the wash or dryer act like tiny chainsaws, snagging on other clothes and causing thread pulls or even small holes in your favorite tees and linens. Always zip up zippers, and don’t forget to secure bras, lingerie, or anything with hooks before washing.

5. Coins and Other Objects

We’ve all heard the clatter, but coins and other objects left in pockets can do more than just make noise. They can wreak havoc on your washer and dryer, banging around inside the drum and potentially causing serious damage. Always check pockets before starting a load—your machines and your wallet will thank you!

6. Forgetting to Empty the Lint Trap

It’s easy to forget, but neglecting to empty the lint trap before every drying cycle can lead to more than just a longer drying time. A clogged lint trap restricts airflow, causing your dryer to work harder, which not only wastes energy but can also overheat the machine, leading to costly repairs or even a fire hazard. Make it a habit to clean the lint trap every time, and you’ll keep your dryer running efficiently and safely.

• MORE: Easy Fixes for the Big 3 Laundry Disasters

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Refrigerator and Freezer Tips for Longer Lifespan

7. Overloading Your Fridge

Packing your fridge to the brim might seem efficient, but it’s a recipe for trouble. Without proper air circulation, your fridge struggles to maintain the right temperature, which can lead to food spoiling and even mold growth. Plus, an overstuffed fridge forces the motor to work overtime, leading to excessive wear and tear that could cause an untimely breakdown—probably right when you’re on vacation. Aim to keep your fridge about 3/4 full for the best performance and longevity.

8. Blocking Freezer Vents

A well-stocked freezer is energy-efficient, but overloading it or blocking the vents is a big no-no. Obstructing the vents forces the motor and condenser to work harder than they should, leading to burnout much sooner than expected. Keep your freezer full, but make sure nothing is blocking those crucial vents so it can run smoothly and efficiently.

• MORE: Money-Saving Tips, Tricks, and Hacks to Put Your Freezer To Work

9. Neglecting Condenser Coils

When was the last time you cleaned the condenser coils on your fridge or freezer? If you can’t remember, it’s been too long! Dirty coils force your appliance to work much harder, consuming more electricity and leading to an early demise. Make it a habit to clean the coils every six months to keep your fridge and freezer running like new.

• MORE: Top DIY Appliance Service Tips for a Smooth-Running Home

The Right Way to Maintain Your Vacuum Cleaner

11. Overfilling the Dustbag

It’s tempting to keep vacuuming without stopping to empty the dustbag or debris cup, but letting it get too full can seriously damage your vacuum. When the bag or cup is overloaded, your vacuum has to work much harder to pick up debris, which forces dust and dirt into the moving parts that need to stay clean for optimal performance. This extra strain not only reduces suction power but also shortens the lifespan of your machine. To avoid unnecessary wear and tear, make it a habit to empty the bag or cup after every use and check its level regularly while vacuuming.

• MORE: A Vacuum Cleaner Story So Disgusting It Is Embarrassing to Tell

12. Ignoring Dirty Filters

Essential Garbage Disposal Do’s and Don’ts

13. The wrong stuff

Garbage disposals can handle a lot, but they’re not indestructible. Misuse can lead to expensive plumbing repairs and a shorter lifespan for your disposal. While we all know some items don’t belong in the disposal, getting clear guidelines can be tricky.

First and foremost, never put non-food items down your garbage disposal—no glass, metal, or paper. Always peel off stickers and labels from produce or kitchen gadgets and toss them in the trash, not the disposal. Avoid stringy, tough, or hard items like fruit pits, bones, raw meat, and nutshells, as they won’t break down properly. And never pour large amounts of grease or oil down the drain.

• MORE: 11 Things Never to Put Down a Garbage Disposal

Even items that seem safe, like eggshells, can cause problems. While your disposal might grind them up, the sharp fragments don’t dissolve in water and can accumulate, leading to pipe clogs. The same goes for coffee grounds—they won’t harm the disposal, but they can build up in your pipes, eventually causing serious blockages.

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How to Use Your Small Household Appliances Safely

14. Wrong Size Lightbulbs in Lamps and Lights

Need more light? It might seem like a good idea to use a higher-wattage bulb, but that’s a dangerous mistake. Every lamp or light socket has a wattage limit, and exceeding it can lead to overheating, even causing a fire. Always check the recommended wattage before screwing in a new bulb to ensure you’re operating safely.

15. Leaving the Toaster Plugged In

Your toaster may seem harmless, but leaving it plugged in when not in use is a risk. According to ConsumerAffairs, toasters have been known to catch fire unexpectedly. Never leave a toaster unattended while it’s on, and always unplug it when you’re done. The same rule applies to toaster ovens—unplug them as well when not in use to keep your kitchen safe.

16. Neglecting to Descale Your Coffee Maker

Limescale buildup is a common issue that can shorten the life of your coffee maker. This hard, white substance is made up of calcium carbonate from water deposits, and if left unchecked, it can cause your machine to fail. Regular descaling is essential. Most machines can be cleaned by running a pot of white vinegar through the brewing cycle, followed by several cycles of plain water to rinse. If you’re not a fan of the vinegar smell, try using Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Cleaner—it’s excellent for removing residue, tannins, and stains.

• MORE: How to Clean a Coffee Maker and How Often You Should

 

Question: What’s the most surprising way you’ve accidentally damaged a household appliance? Share your story—we’ve all been there!

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