Homeowner Safety: Cleaning Your Appliances

Most households have a multitude of electric appliances. No matter what your lifestyle is, electrical appliances most likely surround you. Refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, washer/dryer units, and space heaters are among the most common household electronics. If these appliances are not properly taken care of, they can pose a significant risk of fire. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), residential appliance fires result in an estimated 9,600 fires a year. One of the main reasons why appliances suffer damage is the result of improper care. You may think that your home is clean but often homeowners miss the biggest culprit of all: the dust that accumulates on your electrical appliances. This debris can build up and prevent your appliance from working properly. Once you are familiar with the proper operation of your appliance, it’s important to continue proper maintenance to prolong its efficiency.

Purchasing appliances can be a major investment and in order to protect this investment, it is worth applying a little bit of preventative preservation to keep your appliances in good working condition. Properly caring for your appliances will not only help ensure the safety and efficiency of the way they operate, but it will save you money as well. A lack of cleaning will force your appliance to work harder which will shorten its life span. Having to replace a major household appliances can put a strain on the family budget, so any way to extend the life of your appliance will be well worth the effort. The goal is to have your appliances work to their full potential so you will receive its best possible performance. The result will be reduced energy and in turn, more money in your pocket. It’s a practical way to save money and prolong your appliances use.

Safety is the top priority when it comes to appliances. It’s important for your family’s safety that you read the manual and keep informed on any recalls. Periodically the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announces safety recalls for certain appliances. To stay informed check their website for any recalls that may affect your appliance. It’s also important to use the appliance safely and use it only for its intended use. One of the most commonly misused items is the extension cord. This poses a risk because homeowners tend to overload them. Dryers, electric irons, ovens and microwaves are a few widely used appliances in households across the country. These items are known for being hazardous. Homeowners that let the lint build up in dryers can start a fire, irons with a high voltage can give you a shock, and ovens and microwaves can start fires or burn children who get too close. Learning the correct way to operate your appliance and using these preventative measures will ensure your investment will last for years and keep you and your family safe.

Keep appliances clean and remember to unplug them before you clean to unsure your safety. Large household appliances tend to get overlooked, so be sure to remember to clean these items at least once a month. Refrigerators and ovens need to be unplugged and pulled away from the wall before properly cleaning them. Small appliances also need to be unplugged and inspected for any debris or build up that can hamper efficient operation of the product. Operating with these safety procedures and precautions is imperative in order to reduce the risk of personal injury. To advert dangerous electrical accidents teach your children the importance of electrical safety. Provide them with information and make sure that they become familiar with electrical and fire safety tips. You can protect yourself and your family by simply cleaning and knowing how to take care of your electrical appliances.

To learn about proper cleaning techniques and how to protect your appliances and avoid potential risks, consult the following links: