Debunking Appliance Myths That Are Actually Harmful

There’s many “life hacks”, “DIY solutions”, and just general misinformation floating around when it comes to appliances. Some of it seems harmless at first, but some myths can actually damage your appliance or increase your energy bills. Let’s dive into some appliance myths that aren’t as helpful as you think.

Myth 1: You Can Overload a Dishwasher if It’s a Little Full

One of the most common appliance myths is that in order to make each cycle worth it, you should stuff your dishwasher until nothing else can fit. This can actually have the opposite effect, since it’ll make its cleaning performance worse and can strain the motor and damage the spray arms. Some people try to force large items into spots they don’t belong, thinking it will save time and money with less cycles. In reality, it creates tension on the racks and can cause bending or something to break. Dishwashers are designed to optimally clean with each cycle, so don’t overstress it by overloading.

Myth 2: The Oven Self-Cleaning Cycle Is Harmless

While it’s usually safe to use the self-cleaning feature on an oven, you have to do so properly by reading the manual and understand what’s actually happening. The cycle uses extreme heat, which puts stress on heating elements and hinges. If the oven isn’t properly ventilated or you use this feature all the time, it can warp racks, crack interior surfaces, or even trip electrical issues. Using this from time to time to help clean is fine, but it shouldn’t be a replacement for regular maintenance cleaning and scrubbing.

Myth 3: DIY Fixes Are Always Safe

DIY appliance repair can seem like a money saver, but it’s not that easy and there’s a lot of safety issues. Some people assume unplugging the appliance is enough to make it safe, or watching a quick Youtube tutorial will cover everything. The reality is appliances are way more complicated than you think, with years of engineering and design behind each component. one wrong step can not only turn your cheap repair into a costly replacement, but also puts your safety at risk. When your appliance needs to be fixed, you should leave that to our trained appliance repair specialists who know how to fix it safely, properly, and quickly.

Myth 4: Leaving the Fridge Door Open for a Few Seconds Won’t Matter

The truth is even when you leave the fridge doors open for a few seconds, it lets warm air in, which makes the compressor work harder to keep your fridge cool. If you’re constantly leaving your fridge door open, this causes extra stress on your fridge and can even shorten its lifespan. The best and easiest way to avoid this is to only open your fridge when necessary, and not leaving it open while you decide what to grab.

Myth 5: You Can Use Any Detergent in Any Washer

People often assume that all detergents are interchangeable, but that’s another appliance myth that can cause problems. Using the wrong detergent, or too much of it, can leave residue in the machine, clogging hoses and pumps. Over time, it can lead to mechanical issues or weird odors. High-efficiency washers are especially sensitive, so reading the labels and using the recommended detergent is what you should follow.

Myth 6: More Heat Means Faster Cooking

This one comes up a lot with ovens and stoves. Cranking the temperature up seems like it should cook food faster, but it can actually cause uneven cooking or burning. Some people even turn burners to max thinking it will speed things along. Appliances are built to be used within specific ranges, and ignoring that can lead to warping, burned-out elements, or other damage.

Myth 7: Ice Doesn’t Need to Be Defrosted

People often leave frost buildup in freezers, thinking it’s normal since it’s so cold. Excess ice makes the compressor work harder, increases energy consumption, and reduces storage space. Defrosting isn’t just cosmetic, it keeps the freezer running smoothly and helps preserve food longer.

Myth 8: Unplugging Appliances Saves Big on Energy

Some appliance myths exaggerate savings from unplugging everything constantly. While phantom energy use exists, many modern appliances are designed to minimize it. Unplugging large appliances frequently can be more of a hassle than a benefit. It’s fine to unplug it from time to time, but if you’re always doing it, you’re not going to notice a difference in energy bills.

How Appliance Myths Hurt More Than You Think

Following these myths doesn’t just affect your wallet, it affects the appliance itself. Misusing your appliance will always lead to it getting worn down faster. Appliances are precise machines, and even small misunderstandings can shorten their lifespan or create bigger repair needs.

The easiest ways to avoid this misinformation is to listen to the brand themselves. Reading manuals, following recommended practices, and asking questions when unsure makes a huge difference.

Appliance myths seem small, but the impact is real. One small misunderstanding about use, cleaning, or maintenance can escalate into a broken fridge, a clogged washer, or a damaged oven. Taking the time to follow proper procedures protects the investment you’ve made and keeps daily life running smoothly.