The holiday season is fast approaching, and it's important to make sure your home and appliances are ready to avoid a Christmas disaster... especially if you're hosting friends and family! So, to help you achieve a stress-free holiday period, we’ve provided some top tips below to make sure your home and appliances are ready for the festivities.
Ovens
Hungry guests will not be happy guests, so make sure your cooker is prepared to handle the delicious food you plan to serve up for friends and family.
Oven heating element
One of the most common parts that needs to be replaced on an electric oven is the heating element. This is a relatively straight-forward fix, and you can see exactly how to do so in eSpares how-to videos such as the one below. Signs that your element isn't working correctly are that it doesn't heat up properly (or at all), or if there are bright/patchy spots on the element.
Oven thermometer
An oven thermometer is a must-have... especially if you're planning on cooking a turkey or anything else that demands a specific temperature to cook thoroughly! You can grab an oven thermometer from our online shop right here.
Oven door seal
If your oven is not reaching its desired temperature, there's a good chance this issue is due to a problem with the door seal. This is because a faulty or damaged door seal lets heat escape from your oven, making it harder for your appliance to heat up efficiently. In the video below, Rory shows you how to change an oven door seal to make sure your oven is holiday ready!
Top tip: If your cooker knobs are melting, this will also likely be because of a faulty seal, as the heat escaping from the oven can melt the knobs.
Oven meat thermometer
If you are cooking a turkey, you absolutely must have a meat thermometer to make sure it's properly cooked. This should be inserted into the thickest part of the bird between the thigh and the body. The temperature should be 82 degrees Celsius/180 degrees Fahrenheit and the juices should be running clear. If you don't already own a meat thermometer, you can buy one here.
Cleaning your oven
Cleaning your oven can be a quite a big task, but it should be done well in advance of Christmas to make sure your appliance is hygienic for the festive cooking. In the video below, Matt gives a very detailed explanation on how to clean your oven and make sure it's performing properly. You can also find all our oven cleaning products here.
Make more oven space
You'll undoubtedly be cooking more food than normal during the holidays, so it's necessary to maximise the space in your oven. An extendable oven shelf will offer additional space for cooking, and an extendable baking tray is ideal for cooking a turkey if you're planning on having a large one with your Christmas dinner!
Dishwashers
Moving beyond your oven, your dishwasher will undoubtedly be over-worked throughout the holidays. Because of this, you'll want to make sure it's ready to handle the extra work and make sure it's prepared for all the festive cleaning that lies ahead...
Common dishwasher faults
Common faults to dishwashers include broken cutlery baskets, damaged wheels, and faulty door seals. If you need a new cutlery basket, you can grab one right here on the eSpares website. As for damaged wheels and door seals, read on to learn how to check these parts and make sure they're in working order.
Dishwasher wheels
Dishwasher wheels are a relatively easy and inexpensive part to replace if they're damaged - not to mention crucial in making sure your dishwasher works properly. Watch the video below to learn how to find the right wheels for your dishwasher, and how to replace them step-by-step.
Dishwasher door seals
You'll know if the door seal on your dishwasher has become faulty if water is leaking from the front of the machine. Most dishwashers have two seals; an upper 3-sided seal (which is relatively easy to replace) and a lower/bottom door seal which requires a bit more work. Below, we have a video demonstrating how to replace the trickier lower door seal to help you get your appliance leak-free in time for Christmas. Please note that this video tutorial is specifically for Bosch dishwashers, but the process may also be similar for other brands of dishwashers too.
Fridge Freezers
So, your cooker is in working order and your dishwasher is up to scratch... next, it's time to make sure your fridge freezer is ready to take on the task of storing extra food and drinks.
Make more fridge space
A fridge bottle rack is a great addition for your fridge freezer, and it will fit most makes and models. By storing bottles safely and securely, it allows you to maximise the space inside your appliance whilst preventing your bottles from potentially rolling around and getting damaged.
Keep your fridge clean
Your fridge will be working overtime storing all kinds of delicious holiday treats. Make sure you keep it odour-free and hygienic to avoid any of your foods getting spoiled - and spoiling your Christmas as a result! Our fridge freezer cleaning video guide is here to help below, and you can find a wide range of fridge cleaning products here on our website.
Washing Machines and Tumble Dryers
Your washing machine and tumble dryer will probably feel some stress as you prepare to get things sorted ahead of the holidays... especially during the winter months, when the weather is grim and clothes get dirty easily. Here's how you can keep your laundry appliances working at their best!
Prevent limescale build-up
Over time, limescale and detergent will build up inside your washing machine. That's why it's really important to use a washing machine descaler occasionally, as this will clean the internal parts. Not only will these keep your appliance running smoothly and prevent costly faults and damage, but it will also make your appliance more efficient! You can grab a pack of washing machine descaler right here on our website.
Washing machine leaks
If your washing machine is leaking, you'll need to fix it ASAP to prevent any further damage. There are a number of reasons why your machine might be leaking, so watch our video tutorial below to identify the cause of your washer's leak and to learn how to fix it...
Use your tumble dryer efficiently
Anywhere you can save money is key to reducing stress over the holiday season. Learn to use your tumble dryer more efficiently so you can pinch those pennies, and instead use them to purchase something more exciting that your friends and family can enjoy! Watch the video below to discover all our tumble dryer energy-saving tips...
General cleaning
Now that we've covered preparing your specific appliances for Christmas, let's finish things off by making sure you're prepared to keep your home as clean as possible over the festive period too!
Christmas is a messy time, after all. From spilled drinks and food to muddy footprints and all other kinds of mess, your home can really take a toll. Fortunately, we have all the cleaning products you need! Whether you're looking for carpet stain removers, laundry cleaning essentials, appliance cleaners, or anything else, you can find what you need in our vast range of home and appliance cleaning products. Shop today, and make sure your home can stay spick and span, no matter what mess or stains the Christmas holidays throw your way! Merry Christmas!
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