Buying a new house means getting used to new appliances - particularly in the kitchen. Whether you plan to keep the ones that come with the Tulsa homes for sale you're viewing, or you prefer to renovate and install a new stove, dishwasher, etc., it's in your best interest to take good care of them. With proper maintenance, your kitchen appliances will last longer, work better, and save energy. Here's how to perform basic kitchen appliance maintenance in your home.

• Refrigerator
  The most important part of refrigerator maintenance is the coils. Much like your A/C coils, they get clogged with dust and debris over time, which can block cold air, making your refrigerator too warm and forcing it to work harder to overcompensate, wasting energy and causing frequent breakdowns. To clean the coil, remove the front grille from the fridge and use a coil brush to reach inside and brush the coils. Then use the hose attachment of a vacuum to suck up the loosened debris before replacing the grille. Do this every six months to a year to keep your refrigerator operating efficiently.
  
  
• Stove
  Cooking is messy, and it's nearly impossible to use the stove without a few spills. However, those stains don't just look unsightly. Food debris can block the ignition, preventing your stove from lighting. Clean up food spills after every use of the stove (once it's cool enough to touch, of course), and take apart the burners to clean them inside as well. Specifically, look for a small ceramic nub beneath the top plate of the burner and scrub away any debris with a toothbrush.
  
  
• Oven
  Many ovens have a self-cleaning function, which, when used every few months, should keep yours in good shape. But what if the temperature is off? Use an oven thermometer to re-calibrate it. Turn the oven to 350 degrees and wait for it to preheat. Then check to see that the temperature on the dial matches the one on the thermometer. If it doesn't, consult the oven's manual to see how to make the necessary adjustments.
  
  
• Dishwasher
  Your dishwasher's filter gets rid of food debris that could clog your drain or end up back on your dishes. However, over time, the filter gets clogged, blocking the flow of water. If the top rack isn't getting clean, pull out the bottom rack and look for the filter cover. Remove the cover and clean the mesh filter with a shop vac. Also, test the float switch to make sure it doesn't stick, and if it does, clean it with water. If you rinse your dishes before putting them in, you should probably clean your filter once or twice a year if you use the dishwasher every day. If you use it more frequently than that, and/or you don't rinse your dishes first, then you'll want to clean it more often.
  
  
• Microwave
  If you have a built-in microwave above your stove, be sure to use the exhaust fan when you cook to prevent moisture from collecting and causing it to break down. Also, clean the filter underneath the microwave every one to three months, using hot water and dish soap to get rid of grease. Let it soak first before wiping it down. And don't run the microwave while it's empty. Without something to absorb the heat, it can cause damage to the interior.

Our real estate agents can not only help you find a home you'll love with a kitchen that meets all your needs, but also ensure the appliances are reliable and good quality before you buy. Contact us to begin your search!