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Knapp's

Care & Prevention

Home Appliance Maintenance Tips

Small routines that extend the life of your appliances and help you avoid the most common service calls we see. Every tip below is safe to do without opening the appliance — if a step ever feels beyond your comfort, call us.

Refrigerator · Every 6 months

Vacuum the condenser coils

  1. Unplug the refrigerator or switch it off at the breaker.
  2. Locate the coils behind the toe-kick grille or at the back of the unit.
  3. Vacuum dust and pet hair with a brush attachment; do not bend the coil fins.
  4. Restore power and confirm the unit resumes cooling.
Dusty coils force the compressor to work harder, shortening its life and driving cooling problems.
Refrigerator · Every 3 months

Clean and inspect door seals

  1. Wipe gaskets with warm soapy water and dry completely.
  2. Close the door on a slip of paper — you should feel gentle resistance when pulling it out.
  3. Look for cracks, tears, or permanent deformation.
A failing seal wastes energy and causes uneven cooling long before the door visibly fails to close.
Washing Machine · Every 6 months

Inspect fill hoses

  1. Check both hot and cold supply hoses for bulges, cracks, rust, or dampness at the connections.
  2. Confirm connections are snug but not overtightened.
  3. Replace rubber hoses every 5 years; braided stainless every 10 years.
Burst washer hoses are one of the most common causes of major household water damage.
Washing Machine · Monthly

Run a tub-clean cycle

  1. Use your washer's tub-clean or self-clean cycle with the manufacturer-recommended cleaner.
  2. Wipe the door gasket and detergent drawer.
  3. Leave the door ajar between loads so the drum can dry.
Dryer · Yearly (more often for high-use households)

Clean the dryer vent duct

  1. Disconnect the dryer from power and the vent.
  2. Use a vent-brush kit to clear lint from the full run of ducting to the exterior hood.
  3. Confirm the exterior flap opens freely when the dryer runs.
Restricted vents are a leading cause of dryer fires and long dry times.
Dryer · Every load

Clean the lint screen — properly

  1. Remove lint after every load.
  2. Every few months, wash the screen with warm soapy water and a soft brush to remove fabric-softener residue.
  3. Dry the screen fully before reinstalling.
Dishwasher · Monthly

Clean the filter and spray arms

  1. Remove the lower rack and unscrew the filter assembly.
  2. Rinse under warm water and scrub with a soft brush.
  3. Check spray-arm holes for debris and clear with a toothpick if needed.
Dishwasher · Before every cycle

Prime with hot water

  1. Run the kitchen sink until the water is hot, then start the dishwasher.
  2. This ensures the wash cycle begins at the correct temperature for detergent activation.
Range & Cooktop · Monthly

Clean burners and igniters

  1. Let the cooktop cool completely.
  2. Lift and clean gas burner caps and heads; ensure port holes are clear.
  3. For electric coils, wipe with a damp cloth (never submerge).
  4. For induction and smooth-top, use manufacturer-approved cleaner only.
Never use abrasive pads on glass cooktops — micro-scratches trap heat and lead to cracks.
Vent Hood · Monthly

Wash grease filters

  1. Remove metal mesh filters and soak in hot water with degreasing dish soap.
  2. Scrub gently and dry completely before reinstalling.
  3. Replace charcoal filters (recirculating hoods) per the manufacturer schedule.
Garbage Disposal · Weekly

Keep the disposal healthy

  1. Run cold water before, during, and 15 seconds after each use.
  2. Grind a handful of ice cubes to clean the impellers.
  3. Never put grease, fibrous vegetables, bones, or expandable starches (rice, pasta) down the drain.
If the disposal hums but doesn't spin, turn it off — do not force it. Call for service.

When to stop and call for service

  • Any smell of gas, burning, or electrical smoke.
  • Water leaks that don't stop when the supply is closed.
  • Sparking, tripped breakers, or scorched outlets.
  • Any repair that requires opening a sealed cabinet, refrigerant line, or gas connection.

Need a professional look?

If a routine turns up a problem — or you'd rather have someone experienced take a look — submit a service request or give us a call.

Request Service Call (503) 784-6426
Call Request Service