Maximizing the Appliances in Your Apartment Space for You or Your Family

Importance of Modern Appliances

In today’s fast-paced world, you need your kitchen to work as hard as you do when it comes to preparing delicious meals, cleaning dishes, washing clothes, and keeping food cold.  The convenience of modern appliances allows for quicker meal preparation, easier laundry days, and an overall smoother household management experience.

Modern appliances are more than just functional tools your family needs. They are essential components that enrich your apartment living experience so you can focus on what matters most. Induction cooktops and digital thermostats on stoves make cooking food more precise, while bright LEDs in refrigerators let you see everything more easily. A microwave oven is perfect for food prep but also reheating leftovers for the next day’s lunch. Modern washers and dryers have many settings that optimize clean clothes, from delicates and bedding to winter wear and everyday clothes.

Refrigerator

Easily find items in your fridge by categorizing them into sections like dairy, fruits, vegetables, condiments, and leftovers. Clear tubs can keep similar items together, making it easier to find what you need quickly. Place frequently used things, like milk, bottled water, and juice, at eye level to minimize the time you spend searching for them.

The pull-out drawers are ideal for fruits and vegetables, so consider one drawer for fruits and one for veggies. The doors are perfect for bottles and jugs, like for milk, juice, and condiments. 

Set your fridge to the optimal temperature, ideally around 37°F, to keep food fresh while preventing spoilage. The freezer should be around -2°F. Avoid overloading the fridge, as this can restrict airflow and lead to uneven cooling. Reserve the main compartments for perishable items rather than condiments and items that have expiration dates several months into the future. Regularly check for expired products and clear out any leftovers that are no longer edible. Leftovers typically keep well for a week.

Oven/Stove

Prepare delicious meals with a modern oven. The digital controls allow for precise temperature settings, and you can use the clock and timer display to keep an eye on how long your dishes should cook. Induction cooktops are ideal for transferring heat, so make sure your cookware has a flat bottom and stainless steel construction for the best results. Consider cookware with clear lids so you can monitor the progress of your food without having to lift the lid.

Cooking times vary with ovens, so make sure you adjust the cooking time on your digital readout when preparing your favorite casseroles, cakes, cookies, and roast meats. If your oven has a convection setting, use that to heat the food more evenly and efficiently. Pro tips include keeping the oven light on to see the food cooking and covering pans with foil to keep them clean or to prevent dripping.

Dishwasher

Always look for an apartment with a modern dishwasher. It’s a real time-saver. Load the dishes so that the water circulates freely. Place larger items like pots, pans, and plates on the bottom rack, while more delicate items such as glasses and smaller plates should go on the top rack. Many modern dishwashers have adjustable racks, so take advantage of these to create space for larger items. Use the recommended amount of detergent, and opt for tablets or pods designed for modern machines to avoid residue. A rinse aid can help prevent a filmy build-up.

Most digital dishwashers offer various settings, including eco modes, high-temperature washes, and quick cycles. Choose the cycle that suits your load. For heavily soiled dishes, a longer or higher-temperature setting may be best. Many dishwashers have a high-temperature dry setting to sterilize dishes. Pro tip: Let the dishwasher sit for 30 minutes after a high-temperature dry to make sure they are cool enough to touch. 

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filter and checking the spray arms for blockages, will make sure everything is cleaned properly. If anything gets backed up, call maintenance for your apartment in Joplin.

Microwave

A microwave can help reheat food quickly and assist with food prep. Use pre-programmed settings for common tasks like defrosting, reheating, and cooking specific foods for convenience and for the correct cooking times. When reheating leftovers, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to trap steam, which helps heat food evenly and keeps the food from drying out. Stirring food halfway through the cooking process is also effective for ensuring uniform heating, especially for soups, sauces, or casseroles.

Consider using the sensor setting that detects when food is done cooking. If your microwave has inverter technology, it allows for even cooking at lower power settings, making it ideal for delicate tasks like melting butter or softening chocolate for your favorite recipes.

Always use microwave-safe containers made of glass, ceramic, or microwave-approved plastics. Never use metal or containers with metallic accents, as these can cause sparks and damage the microwave. Regularly clean the microwave to prevent food splatters from drying out and becoming a dehydrated, crispy mess.

Washer

Operating a clothes washer properly can help your clothes and linens last longer and maintain vibrant colors. Separate clothes based on fabric type, color, and soil level to get all of the dirt, sweat, and grime out. Look for delicate cycles for silk or very soft fabrics. Some washers have a bedding cycle to prevent blankets and pillows from getting soaked and overfilled with water. Deep wash or heavy-duty cycles can help get tough stains out. Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent to prevent excess suds and leftover residue.

Look for load-sensing technology that adjusts water levels based on the weight of your laundry, which can save on utility costs. Choose cold water settings for most loads to save on electricity costs for your water heater and to preserve fabric colors. Use hot water for heavily soiled items or sanitizing. Pre-wash or soak options can help detergent to work more effectively. 

Clean the washer’s drum and gasket regularly to prevent mildew and odors from developing. Some washers have a clean cycle to prevent mold growth.

Dryer

Avoid overloading the dryer, which can lead to uneven drying and wrinkling. Utilize specific settings for cotton, delicates, bedding, or towels, so select the appropriate setting for each load. Moisture sensors that automatically stop the cycle once clothes are dry, helping prevent over-drying and reducing your energy bills.

Steam cycles or wrinkle-prevent options can help kill germs and refresh clothes without needing an iron. If your dryer has a low-heat or air-dry setting, use these for delicate fabrics to avoid heat damage to the threads. Think about an energy-saving option to reduce electricity use while still drying clothes effectively. 

Clean the lint filter after every cycle to maintain airflow and drying efficiency, and periodically check the dryer vent for blockages to ensure safety and optimal performance. A clogged dryer vent duct can cause a fire because it prevents heat from escaping.

Maintaining Your Appliances

Keep your appliances in top condition by cleaning and maintaining them on a regular basis. Clean interior surfaces of the oven, microwave, stovetop, and fridge to prevent buildup. Use manufacturer-recommended cleaners or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda for low-chemical cleaning. Regularly inspect hoses and seals for any signs of wear or leaks on your washing machine, and replace them when necessary to prevent water damage. 

If the temperature setting on your oven or refrigerator seems to be off, consider having a professional look at it. For the oven, a heating element might need to be replaced. You might have a coolant issue in the fridge, or the thermostat may need to be replaced. Keep your refrigerator coils free of dust to allow proper airflow and efficient cooling. Check the vents and exhaust systems on your oven and washer periodically to remove any blockages that could pose safety risks or hinder their efficiency. 

Modern Appliances in Our Joplin & Webb City Apartments

Our Joplin and Webb City apartments have modern appliances to meet the needs of your active family. Contact us or call (417) 624-4144 to schedule a tour of our apartments. We look forward to meeting you at your new home!