Appliance maintenance checklist

Most appliance upkeep takes a few minutes and no tools. Doing it on a schedule helps appliances work better, can head off leaks and fires, and can catch small problems before they turn into a service call.

The schedule below uses each maker's own guidance where we could find it. Your appliance's manual is the final word for your model, so check it when the two differ.

The checklist at a glance

Task	How often
Clean the dryer lint filter	Before or after every load [7]
Wash metal range hood grease filters	About once a month, more if you fry often [5]
Clean the dishwasher	About every 30 days [3]
Replace the refrigerator water filter	Every 6 months, or when the indicator light comes on [2]
Check refrigerator condenser coils	Every 3 to 6 months in homes with pets or a lot of dust [1]
Check the dryer vent and outside vent flap	Regularly [7]
Check that the range anti-tip bracket is engaged	After the range is moved, and once in a while [8]
Replace washing machine fill hoses	Every 5 years [6]

Refrigerator

Water filter. If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker, it likely has a filter. Whirlpool says to replace it every 6 months or when the filter light comes on. Slower water flow, smaller ice cubes or less ice are signs the filter is clogged. [2] Filters are made for specific models, so match the part number.

HomeCloud reports flag a filter that's missing or overdue. See refrigerator filter needs replacement.

Condenser coils. The coils release heat from the refrigerator. On many models you reach them by removing the grille at the bottom front. Whirlpool says routine coil cleaning isn't usually needed in a typical home, but homes with pets, heavy kitchen traffic or construction dust should check and clean them every 3 to 6 months. [1]

Before you clean the coils, unplug the refrigerator or turn off its breaker. Wear safety glasses, and be careful not to bend the thin metal fins or tubing. [1]

Dishwasher

Filter and tub. Most dishwashers have a filter at the bottom of the tub that catches food. Some are removable and need rinsing; others are designed to be maintenance-free. Some models have a "Clean Filter" light. [3] Whirlpool recommends cleaning the dishwasher about every 30 days for best results. [3] Check your manual to see which kind of filter you have.

Watch for leaks. Look under the front edge and in the sink cabinet for water now and then. A small leak can damage the cabinet and floor before you notice it. See dishwasher repairs.

Garbage disposal

InSinkErator, a major disposal maker, gives three simple rules: [4]

Never put fats, oils or grease in the disposal or down any drain. They build up in pipes and cause clogs.
Run a strong flow of cold water while the disposal grinds.
Feed food in a little at a time. Coffee grounds and eggshells in particular can clog drains if too much goes in at once.

Never put your hand in a disposal. If it jams or hums without turning, turn it off at the switch and see garbage disposal repairs.

Range and range hood

Grease filters. Broan-NuTone says aluminum mesh grease filters should be washed about once a month, more often if you fry or cook with a wok. You can run all-metal filters through the dishwasher with a non-phosphate detergent. [5] Charcoal filters, used on hoods that don't vent outside, can't be washed and must be replaced. [5] HomeCloud reports flag a hood with heavy grease buildup. See dirty exhaust hood.

Anti-tip bracket. Freestanding ranges should be held by an anti-tip bracket so they can't tip forward when someone leans on the open door. The CPSC describes how to check: [8]

Clear the cooktop and let the range cool.
Pull out the bottom drawer and shine a flashlight underneath. You should see a back foot of the range sitting in the bracket. If you don't, look for a bracket mounted on the wall behind the range.
Or grasp the back of the range and try to tilt it toward you gently. If it tilts more than an inch, the bracket isn't engaged.

If the bracket is missing, the CPSC suggests contacting your appliance retailer, property manager or builder, or the maker for older ranges. [8] See range anti-tip bracket missing.

Gas ranges have a gas connection behind them. Moving or reconnecting a gas range is work for a licensed professional.

Washing machine

Fill hoses. The two hoses that bring hot and cold water to the washer are always under pressure. Whirlpool says fill hoses should be replaced every five years, and Maytag recommends the same to reduce the risk of hose failure and leaks. [6] [9] Check them now and then for kinks, which restrict water flow. [6] Write the install date on new hoses so you know when they're due.

Drain pan. A pan under the washer catches leaks and overflows before they reach the floor. It's especially worth having when the washer sits on a second floor or over finished space. See washing machine missing drain pan and refrigerator and laundry.

Know where your home's water shutoff is in case a hose bursts. See how to find and use your water shutoff.

Clothes dryer

The U.S. Fire Administration says you're at higher risk of a dryer fire if you don't clean the lint filter and dryer vents. Its tips: [7]

Clean the lint filter before and after each load, and never run the dryer without one.
Clean the back of the dryer, where lint can build up.
Check the vent behind the dryer to make sure it isn't damaged, crushed or blocked.
Make sure the outside vent flap opens when the dryer is running.
Have the dryer installed and serviced by a professional.

For a long vent run or one you can't reach easily, a dryer vent cleaning service can clear the whole duct. See dryer vent safety for signs a vent is clogged, and what HomeCloud reports priced dryer vent repairs at.

Make it a habit

Pick two dates a year, like when the clocks change, to do the 6-month tasks: the refrigerator filter, a coil check, a hose check and the anti-tip test. Monthly tasks like the dishwasher and hood filters can go on the same list.

When an appliance stops working despite good care, see repair or replace an appliance? And check whether it has been recalled before paying for a repair.

HomeCloud is a licensed general contractor that evaluates homes, then prices and does repairs, including appliance fixes like anti-tip brackets, drain pans and filters.