Spring Appliance Maintenance Checklist

Spring cleaning is not just about dusting shelves and organizing closets — it is the perfect time to give your major appliances the maintenance they need to run efficiently all year long. A few hours of preventive care in the spring can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs and extend the life of your appliances by years.

This comprehensive checklist covers every major appliance in your home, with step-by-step instructions for each task.

Refrigerator Spring Maintenance

Your refrigerator runs 24/7 and is about to work harder as summer temperatures rise. Spring is the ideal time to ensure it is operating at peak efficiency.

Clean the Condenser Coils

Dirty condenser coils are the number one cause of preventable refrigerator breakdowns. Dust and pet hair accumulate on the coils (located behind or beneath the fridge), forcing the compressor to work harder and potentially leading to premature failure.

How to clean: Pull the refrigerator away from the wall. Use a coil brush or vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the coils.
How often: Every 6–12 months. If you have pets, clean every 6 months.
Impact: Proper coil maintenance can reduce energy consumption by 15–25% and prevent a $400–$700 compressor failure.

Check and Replace Door Seals

Door gaskets (seals) deteriorate over time, allowing warm air to enter and forcing the compressor to run more frequently.

The dollar bill test: Close the door on a dollar bill. If you can pull it out easily, the seal is too loose.
Clean the gasket: Wipe down with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly. Avoid petroleum-based cleaners that can degrade rubber.
When to replace: If the gasket is cracked, torn, or fails the dollar bill test in multiple spots.

Clean the Interior

Remove all food and check expiration dates
Wipe down shelves, drawers, and walls with a baking soda and water solution
Clean the drip tray beneath the fridge
Check and replace the water filter if applicable

Verify Temperature Settings

Refrigerator: 35–38°F (1.7–3.3°C)
Freezer: 0°F (-17.8°C)
Use an appliance thermometer to verify — the built-in display may not be accurate

Washing Machine Spring Maintenance

Your washing machine handles a significant workload and benefits greatly from seasonal maintenance.

Clean the Machine

Front-loaders: Run an empty hot water cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner tablet. Then wipe down the door gasket, paying attention to mold-prone crevices.
Top-loaders: Run an empty hot water cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar. Wipe down the agitator and drum.

Inspect Hoses

Washing machine hose failures are a leading cause of home water damage.

Check for: Bulges, cracks, kinks, or signs of wear
Replace: Every 5 years, or immediately if any damage is visible
Upgrade to: Braided stainless steel hoses, which are far more durable than rubber hoses
Tip: Turn off water supply valves when the washer is not in use for extended periods

Level the Machine

An unlevel washing machine causes excessive vibration, premature bearing wear, and noise.

Place a level on top of the machine
Adjust the leveling feet until the bubble is centered
Tighten the lock nuts to prevent the feet from shifting

Clean the Drain Filter

Many front-loading washers have an accessible drain filter (usually behind a small panel at the bottom front). This filter catches debris and should be cleaned monthly, but spring is a good time to start the habit.

Dryer Spring Maintenance

Dryer maintenance is about two things: performance and safety. Lint buildup is a serious fire hazard.

Professional Vent Cleaning

This is the most important dryer maintenance task, and spring is the perfect time.

Why it matters: Clogged vents cause 2,900 house fires annually in the U.S.
Signs you need it: Clothes take more than one cycle to dry, the dryer exterior is hot, the laundry room is humid, or it has been more than 12 months since the last cleaning.
Cost: $80–$150 for professional cleaning — a small price for fire prevention and improved performance.

Clean the Lint Trap Housing

Even if you clean the lint screen after every load (you are doing that, right?), lint accumulates inside the trap housing over time.

Remove the lint screen
Use a long, narrow brush or vacuum attachment to clean inside the housing
Clean the lint screen with soap and water to remove residue from dryer sheets

Inspect the Exhaust Vent Outside

Make sure the vent flap opens freely when the dryer is running
Remove any bird nests, lint, or debris from the exterior vent
Ensure the vent hood is securely attached and not damaged

Check the Vent Hose

Replace flexible plastic or foil vent hoses with rigid or semi-rigid metal ducting
Ensure there are no kinks, sags, or excessive length (maximum recommended: 25 feet)
Confirm all connections are secure and sealed with metal tape (not duct tape)

Dishwasher Spring Maintenance

A well-maintained dishwasher cleans better, uses less energy, and lasts longer.

