Appliance Tips & Maintenance Advice
Practical Advice for Keeping Household Appliances in Top Condition
Learn how to care for your household appliances, avoid unnecessary breakdowns, and recognise when a fault needs professional technician attention. Browse our expert maintenance advice below.
Preventative Care by Appliance Category
Regular maintenance and early fault detection prevent small problems from turning into expensive replacements.
- Keep at least 5cm clearance behind and beside your fridge for adequate condenser ventilation.
- Inspect magnetic door gaskets regularly with the paper dollar test to prevent warm air infiltration.
- Avoid packing shelves too tightly; chilled air needs to circulate freely between compartments.
- Clean condenser coils every 6 to 12 months to stop the compressor running hot during Harare summers.
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- Clear the coin/debris filter at the bottom front of your front loader every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Do not overload the drum; always leave a hand's width between clothes and the top of the drum.
- Check that your machine is completely level on a solid floor to prevent excessive spin vibration.
- Run a monthly hot service wash with descaler or vinegar to eliminate detergent residue and mildew.
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- Manually defrost your freezer once ice build-up exceeds 5mm to reduce workload on the compressor.
- Ensure the lid or door closes completely after every use, especially on chest freezers.
- Avoid placing hot or warm food directly into the freezer; let it reach room temperature first.
- Keep the freezer at least two-thirds full for optimum thermal retention during power outages.
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- Scrape large food particles into the bin before loading; pre-rinsing is unnecessary but scraping is vital.
- Remove and rinse the cylindrical filter at the bottom of the tub under warm running water weekly.
- Check spray arm nozzles for trapped seeds or lime scale and clear them with a toothpick.
- Leave the door slightly ajar after a cycle finishes to allow internal moisture to evaporate.
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- Never run a microwave oven empty, as magnetron energy reflects back and damages internal components.
- Wipe spills and grease immediately after cooking to protect heating elements and ignition points.
- Inspect door seals on built-in ovens to stop heat escaping and uneven baking results.
- If a microwave sparks or emits an electrical burning smell, unplug it immediately and book a diagnosis.
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When to Call a Professional
While routine cleaning and correct settings are safe for homeowners, attempting electrical, refrigerant, or sealed-system repairs without proper tools and training is dangerous. If you experience any of the following, unplug the appliance and book a professional diagnosis:
- •Burning electrical or chemical ozone smells
- •Circuit breakers or power tripping when running
- •Water leaking directly onto electrical components
- •Severe drum grinding or screeching bearing noises