How to Get the Most From Your Appliances We all have appliances in our homes: things that help us to store food and cook, gadgets that help make our lives more comfortable by keeping us warm and appliances to help us to wash our clothes and dishes faster and more efficiently. It's always a shame when a beloved appliance breaks down or dies, so this guide is designed to help you get the most out of your household appliances to ensure that they have a long life! Refrigerator 1. Your fridge and freezer have seals that should be cleaned regularly to avoid splitting or cracking. A split or cracked seal can compromise the cooling power of your appliance and can also mean higher power bills as there's a struggle to maintain temperatures. A cracked seal can also be a health risk as dirt and bacteria can collect. 2. Your fridge is run by a compressor which sucks warm air in and generates cool air. Along with the air that is being sucked in, it also takes in dust and lint from the household. An easy way to clean the compressor, coils and any other air intakes where dust can collect is to turn off the fridge and take your vacuum cleaner to these areas. This simple act can prolong the life of your fridge by keeping the compressor running well. (Don't forget to switch the fridge back on!) 3. Don't overpack your fridge or freezer. A well packed fridge means