How To: Make Your Small Appliances Last Longer

Are you replacing your small appliances every few months or years? Learn how to extend the life of your beloved kitchen and household small appliances with our easy maintenance tips. Carefully maintaining your appliances extends further than just eliminating the regular need to replace or update, it also helps to ensure sustainable use so that you can reduce the impact associated with buying new appliances.

From toasters to coffee makers and small cooking appliances, we’ve got you covered. Check out our tips and tricks below:

Practical Tips For Maintaining Your Small Appliances

General Tips:

• Read the manual: Familiarise yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions. They often contain specific care tips you could follow.
• Unplug before cleaning: Always unplug your appliance before cleaning to avoid electrical shock and damage.
• Clean regularly: Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth after each use.
• Store properly: Store your appliances in a cool, dry place when not in use.

Cleaning Tips:

• Unplug and cool down: Always ensure your appliance is unplugged and completely cooled down before cleaning.
• Remove removable parts: Take out the basket, trays, and other removable parts for easier cleaning of those parts and the interior of the appliance.
• Clean removable parts: Wash the removable parts in warm, soapy water. For stubborn grease, soak them for a while. If they’re dishwasher safe, add them to your cycle for effortless maintenance.
• Clean the interior: Where applicable, wipe the interior of your appliance with a damp cloth or sponge. For tougher grime, use a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads as they can damage the non-stick coating and other surfaces.
• Clean the exterior: Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth to eliminate spills, stains and the like.
• Dry thoroughly: Make sure all parts are completely dry before reassembling and using.

Maintenance Tips for Appliances Around The Home

• Kettles:

  • Descale regularly to remove mineral build-up in the kettle. Use a descaling solution or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the inside of your kettle.
  • Clean the inside and outside with a damp cloth.
  • Avoid overheating the kettle by not refilling it while it’s still hot.

A kettle we can’t take our eyes off: Breville’s The Smart 1.7L Glass Kettle – Clear (BKE840CLR) 

If your current kettle just work won’t anymore or you’re after a gift for a housewarming or Christmas, this elegant Breville kettle will please! Featuring a clear glass design with 5x specified settings to choose from, this kettle effortlessly boils water with optimal temperatures for a range of beverages including Coffee, Black and Green teas. The kettle’s keep warm function and soft open lid tops off what is a brilliant kettle.

• Toasters:

  • Empty the crumb tray regularly to prevent burning of crumbs and activating your fire alarm.
  • Clean the exterior with a damp cloth for a like-new surface.
  • Avoid using metal utensils to remove stuck food as this can cause electric shocks and damage toaster parts.

A toaster we’re currently obsessed about: Breville’s The Smart Toast® 2-Slice – Brushed Aluminium (BTA825BSS)

Sleek design meets advanced features that make toasting a breeze for the whole family with this 2-slice toaster. With its innovative ‘Lift & Look’ ™ feature, users can check the progress of toasting without interrupting the toasting cycle. Equipped with extra-wide slots and adjustable browning controls, this Breville The Smart Toast® toaster ensures perfect results every time.

• Coffee Makers:

  • Clean the carafe and filter basket after each use.
  • Descale regularly to prevent mineral build-up which can leave a bad taste in your coffee and stop the machine from operating at its best.
  • Clean the coffee maker’s interior with a mixture of water and vinegar.
  • Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and light detergent to remove mess and spills.

A coffee machine we would love to have: De’Longhi’s Rivelia Fully Automatic Coffee Machine – Pebble Grey (EXAM44055G)

Looking to make the move from instant or pod coffee? Why not consider Delonghi’s Rivelia Fully Automatic Coffee Machine. From its compact design, this coffee machine delivers with its integrated grinder, Bean Adapt technology that optimises settings for the perfect brew, as well as a 3.5” colour touch panel where users can choose from 16 customisable coffee recipes. The unit’s automated LatteCrema hot technology produces smooth and creamy milk for cafe-style drinks. And with its automatic cleaning cycles, the Delonghi Rivelia takes care of most of the maintenance!

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• Microwaves:

  • Clean the interior with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove food splatters and odours.
  • Remove any food spills promptly while it’s easy to wipe away, this also prevents damage to the turntable or flatbed surface.
  • Loosen hard mess by microwaving a bowl of water with half a lemon sliced into it for about five minutes. The lemon’s scent will mask odours and the steam will soften grease for easier cleaning.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the microwave’s interior.

A microwave we’re considering: Sharp’s 32L 1200W Flatbed Inverter Microwave – Stainless Steel (SM327FHS)

With a flatbed operation that requires less cleaning, this Sharp 32L Microwave Oven is sure to delight mid-sized households! The microwave features 1200W power, 11 power levels and 23 Auto Menus to meet every cooking need whether that’s whipping up rice or quinoa, potatoes, vegetables or pasta. Perfect for growing families, this Sharp microwave will please!

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• Small Cooking Appliances:

  • Empty the crumb tray regularly: This will prevent grease and food particles from building up and causing fires.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can damage the non-stick coating and other parts of your appliance.
  • Store properly: When not in use, store your small appliance in a cool, dry place.
  • Check the heating element: Periodically check the heating element for any damage so that you can quickly get it repaired or replaced.
  • Replace damaged parts: If any parts are damaged, replace them with genuine replacement parts for longer lasting use. In most cases, genuine replacement parts come with warranty for greater peace of mind.

A small appliance we’re adding to our list: Sunbeam’s Multi Zone Air Fryer Oven (AFP6000BK)

Enjoy versatile cooking from the one unit as you cook one large tray of food or effortlessly cook up to four types of foods with this Sunbeam Multi Zone Air Fryer Oven. Boasting a spacious 11.4L single cooking zone, this air fryer can be converted to two separate 5.5L cooking zones thanks to the removable centre wall. Great for families, those with dietary needs or home cooks that enjoy having a variety of foods, this unique Sunbeam air fryer is one to have! And with dishwasher-safe parts, washing up is simple.

Additional Tips to Make Your Appliances Last Longer 

• Check cords and plugs: Regularly inspect cords and plugs for any signs of damage, such as fraying or cracks.
• Avoid overloading: Don’t overload your appliances, as this can lead to overheating and damage.
• Use the right tools: Use the appropriate tools and attachments for your appliance to avoid damage.
• Don’t force it: If an appliance is jammed or not working properly, don’t force it. Turn it off and troubleshoot the issue.

By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your small home appliances and ensure they continue to perform at their best.

Get the most out of your small appliances! Browse our lifestyle section for more blogs, tips and tricks to help make your favourite gadgets last longer.

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