Easy Fixes for the Most Common Household Oversights

Keeping a home in top shape can feel like a never-ending to-do list. While you probably tackle the obvious chores, there are several crucial maintenance tasks that are commonly overlooked. The good news is that addressing these oversights is often much simpler and faster than you might imagine, preventing bigger, more expensive problems down the road.

1. Cleaning Your Refrigerator Coils

One of the most neglected parts of any kitchen is the back or bottom of the refrigerator. Over time, the condenser coils get covered in dust, pet hair, and grime.

Why It’s an Oversight: Out of sight, out of mind. Since the coils are hidden, it’s easy to forget they exist. However, dirty coils force your refrigerator’s compressor to work harder to release heat, wasting energy and shortening the appliance’s lifespan. This can lead to hundreds of dollars in unnecessary energy costs and premature replacement.

The Easy Fix: This task sounds technical, but it only takes about 15 minutes.

Unplug the Refrigerator: Safety first. Pull the fridge away from the wall to get access.
Locate the Coils: On most modern refrigerators, they are on the bottom behind a grille. On older models, they may be on the back.
Clean Them: Use a long, flexible brush specifically designed for coils (like the Everbilt Dryer Vent Brush, available at most hardware stores) and your vacuum cleaner’s hose attachment. Gently brush the dust off the coils and vacuum it up.
Finish Up: Snap the grille back on, plug the fridge in, and push it back into place. Do this once or twice a year.

2. Clearing the Dishwasher Filter

Do your dishes come out with a gritty film on them? Before you blame your detergent, check the dishwasher filter. Most people don’t even know it has one, but a clogged filter can ruin your machine’s cleaning performance.

Why It’s an Oversight: Many homeowners assume the dishwasher is self-cleaning. While it does clean dishes, the food particles it removes have to go somewhere. They get trapped in a filter at the bottom of the tub.

The Easy Fix: This is a simple, five-minute job.

Locate and Remove: The filter is usually a cylindrical piece located on the floor of the dishwasher, under the bottom spray arm. It typically twists to unlock.
Rinse Thoroughly: Take the filter to your sink and rinse it under hot water. Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works great) and a little dish soap to gently scrub away any stubborn grime or grease.
Reinstall: Twist it back into place until it locks. That’s it. Check it once a month for the best results.

3. Descaling Your Coffee Maker

If your morning coffee tastes a bit off or the machine is brewing slower than it used to, it’s likely due to mineral buildup. Hard water deposits like calcium and lime can clog the internal components of your coffee maker.

Why It’s an Oversight: The machine looks clean on the outside, so we assume it’s clean on the inside. This buildup not only affects taste but can also damage the heating element.

The Easy Fix: You don’t need expensive cleaning solutions.

Create a Solution: Fill the water reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water.
Run a Brew Cycle: Place a paper filter in the basket and run the machine through a full brew cycle.
Let it Sit: Once the cycle is complete, let the hot vinegar solution sit in the carafe for about 30 minutes to help clean it as well.
Rinse Thoroughly: Discard the vinegar solution and run two or three full cycles with fresh, clean water to rinse out any remaining vinegar taste or smell. Do this every one to three months, depending on your water hardness.

4. Cleaning the Dryer Vent and Duct

Lint buildup in your dryer’s vent system is one of the most serious fire hazards in a home. While you probably clean the lint trap after every load, the ductwork that leads outside also gets clogged over time.

Why It’s an Oversight: The ductwork is hidden within a wall or ceiling, making it completely invisible. The first sign of a problem is often when clothes take two or three cycles to dry completely.

The Easy Fix: You can purchase a dryer vent cleaning kit from a hardware store for around $20. These kits attach to a standard power drill.

Disconnect: Unplug the dryer and disconnect the duct from the back of the machine.
Clean the Duct: Attach the flexible brush from the kit to your drill. Insert it into the duct and run the drill on low speed, pushing the brush through the entire length of the vent to the outside. You’ll be amazed at how much lint comes out.
Clean the Dryer: Vacuum out the opening at the back of the dryer and the area where the duct connects.
Reconnect: Reattach the duct securely and plug the dryer back in. This essential safety check should be done at least once a year.

5. Flushing the Water Heater

Sediment like sand, rust, and calcium builds up at the bottom of your water heater tank over time. This layer of gunk forces the unit to use more energy to heat the water and can cause premature failure.

Why It’s an Oversight: This is another “out of sight, out of mind” appliance. Most people never touch their water heater until it stops working.

The Easy Fix: A partial flush, or “mini-flush,” is simple and effective.

Connect a Hose: Attach a standard garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater tank. Place the other end of the hose somewhere safe, like a floor drain or a large bucket.
Drain a Few Gallons: Open the drain valve and let a few gallons of water flow out. You will likely see discolored, sediment-filled water at first.
Close the Valve: Once the water starts running clear, close the valve and disconnect the hose. This simple annual task can significantly extend the life of your water heater and improve its efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What about smoke detector batteries? This is a critical oversight. You should test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly by pressing the “Test” button. Replace the batteries at least once a year. A great way to remember is to do it when you change your clocks for daylight saving time. Many new detectors now come with 10-year sealed batteries, but they still need to be tested regularly.

How often should I change my furnace or AC filter? This depends on the type of filter and your household. Inexpensive fiberglass filters should be changed monthly. Higher-quality pleated filters, like Filtrete or Honeywell models, can last up to three months. If you have pets or allergies, you should check and change them more frequently. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your HVAC system work harder and driving up your energy bills.