8 bad habits that wear out appliances faster than they should

Appliances are expensive, and how you use them matters just as much as how they’re built. Small habits can quietly shorten their lifespan, leading to breakdowns earlier than expected. Most of these issues aren’t dramatic—they’re everyday mistakes that add up.

Taking a little care with how you run appliances will save money on repairs and replacements. With a few changes, you can get years more use out of what you already own.

Overloading the washer and dryer

Cramming them full strains motors, belts, and bearings. Clothes don’t wash or dry properly, and the machine works harder than it should.

Running smaller loads is easier on the appliances and gets better results. It may feel like more work, but it pays off in longevity.

Ignoring the lint filter

A clogged lint filter makes dryers run hotter and longer, wearing out parts faster. It also creates a major fire risk.

Cleaning it after every load improves efficiency, reduces wear, and keeps your dryer safe.

Letting fridge coils collect dust

Dusty condenser coils force the fridge to work harder to stay cool. This strains the compressor and shortens the life of the appliance.

Vacuuming coils a few times a year keeps the system running smoothly and prevents early breakdowns.

Using hot pans on glass cooktops

Placing a hot pan directly on a cool glass cooktop can cause cracks. Dragging cookware across the surface also leaves scratches that weaken it.

Using cookware carefully and lifting instead of dragging helps preserve the surface. Small habits like these prevent costly damage.

Running the dishwasher half-full

It might feel convenient, but small, frequent loads wear out pumps, seals, and heating elements faster.

Waiting until it’s full uses less energy and water while also reducing overall wear.

Skipping filter changes

Water filters in fridges and lint filters in washers are easy to forget. Skipping them puts stress on the appliance and reduces efficiency.

Replacing filters on schedule helps everything run the way it’s supposed to, extending lifespan.

Slamming doors

Whether it’s the oven, fridge, or washer, slamming doors puts stress on hinges and seals. Over time, that constant force leads to leaks and poor performance.

Closing doors gently keeps everything aligned and helps seals last longer.

Ignoring small issues

Strange noises, slow drains, or small leaks don’t fix themselves. Letting them go often turns into bigger, more expensive problems.

Addressing issues early usually means a quick repair, while waiting can cut appliance life in half.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.