1MICROWAVE
A great way to loosen debris is to bring a cup of water to a boil in the microwave then wipe interior with a damp cloth.

2DISHWASHER
More efficient than hand washing due to hot water savings. Use a rinse aid so you can use the energy saving air dry setting.

3WATER HEATER
Sediment buildup at the bottom of your tank and on the heating elements impact performance, energy efficiency and the life of your water heater. Flush it annually. Make sure you cut the breaker off beforehand and let the tank water cool down. After flushing is complete, refill the tank before cutting the breaker back on. While the breaker is off, take a moment to lower the unit’s thermostats to l20° F. It is important to make sure both thermostats are in agreement.

4CLOTHES DRYER
• Clean the vent hose to reduce drying time and prevent fires. While you can vacuum the lint, a dryer vent brush helps remove buildup on the sidewalls.
• Clean the lint trap after every load.
• Use dryer sheets? They can deposit a waxy buildup. Wash the lint trap quarterly with hot water to dissolve the buildup.
• When drying, use moisture sensor settings to reduce runtime.

5WASHING MACHINE
• Clean your machine’s filter quarterly.
• Have a front loader? Keep a soft cloth handy and dry the rubber gasket after each load. Prop the door open for good air circulation. These mildew reduction measures can reduce the need to frequently run cleaning cycles.
• Remember to opt for cold water wash cycles and if you have a top loader select the lowest water level appropriate for each load.

6REFRIGERATOR
• Dirty coils rob refrigerators of their efficiency. Clean the coils annually. This applies to both newer and older model refrigerators. Take special care not to damage the coils by using a soft, flexible brush. You can even use compressed air to clean the coil compartment. Be sure to unplug the refrigerator while cleaning.
• Use a soft toothbrush and soapy water to clean refrigerator door gaskets. This ensures a proper air seal when closed.
• An empty refrigerator/freezer costs more to cool. Jugs of water are a good way to take up space but don’t overcrowd to ensure good air flow. 40° F is the recommended temperature for refrigerators and 0° F for freezers.

7HVAC SYSTEM
• While changing your filters take time to thoroughly clean the return air grill.
• Have a mini-split? Remove and wash the filter.
• Supply registers in the floor? Use your vacuum to suction out dirt and debris. This is a great time to ensure that your registers are in good contact with the subfloor and are properly air sealed.
• Before cutting your air conditioner on this season, make sure the condensate (drip) line is unobstructed. Buildup and blockage can cause water damage and prevent proper system operation.