‘I’m an appliance expert - these habits could be destroying your white goods’

According to experts, everyday habits could be slowly destroying your household appliances, costing thousands in the long run.

By Sophie Harris, Senior Lifestyle Reporter

Laundry flowing out of washing machine and tumble dryer

‘I’m an appliance expert - these habits could be destroying your household appliances’ (Image: Getty)

Matt Ayres, an appliance expert at RDO Kitchens & Appliances, has shared six common mistakes to avoid.

The first one is overstocking your fridge, and according to Matt, a fridge should only be kept full at 75 percent capacity.

The expert said: “When you overload your fridge, it can stop air circulation and make it more difficult to regulate the interior temperature.

“This, in turn, makes the appliance work harder and places strain on the compressor and condenser coils, causing damage.

“Overstocking can also spoil food, leading to more food waste and an increased risk of poisoning.”

A little girl arranges a snack container on the refrigerator

A fridge works best at 75 percent capacity (Image: Getty)

Another mistake to avoid making is to wash towels and bed linen together.

Whilst this may be convenient, the expert said Britons could be causing unnecessary damage to their appliances by doing so.

Matt explained: “Once water is added during a wash, the weight of these items significantly increases, meaning you’re likely exceeding your machine’s recommended weight limit.

“Over time, loads that are too heavy can damage the bearings and drum shaft.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Household Hacks news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

“Towels, sheets and duvet covers also form a single ball when washed together which can bounce around during a wash, causing damage to the drum and internal parts of the machine.”

According to the appliance expert, Britons should also avoid using foil to catch oven spills. This may seem like a simple solution for keeping the oven cleaner for longer, but it can cause more harm than good.

Using foil can block airflow and circulation, increasing the likelihood of a malfunction of the heating elements.

Matt added: “Its reflective surface can also increase the intensity of heat inside the oven, causing surfaces to overheat and become damaged.”

Instead, use a damp sponge to clean up any spills after each cook, once the oven has cooled down.

There are lots of methods when it comes to doing laundry, and if you are lucky enough to have a tumble dryer, it’s common practice to put wet clothes straight into the appliance.

He continued: “The clothes may be too wet, meaning the dryer must work harder to do its job. If the load is sopping wet, put it back in the washer for a second spin to remove as much moisture as possible.

“The load is also likely to be tangled from being spun in the washing machine. Take the time to separate each item before filling up the tumble dryer, making sure everything can move freely in the drum.”

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?