Art, obsession, and identity
For your smaller electronics (such as a cell phone or laptop), their biggest enemies are dust, dirt, and grime, which can clog vents and ultimately harm electronics. Use microfiber cloths to wipe screens and soft brushes for keyboards and ports, which will prevent your devices from overheating.
Surprisingly, few people actually take the required steps to make sure that their printers are running smoothly for as long as possible. If you have an inkjet printer, it’s important to run a cleaning cycle every so often in order to blast away any dried ink.
When it comes to your television, be sure to avoid using any cleaners from your kitchen. Most of them could damage your TV screen, so it’s best to simply use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any dirt or smudges.
Cell phone batteries oftentimes seem as though they’ve decided to take a sharp turn off a cliff. While replacing the battery could put a dent in your finances, sometimes the poor battery life can be attributed to a missing software update. Go ahead and update your phone to eliminate that problem.
Power surges can damage delicate circuitry in electronics. Plug your valuable devices into surge protectors to guard against sudden voltage spikes. This simple measure can prevent costly repairs or replacements, especially during storms or unstable power conditions.
Investing in protective cases for your phone, tablet, or laptop is a small price to pay to prevent major damage from drops or bumps. These cases help absorb impact and safeguard internal components from harm.
Leaving your phone or laptop plugged in at 100% for extended periods can actually add stress to the battery. Unplugging your devices when they’re fully charged helps maintain the health of the battery, allowing it to work properly for longer.
If you regularly use your laptop for extended periods, it might be wise to invest in a cooling pad. These pads improve airflow and reduce the risk of overheating, which can severely damage internal components.
In the same vein, experts advise that users should never leave their laptops on a soft surface (such as a blanket or a couch). Laptops need to vent heat properly, but when rested on soft surfaces this can trap the heat, ultimately causing severe internal damage to the computer.
Wired earphones and headphones tend to encounter issues when they are packed incorrectly. Sometimes, the cable on one side dislodges from the internal electronics, causing people to believe that they’ve gone deaf in one ear. Try not to wrap your electronics in a way that they can get knotted.
Exposing electronics to direct sunlight can cause them to overheat and damage sensitive components. Keep phones, laptops, and other devices out of direct sunlight (especially during summer months) to preserve their longevity and avoid malfunctions.
Household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers should be used gently to avoid wear and tear. Avoid slamming doors or overloading them, as this can damage mechanical parts.
As strange as it may sound, washing machines need regular cleaning as well. Mold can grow quickly inside such machines, and so it’s important to wipe them down on the inside. Another trick is to leave the door of the machine open when not in use, so that air can circulate and it can dry out.
Most of the times in which a laundry room encounters a flood, a leak in the washing machine’s hose is responsible. Try to inspect your machine’s hose at least every week; it’s also recommended that you find a replacement every five years.
Try to clean your washing machine’s detergent drawer as often as possible! A gunky drawer can actually prevent detergent from going into the machine. Leave the drawer open between washes to prevent mold growth, but also give it a monthly scrub to remove buildup of product.
One essential and overlooked part of a fridge is the condenser coil. As time goes on, the coil accumulates dust and dirt that can restrict airflow, which means the fridge must use more energy to keep cool. To prevent this, clean and vacuum the coil so that it can run efficiently.
Whether a water filtration system is built into your cabinet, or whether your fridge comes fully equipped with one, it’s essential to conduct proper and routine maintenance on the filter. Water contamination is certainly not a joke, and this could happen if filters aren’t replaced.
If your oven door’s seal is compromised, it can lose more than 20% of its heat, which is not very energy efficient. Be sure to check the seal for any broken or damaged areas that might spell the need for replacement.
When purchasing new household appliances, opt for energy-efficient models. These not only reduce your electricity bills, but are also designed with longevity in mind, meaning they can last longer than standard models with lower energy consumption.
Vacuum cleaners are also often overlooked as necessary appliances that require maintenance. A dirty filter in the vacuum cleaner can reduce the machine’s suction, so it would be highly beneficial to clean it out about once a month.
Coffee makers are also often overlooked when it comes to cleaning, which could spell disaster in the future. There are dozens of ways to clean your machine out, but the most common is to fill the reservoir with distilled vinegar and water and let the machine run.
If your household lighting uses replaceable bulbs, always ensure you’re using the correct wattage for each fixture. Using a higher wattage bulb than recommended can overheat the fixture and damage it.
Although this may seem obvious to some people, it isn’t common knowledge to others. Magnets (such as those found on fridges) can interfere with the internal components of electronics, especially those with hard drives or memory storage. Avoid placing magnets near electronic devices.
Strange noises from electronics or household appliances often signal a problem. Addressing issues immediately (whether it’s a loose part or a dying fan) can prevent further damage, which would help you avoid costly repairs.
Sources: (Forbes) (S&S Appliance) (BIG Warranties) (Better Homes & Gardens)
See also: Everyday places that are incredibly dirty, according to science
The HDMI and USB ports at the back of the TV can also get dusty. Every week or so, it would be beneficial to take a small paintbrush and clean the television’s ports out, especially if you don’t use them.
People around the world have begun to rely more and more on gadgets and appliances every day, and it’s easy to forget that even our most trusted devices need a little TLC to stay in top shape. From smartphones to washing machines, our technology works tirelessly to make life easier, but without proper care they can wear out faster than expected. Oftentimes, the simplest maintenance can go a long way in ensuring that your technology works to the best of its ability.
Whether you're tired of your phone dying too soon or trying to avoid an appliance breakdown, click through this gallery to see some simple yet effective tips that can help extend the life of your everyday tech and keep everything running smoothly for years to come.
One of the many household elements that people tend to ignore are extractor fans, situated in the bathroom or even over the stove. There is often a filter built in, which can become clogged with dust over time. It’s best to use a brush or a sponge to dislodge any unnecessary dirt.
How to look after everyday technology
Some smart ways to prolong the life of your devices and appliances
LIFESTYLE Maintenance
People around the world have begun to rely more and more on gadgets and appliances every day, and it’s easy to forget that even our most trusted devices need a little TLC to stay in top shape. From smartphones to washing machines, our technology works tirelessly to make life easier, but without proper care they can wear out faster than expected. Oftentimes, the simplest maintenance can go a long way in ensuring that your technology works to the best of its ability.
Whether you're tired of your phone dying too soon or trying to avoid an appliance breakdown, click through this gallery to see some simple yet effective tips that can help extend the life of your everyday tech and keep everything running smoothly for years to come.