Laundry
7 habits that make your washing machine last longer
Your washing machine works hard — often several times a week — so a few good habits go a long way. Start by not overloading the drum; leaving a hand's width of space lets clothes move freely and takes strain off the motor and bearings. Use the right amount of detergent, too: more isn't better, and excess suds leave residue that can clog pipes and breed odours.
Once a month, run an empty hot wash (60°C or higher) with a machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar to clear limescale and bacteria. Wipe the door seal dry after each wash to stop mould forming, and leave the door ajar between washes so the drum can air out. Finally, check pockets for coins and clips that can damage the drum, and clean the filter every couple of months.
Notice grinding noises, a drum that won't spin, or water left at the end of a cycle? Don't wait for it to fail — a quick health check can catch a worn bearing or blocked pump early. That's exactly what your care plan is for.
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Kitchen
Why your dishwasher isn't drying (and how to fix it)
Wet dishes at the end of a cycle are one of the most common dishwasher gripes — and usually one of the easiest to solve. The first thing to check is your rinse aid: it helps water sheet off plates rather than cling in droplets, which is what dries them. If the reservoir is empty, top it up and you'll often see an instant improvement.
Stacking matters more than people think. Angle bowls and cups so water can run off, avoid nesting items together, and keep plastic — which holds heat poorly — on the top rack. Choosing a cycle with a heated dry or "extra dry" option helps, and opening the door a crack at the end lets steam escape so residual heat finishes the job.
If dishes are still soaked after all that, the heating element or a faulty sensor could be to blame. These are repairable faults — get in touch and we'll arrange a visit.
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Fridge & Freezer
The ideal fridge temperature — and 5 ways to cut running costs
Your fridge should sit between 0°C and 5°C, and your freezer at around −18°C. Too warm and food spoils faster; too cold and you're wasting energy. A cheap fridge thermometer takes the guesswork out of it. Because the fridge runs 24/7, it's often one of the hungriest appliances in the home, so small tweaks add up.
Keep it three-quarters full (a well-stocked fridge holds its temperature better), let hot food cool before it goes in, and check the door seals by closing them on a sheet of paper — if it slides out easily, the seal needs attention. Vacuum the condenser coils at the back twice a year, and give the appliance breathing room so warm air can escape.
Frost building up fast, a motor that never seems to switch off, or water pooling underneath are all signs worth investigating. A health check can sort the cause before your food — or your energy bill — pays the price.
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Home Tech
Looking after your TV, soundbar & games console
Home entertainment gear is surprisingly delicate. The biggest enemy is heat: consoles and amplifiers need clear ventilation, so never box them into a tight cabinet or stack other devices on top. Dust is a close second — it insulates components and makes fans work harder, so a gentle vacuum of vents every few weeks does wonders.
Protect everything with a surge-protected extension lead rather than a bare wall socket; power spikes are a common, avoidable cause of failure. Clean screens with a dry microfibre cloth only, keep drinks well away, and update software when prompted to keep smart features running smoothly.
If your picture flickers, sound drops out, or a console overheats and shuts down, those are fixable faults. Add your home tech to a plan and we'll take the worry off your hands.
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Repairs
Repair or replace? How to make the right call
When an appliance breaks, the instinct is often to buy new — but repair is usually cheaper, greener and quicker. A handy rule of thumb is the "50% guide": if a repair costs less than half the price of a comparable new appliance and the unit has plenty of life left, repairing is almost always the smart move.
Consider the appliance's age against its typical lifespan, whether it's a one-off fault or a recurring problem, and how energy-efficient a modern replacement would be. A ten-year-old appliance with its first fault is well worth fixing; one that's failed repeatedly may be telling you something.
With a Max Appliance Guard plan you don't have to do this maths at all — repairs are included, and if something genuinely can't be saved, we replace it for free with the same or a similar spec.
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Sustainability
The greener way to run your home appliances
Every appliance we keep running is one less heading to landfill — and manufacturing a new appliance carries a hefty carbon cost before it's even switched on. Caring for what you already own is one of the simplest, most effective things a household can do for the environment.
Run full loads, use eco modes (they use less water and heat), defrost the freezer before ice builds up, and descale kettles and washing machines regularly so they run efficiently. Maintenance isn't just about avoiding breakdowns; a well-kept appliance uses less energy throughout its life.
Our repair-first philosophy is built around this idea. By fixing rather than throwing away, we help you save money and shrink your footprint at the same time — proof that the practical choice and the planet-friendly one are often the same.
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