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Extend the life of appliances with simple ways to save money

With a little TLC, it is possible to extend the life of your household appliances.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Your coffee maker and your toaster oven are probably among the appliances you use at home every day, which means they're likely the first items that need to be replaced.  However with a little TLC, it is possible to extend the life of your household appliances.

Here are some simple tips to do thanks to the folks at AARP:

Coffee maker:

Every 3 months, make a pot using equal parts distilled vinegar and water to remove residue and mineral deposits. Eliminate any potential residual vinegar by making another pot or two of water only. 

Toaster:

Once a week, clean out crumbs from the removable tray and wash the tray using warm water and dish soap.

Vacuum cleaner:

Remove knots from the power cord after every use and avoid yanking the cord from the wall.

Garbage disposal:

A few times a year, run the disposal with ice cubes to help keep it clean.

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Contact Carolyn Bruck at cbruck@wcnc.com and follow her on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

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  • Emotional appeal
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  • Sense of urgency
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    If your new “landlord” can’t show you the inside of the house, that could be because they don’t own it. 

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