9 Things People Do That Quietly Kill Their Appliances (Without Realising)
Most appliances don’t suddenly die for no reason.
A lot of the time they’ve been suffering in silence for weeks or months — slowly getting worse until one day they give up completely.
Here are some of the most common things people do that seem harmless, but actually cause problems.
1. Overloading the Washing Machine
We’ve all done it — “one more towel will be fine.” Unfortunately, it usually won’t.
Overloading puts stress on the drum, motor, and bearings. It might work short-term, but over time your machine will struggle as it works harder to complete each cycle.
2. Slamming Doors Shut
Washing machines, ovens, dishwashers — they’re not built for that kind of treatment.
Slamming doors can damage hinges, seals, and locks, leading to repairs that could have easily been avoided.
3. Never Cleaning the Filter
Out of sight, out of mind… until the machine stops draining.
Filters catch hair, lint, coins, and all sorts from your pockets. Leave them too long, and blockages will build up and start damaging your appliance.
4. Using Too Much Detergent
More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes.
It often leads to build-up inside the machine, blocked pipes, bad smells, and sometimes a washing machine that won’t drain properly.
5. Ignoring Weird Noises
If you hear knocking, grinding, or clicking — don’t ignore it.
Small issues often make noise first. Catching them early can prevent bigger, more expensive problems.
6. Not Levelling the Machine
If your washing machine is wobbling or walking across the kitchen… that’s not normal.
An unbalanced machine puts strain on internal parts and can wear things out much faster — not to mention the loud banging.
7. Putting the Wrong Items in the Tumble Dryer
Shoes, heavy items, or dripping wet clothes can cause serious damage.
Overloading or using it incorrectly can overheat the system, damage the drum, and shorten its lifespan.
8. Blocking Vents and Airflow
This is especially common with fridges and dryers.
If airflow is blocked, appliances overheat — leading to poor performance, higher energy bills, and faster wear and tear.
9. Hoping It’ll Fix Itself
This is the big one.
When something feels off but you keep using it anyway, small problems quickly turn into major breakdowns.
The Reality
Most appliances don’t break overnight — they wear down slowly due to everyday habits.
The Simple Fix
You don’t need to be an expert. Just follow these basics:
- Don’t overload your appliances
- Check things regularly (filters, hinges, etc.)
- Pay attention to unusual sounds or behaviour
- Be gentle with doors and components
These small habits go a long way in keeping your appliances running properly.
If It Starts Playing Up
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always best to get it checked before it turns into a full breakdown.
If you’re local to Stoke-on-Trent, Congleton, or surrounding areas, Appliance Repair Solutions are happy to offer advice or come and take a look.
