How to make your kitchen appliances last

By carrying out a few regular maintenance jobs, you can help prevent problems, panic attacks and patronising lectures from repair people

1. Clean the inlet filters

The pipes bringing water into your machines will have mesh filters. These prevent debris getting into your machine but can become clogged and should be checked every year. Depending on your machine, there may be two inlet hoses, one for cold and one for hot water. They will probably be colour-coded and attached to pipes from your plumbing system. Before removing a hose inlet from your machine, ensure the water supply is switched off. The connection between the hose and your water pipes may have inbuilt taps, or you may need to turn off the stopcock. Once the water is off, place a towel on the floor to catch any drips and unscrew the pipe connector. Remove the filter and clean it before replacing everything securely.

2. Clean the waste filters

Washing machines also have an outlet filter. This can become clogged with fibres which eventually prevents the machine from draining. The location and design of this filter varies between models, but it is usually behind a panel at the front of the machine.

Don't remove this filter while the machine is full of water or it will run out all over the floor!

(See the section below on how to drain a machine manually for how to get the water out when you have a filter blockage.)

Your dishwasher also has filters, and these are found in the base of the washing chamber. Your manual will contain instructions on how to release and clean these filters, which may be held on with clips, screws or other fixings

3. Check door seals

Rubber door seals can get damaged over time. Check them once or twice a year and call in a professional if they need to be replaced.

How to drain the machine

You don't need any special tools, just a bucket and a towel.

A. Turn off the machine at the plug.

B. The outlet hoses from your washing machine and dishwasher will empty into an upright pipe that feeds into your normal waste water system, often under the nearest sink. Move the machine aside and pull the outlet hose out of the upright pipe, keeping it upright.

C. Lower the end of the hose into the bucket and water should flow out. You can stop the flow at any time by raising the hose above the level of the machine.