Clean the Filter

Most modern dishwashers have a manual filter at the bottom of the tub. This is the single most neglected dishwasher maintenance task.

Remove the filter (twist and lift)
Rinse under hot water, using a soft brush to remove debris
Replace the filter securely
Frequency: Monthly is ideal, but start with spring and build the habit

Run a Cleaning Cycle

Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack
Run an empty hot water cycle
Follow with a sprinkle of baking soda on the bottom and a short hot cycle
This removes grease, mineral deposits, and odors

Inspect the Spray Arms

Remove upper and lower spray arms
Clear any debris from the nozzle holes using a toothpick
Rinse under running water
Spin the arms to ensure they rotate freely

Check the Door Gasket

Wipe down the door gasket with a damp cloth
Look for cracks, tears, or mold
Clean the edges of the door where the gasket meets the tub

Inspect the Drain Area

Check the drain at the bottom of the tub for food debris, broken glass, or labels from bottles
Clean the drain area with a soft brush

Oven and Range Spring Maintenance

Spring is the perfect time to deep-clean your oven after winter holiday cooking.

Deep Clean the Interior

Self-cleaning ovens: Use the self-clean cycle sparingly (once or twice a year). Run it when you will be home and can ventilate the kitchen.
Manual cleaning: Apply oven cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then wipe clean.
Never use: Oven cleaner on self-cleaning oven interiors.

Clean or Replace Burner Components

Gas ranges: Remove burner caps and grates. Soak in warm, soapy water. Clear burner ports with a pin or needle. Ensure the igniter clicks and lights properly.
Electric ranges: Lift or remove coil elements and clean the drip pans. Replace damaged or heavily corroded drip pans. For smooth-top ranges, use a specialized cooktop cleaner.

Inspect the Range Hood

Clean or replace the grease filter (most are dishwasher-safe)
Wipe down the interior of the hood
Test the fan and light
A clogged range hood filter reduces ventilation and can be a fire hazard

Verify Oven Temperature Accuracy

Place an oven thermometer on the center rack
Set the oven to 350°F and wait 20 minutes
Check the thermometer — it should read within 25°F of the set temperature
If it is off by more than 25°F, the thermostat or temperature sensor may need calibration or replacement

General Appliance Tips for Spring

Check all power cords for damage, fraying, or loose connections
Verify GFCI outlets near water sources are functioning (press the test and reset buttons)
Clean behind and beneath all appliances — dust and debris accumulate over winter
Review appliance warranties — know what is covered before you need a repair
Update your appliance inventory — note model numbers, serial numbers, and purchase dates for insurance and warranty purposes

Create a Year-Round Maintenance Schedule

Season	Key Tasks
Spring	Full maintenance checklist (this guide)
Summer	Check fridge efficiency, clean AC filters
Fall	Pre-holiday oven maintenance, dryer vent check
Winter	Inspect washer hoses, check for frozen pipes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does spring appliance maintenance take? A thorough maintenance session for all major appliances takes 2–4 hours. You can spread it over a weekend.

Can I do all this maintenance myself? Most tasks on this checklist are DIY-friendly. The one exception is professional dryer vent cleaning, which requires specialized equipment. Refrigerator coil cleaning and oven deep-cleaning are also easier with professional help.

How much money does preventive maintenance save? Studies show that regular appliance maintenance can reduce repair costs by 30–50% and extend appliance life by 2–5 years. That translates to savings of $500–$2,000 over a decade.

What is the most important task on this list? Dryer vent cleaning is the highest-priority task because it directly prevents house fires. Refrigerator condenser coil cleaning is a close second because it prevents the most expensive common appliance repair (compressor failure).

Schedule Professional Spring Maintenance with EasyBear

Want a professional to handle your spring appliance maintenance? EasyBear offers comprehensive appliance tune-up services that cover everything on this checklist — and more. Our technicians inspect, clean, and test every major appliance in your home, catching potential problems before they become expensive repairs.

Book your spring maintenance visit with EasyBear today. Same-day appointments available, transparent pricing, and the peace of mind that your appliances are ready for the year ahead.

Spring Appliance Maintenance Checklist