The short answer
Nearly everything that wears out early does so through one specific neglected maintenance job. Learning the one for each expensive thing you own is the highest return available.
- Washing machine: clean the filter and the door seal, run a hot maintenance wash monthly.
- Tumble dryer: clean the lint filter every single time, and the condenser unit monthly. This is also a fire prevention measure.
- Dishwasher: clean the filter in the base, and keep the salt and rinse aid topped up in a hard water area.
- Boiler: annual service, and keep the pressure in the marked band.
- Car: tyre pressures monthly and oil level fortnightly.
- Shoes and boots: dry them slowly away from direct heat, and use trees or newspaper.
- Knives: hone often, never put them in the dishwasher.
What will ruin it
Drying leather boots or shoes on a radiator cracks the leather permanently. Slow drying at room temperature with newspaper inside is the only method that does not.
Why it works
Almost all of these are about removing something abrasive, corrosive or insulating before it does damage: lint, limescale, grit, old oil. Five minutes at the right interval replaces a repair bill.
Tipking is general household information, not professional advice. Test anything on a hidden patch first. Full disclaimer.
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