Save time, skip the service call, and keep your home running smoothly with these simple maintenance hacks. From boosting your fridge’s efficiency to clearing a stubborn dishwasher, these four easy DIY fixes require only basic tools and a few minutes of your afternoon.

The Fix: Vacuum the coils.
How-to:
1. Locate the coils, typically behind a base grille at the front or on the back of the unit.
2. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a specialized coil brush to remove dust and pet hair.
3. Wipe away any remaining debris from the floor beneath the fridge.

If your dishes are coming out dirty or there is standing water at the bottom, the filter is likely clogged with food particles.

The Fix: Remove and rinse the filter.
How-to:
1. Remove the bottom rack of the dishwasher.
2. Locate the filter at the base (consult your user manual for the exact locking mechanism).
3. Twist to unlock the filter and rinse it under warm water to remove debris.
4. Check the spray arms for clogs and clear them with a toothpick if necessary.

A dryer that takes multiple cycles to dry clothes is usually restricted by lint buildup, which is also a major fire hazard.

The Fix: Vacuum out the exhaust vent.
How-to:
1. Pull the dryer away from the wall and disconnect the flexible silver vent hose.
2. Use a vacuum or a dryer vent cleaning brush to remove lint from both the hose and the wall port.
3. Check the exterior vent flap outside your house to ensure it opens and closes freely.

If the disposal hums but won't spin, or won't turn on at all, it has likely tripped its internal breaker or is jammed by a small object.

The Fix: Use a hex wrench to manually free the motor.
How-to:
1. Look for a red "reset" button on the bottom of the unit under the sink; press it if it has popped out.
2. If it still won't spin, insert a hex (Allen) wrench into the hole in the center of the unit's bottom.
3. Turn the wrench back and forth until the motor spins freely.