Your appliances work hard, and a little regular care keeps them working well for years. We have already covered kitchen and cooling appliances in our previous guide , so this one turns to the machines that keep your home clean, your clothes crisp and your food ready in minutes. From washing machines to irons, here is how to look after them properly.
What You Will Find in This Article
- How to care for washing machines, including top loaders, front loaders and twin tubs
- Keeping vacuum cleaners and robot vacuums in top condition
- Cleaning your microwave safely
- Looking after your steam iron
- Simple checks that extend the life of every appliance
Washing Machines
Cleaning
Run an empty hot wash with white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner once a month to clear detergent residue and odour. Wipe the drum, the detergent drawer and the seals regularly.
On a front loader washing machine, pay particular attention to the rubber door seal, where moisture and grime collect. On a top loader washing machine, wipe under the lid and around the rim.
Checks
Clean the inlet filter, and the drain filter where one is fitted, since blockages strain the pump. Check the hoses for kinks or leaks, and make sure the machine sits level, as an unbalanced washing machine vibrates and wears out faster.
Tip: Leave the lid or door open between washes so the drum can dry out. A twin tub washing machine should be drained fully and wiped dry after use, and an affordable top loader like the Sponono washing machine will last longer if you simply avoid overloading it.
Vacuum Cleaners
Cleaning
Empty the dust container or bag well before it is full, since a full one kills suction. Wash reusable filters in cool water and let them dry completely before refitting, as a damp filter can strain the motor and start to smell musty.
Checks
Check the brush head and roller for tangled hair and thread, which put load on the motor and reduce pickup. If suction drops suddenly, inspect the hose for a blockage.
Tip: Never pull water through a dry vacuum cleaner unless it is a wet and dry model built for it. Matching the setting to your floor type protects both the floor and the machine.
Robot Vacuums
Cleaning
A robotic vacuum cleaner needs its own routine. Empty the bin after each run, clear hair from the main and side brushes, and wipe the sensors gently with a dry cloth so it keeps navigating accurately.
Checks
Keep the charging contacts clean so the unit docks and charges properly, and check the wheels for trapped debris.
Tip: The Bennett Read AlphaBot works best in a tidy space, so lift cables and clutter off the floor before a scheduled clean, and keep both sides of its charging station clear so it can find its way home.
Microwaves
Cleaning
Wipe the interior after spills before they bake on. To shift stubborn residue, heat a bowl of water with a slice of lemon for a couple of minutes, then wipe the softened grime away. Clean the turntable separately and never use abrasive pads inside.
Checks
Make sure the door closes cleanly, as a poor seal reduces efficiency, and keep the vents clear of anything placed on top of or behind the unit.
Tip: Whether you have a compact 20L microwave for a small kitchen or a larger 30L microwave for a busy household, give it room to breathe, and never run a Bennett Read microwave empty, as this can damage it.
Irons
Cleaning
Wipe the soleplate of your steam iron when cool to lift the starch and residue that can mark clothes. For stubborn build-up, use a damp cloth with a little bicarbonate of soda.
Empty the water tank after every use to prevent limescale.
Checks
If you live in a hard-water area, descale your steam iron regularly using the self-clean function in the manual, and check the cord for wear or kinks.
Tip: Use the right temperature for each fabric to avoid scorching, and store your clothing iron upright once it has fully cooled and been emptied. A Bennett Read iron with a large water tank still lasts longer when it is emptied between sessions.
A few minutes of care goes a long way. Clean the filters, clear the brushes, empty the tanks and give each appliance room to breathe, and your washing machines, vacuum cleaners, microwaves and irons will reward you with years of reliable service.
