How to look after everyday technology

People around the world have begun to rely more and more on gadgets and appliances every day, and it’s easy to forget that even our most trusted devices need a little TLC to stay in top shape. From smartphones to washing machines, our technology works tirelessly to make life easier, but without proper care they can wear out faster than expected. Oftentimes, the simplest maintenance can go a long way in ensuring that your technology works to the best of its ability.

Whether you're tired of your phone dying too soon or trying to avoid an appliance breakdown, click through this gallery to see some simple yet effective tips that can help extend the life of your everyday tech and keep everything running smoothly for years to come.

A regular clean

For your smaller electronics (such as a cell phone or laptop), their biggest enemies are dust, dirt, and grime, which can clog vents and ultimately harm electronics. Use microfiber cloths to wipe screens and soft brushes for keyboards and ports, which will prevent your devices from overheating.

Screen clean

When it comes to your television, be sure to avoid using any cleaners from your kitchen. Most of them could damage your TV screen, so it’s best to simply use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any dirt or smudges.

A dying battery

Cell phone batteries oftentimes seem as though they’ve decided to take a sharp turn off a cliff. While replacing the battery could put a dent in your finances, sometimes the poor battery life can be attributed to a missing software update. Go ahead and update your phone to eliminate that problem.

Use protective cases

Investing in protective cases for your phone, tablet, or laptop is a small price to pay to prevent major damage from drops or bumps. These cases help absorb impact and safeguard internal components from harm.

Cooling pad

If you regularly use your laptop for extended periods, it might be wise to invest in a cooling pad. These pads improve airflow and reduce the risk of overheating, which can severely damage internal components.

Deaf on one side

Wired earphones and headphones tend to encounter issues when they are packed incorrectly. Sometimes, the cable on one side dislodges from the internal electronics, causing people to believe that they’ve gone deaf in one ear. Try not to wrap your electronics in a way that they can get knotted.

Extraction

One of the many household elements that people tend to ignore are extractor fans, situated in the bathroom or even over the stove. There is often a filter built in, which can become clogged with dust over time. It’s best to use a brush or a sponge to dislodge any unnecessary dirt.

Washing the washer

As strange as it may sound, washing machines need regular cleaning as well. Mold can grow quickly inside such machines, and so it’s important to wipe them down on the inside. Another trick is to leave the door of the machine open when not in use, so that air can circulate and it can dry out.

Drawers

Try to clean your washing machine’s detergent drawer as often as possible! A gunky drawer can actually prevent detergent from going into the machine. Leave the drawer open between washes to prevent mold growth, but also give it a monthly scrub to remove buildup of product.

Coils and coils

One essential and overlooked part of a fridge is the condenser coil. As time goes on, the coil accumulates dust and dirt that can restrict airflow, which means the fridge must use more energy to keep cool. To prevent this, clean and vacuum the coil so that it can run efficiently.

Filtering

Whether a water filtration system is built into your cabinet, or whether your fridge comes fully equipped with one, it’s essential to conduct proper and routine maintenance on the filter. Water contamination is certainly not a joke, and this could happen if filters aren’t replaced.

Energy efficient

When purchasing new household appliances, opt for energy-efficient models. These not only reduce your electricity bills, but are also designed with longevity in mind, meaning they can last longer than standard models with lower energy consumption.

Kettles galore

A kettle is another product used almost daily, and it’s no wonder that gunk and mold can build up inside. By bringing water and bicarbonate of soda to boil, you can clean it out thoroughly and ensure that you reduce the risk of contamination.

What wattage?

If your household lighting uses replaceable bulbs, always ensure you’re using the correct wattage for each fixture. Using a higher wattage bulb than recommended can overheat the fixture and damage it.