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Mold thrives in damp environments. Leaving the washer door closed traps moisture, especially in front-load models. Keep it and the detergent drawer open to dry both out and prevent mold growth.​

Filters trap food debris, and if they aren’t cleaned monthly, the dishwasher will clog, smell, and do a poor job of cleaning. Calcium buildup is also common, so running a cycle with a special cleaner and no dishes helps maintain performance.​

Dryer sheets leave a waxy residue that blocks airflow through the lint trap, leading to poor drying and increased fire risk. You can test for this by running water over the lint screen — if it pools, it’s coated.​

Regular detergent creates too many suds in HE washers, which can lead to mold, poor rinsing and extra wear on the motor and pump. Most machines of all types now recommend HE detergents.

Sump pumps can fail without warning. Pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit is a simple way to ensure the float switch activates and the pump drains water properly before a storm hits.​