A can of Fanta – source: spm
Does the Fanta really clean the washing machine?
The washing machine can quickly accumulate residue, mold, dirt and limescale. You can top it with this tip from Fanta, to pour into the detergent compartment of the machine with baking soda. This carbonated drink will eliminate all the dirt trapped inside your device thanks to its level of acidity provided by the orange concentrate and the lemon concentrate. However, this trick that circulates on the web does not seduce our editorial team. In fact, the sugar in the drink can stick to the washing machine and have the opposite effect. In fact, the carbonated drink could damage your washing machine, says Robert Laffite, head of a supermarket’s appliance department.
If you, like us, are not convinced by this trick, here are some of them validated by our team to clean your washing machine as well as other appliances.
Open the door of the washing machine – source: spm
According to the Ecological Transition Agency, one in two household appliances reported to the after-sales service simply suffers from a lack of maintenance. Here’s how to maintain these essential elements of our daily lives to prolong their existence as long as possible.
1- Avoid overload
Be careful not to put too many clothes on it: There should always be enough space in it for textiles to move during washing. If the supported weight and volume are too great, additional stress is added to the motor and the various parts. What prematurely damages your washing machine.
Washer programming – source: spm
2- Empty the drain filter
Once a month, take the time to empty the drain filter. that collected all the small objects that were left in the pockets of clothes: coins, buttons, plastic games… Rinse it with warm water and dry it before putting it back carefully. Be careful to replace it correctly, to avoid possible leaks.
3- Clean the machine
Hair, dust and all kinds of dirt can accumulate on the device. The risk ? They damage its different parts but also prevent the correct circulation of water. Periodically check that the door seals, the detergent drawer and the drainage pipes are sufficiently clean. If necessary, clean them with a damp sponge. Also remember to leave the door open between two washes to avoid bad odours.
4- Descale the drum
Once every six months, also remember to carry out a thorough cleaning by running the machine at 60°C with a suitable descaler or a liter of white vinegar. Enough to remove any scale that may be present in the drum.
How to clean other household appliances?
The dishwasher
Uncover wash arms
These elements provide the water that washes the dishes: however, they are often clogged with food residue. Disassemble them regularly to remove this dirt: pass them under water and clean the blocked holes with the point of a knife.
Wipe down the door seals
They are the ones that guarantee the tightness of the dishwasher: to remain effective, they must be flawless. Using a soft cloth, take the time to clean them regularly.
Run an empty program
To clean the entire appliance, run an empty cycle, that is, without dishes, twice a month. Regularly, do it by depositing white vinegar in the compartment reserved for the detergent to remove the scale present.
wash the filter
Because it collects all the leftover food, It is one of the central parts of the dishwasher. After each cycle, take it out and wash it with hot water and liquid detergent. The goal ? That dirt does not clog the drain pump.
Oven
keep it daily
A poorly maintained oven accumulates layers of fat due to food contamination. As a result, they can turn into smoke, which, in addition to degrading the flavor of prepared foods, shortens the life of your appliance. After each use, it is best to wipe the interior walls and grill with a damp sponge. Easy cleaning, because the fats have dissolved with the heat…
use pyrolysis
This option completely cleans your oven. thanks to a temperature of more than 500°C. Grease turns to ash and you just have to wipe it off with a dry sponge. If your oven does not have this program, place a paste obtained with a little water and baking soda powder on the walls. Leave on for a few hours and then remove with a damp sponge. Intelligent!
the coffee machine
prefer filtered water
Against lime deposits, the solution is to use filtered water instead of tap water. For this, you can use a filter jug. Some manufacturers also offer to install a filter cartridge in the water tank. Enough to enjoy healthier water with optimal pressure.
Preserve from moisture
In the event of a prolonged absence, such as a week’s vacation, take care to empty, clean, unplug and remove the various elements of your coffee maker so that they can breathe. This will prevent the formation of moisture that could impair its operation.
remove limestone
Needed to wake us up in the morning, our coffee maker is very sensitive to limescale deposits that appear when water is heated to high temperatures. Take care to clean it once every three months with white vinegar boiled in water, or with the products recommended by its manufacturer. Put the liquid in the water tray, then let it flow, to descale well and avoid breakdowns.
The fridge
Dust the rear grill
This simple gesture does not disturb its good ventilation. So vacuum the condenser located at the back of your refrigerator from time to time: in fact, this is a useful gesture that will allow the heat it produces to be easily evacuated. Also remember that the more your device is in a ventilated space, the less risk of failure or premature wear. The ideal is to leave at least 5 cm between the wall and the refrigerator so that the air circulates correctly.
defrost the freezer
The formation of frost prevents the correct operation of the refrigerator and increases your energy consumption. Twice a year, but also when the layer present exceeds 3 mm, be sure to thaw it with a sponge soaked in hot water that will melt the ice. Do not use a pointed object that may damage the cooling circuit. Once the frost is gone, wipe with a sponge soaked in a mixture of half white vinegar and half warm water for a clean shot.
