User guide
Finding your way around the guide
To navigate between pages, click or tap the arrows to go forwards to the next page or backwards to the previous one. The arrows can be found either side of the page and at the bottom, too (circled in green, below).
Menu/table of contents
Click or tap on the three horizontal lines in the top-right of your screen to open the main menu/table of contents. This icon is always visible whether you're using a computer, tablet or smartphone. The menu will open on top of the page you’re on. Click on any section title to visit that section. Click the cross at any time to close the table of contents.
Text size
On a computer, you'll see three different sized letter 'A's in the top-right of your screen. On a smartphone or tablet these are visible when you open the menu (see above). If you’re having trouble reading the guide, click or tap on each of the different 'A's to change the size of the text to suit you.
Pictures
On some images you'll see a blue double-ended arrow icon. Clicking or tapping on this will expand the picture so you can see more detail. Click or tap on the blue cross to close the expanded image.
Where we think a group of images will be most useful to you, we've grouped them together in an image gallery. Simply use the blue left and right arrows to scroll through the carousel of pictures.
Links
If you see a word or phrase that's bold and dark blue, you can click or tap on it to find out more. The relevant website will open in a new tab.
Jargon
If you see a word or phrase underlined, click or tap on the word and small window will pop up with a short explanation. Close this pop-up by clicking or tapping the cross in the corner.
Help
On a computer, you'll see a question mark icon in the top-right of your screen. On a smartphone or tablet this is visible when you open the menu (see above).
Clicking or tapping on the question mark will open this user guide. It opens on top of the page you're on and you can close it any time by clicking or tapping the cross in the top-right corner.
Caring for your kitchen and household appliances
Looking after the appliances you already own will not only save you money, but will help the planet, too. A regular clean and some quick checks are key to a long, trouble-free life.
As we all know, a lot of discarded appliances often end up on landfill sites, compounding the problems for our environment, and because sometimes it can be cheaper to repair than replace, here at Which? we have been researching all your options for a more sustainable approach. Here are some of our top tips, but there’s even more advice for you on our site. You can also read more about ways to reduce your energy use around the home here.
Washing machines
Descum the drum
If your machine gets heavy use, it’s inevitable that grime will start to build up. Doing a detergent-free deep clean of your empty machine every month or so will pay dividends. Although it costs more to run, a very hot wash works best for this, as it will help to banish the bacteria and mould that builds up when you wash at 40°C or lower.
Clean the seal
A regular scrub of the seal will prevent mould and bacteria building up, which makes the seal smell and look unsightly. If the mould has really taken hold and sunk into the porous rubber, you should consider replacing it.
Leave the door open
Mould loves a humid environment; leaving the door ajar between washes maintains a little air circulation and helps to keep mould at bay and the machine smelling fresh.
Clean the drawer
A gunky detergent drawer can stop detergent getting into the machine and can even cause water to leak out of the front of it. Leaving the drawer open between washes helps to prevent mould growth, but a monthly scrub with washing-up liquid is well worth doing to keep it spick and span. Read our guide on how to remove and clean the drawer.
If your washing machine is louder than it used to be, try the quick fixes in our video below.
Tumble dryers
Clean lint filters
A regular defluff session will keep your dryer working at maximum efficiency. A build-up of fluff in the lower filter can mean a spike in energy use by as much as 50%, and it can also pose a fire risk.
Clean the sensor
Some dryers have sensors that recognise how damp your clothes are and can calculate how long they’ll take to dry, preventing unnecessary use of the dryer. A quick wipe over the drum every few months will keep it working well, too.
Dishwashers
Clean the filter
A weekly clean of both inner and outer filters will stop dishes getting old food waste on them. Use a soft brush to clean both filters, then rinse them with hot water.
Wipe door seals
A weekly wipe of the door seals can prevent them perishing, which leads to leaking.
Clean the spray arms
If the spray arms Spray armsRotating arms at the base of a dishwasher that spray water at high pressure through tiny holes. get blocked, your dishes won’t get as sparkly clean as they could be, so take them off every six months or so, clear any gunk from the holes, rinse, then pop back in place.
Keep your dishwasher clean with our easy six-step maintenance must-dos that don't take much time, but will help get your dishes clean and your dishwasher working better for longer.
Fridge-freezers
Defrost
If your freezer doesn’t have an auto-defrost setting, defrost it as soon as ice build-up gets in the way of the drawers or door opening and closing easily. This will keep it running at maximum energy efficiency. Read our step-by-step guide on how to do this.
Clean the coils
Dusty condenser coils make it harder for your fridge to cool down, and therefore less energy efficient. Gently vacuum the coils to take off as much dust as you can – if your vacuum has a brush attachment, use that.
Keep it fresh
Fridges can easily harbour food debris, which can rot. This causes smells and can block the fridge’s drain. A regular clean from top to bottom is well worth the effort. Is your fridge dirty or smelly? Follow these simple steps to keep yours clean, stop it smelling and protect your food from harmful bacteria.
Ovens
Clean the sides
Ovens often get splattered with food, which then gets baked on and becomes difficult to remove. Dedicated oven cleaners are available, but they tend to be unpleasant to use and require you to air the kitchen of toxic fumes. Here’s an alternative method that's less harsh. Give the sides a brush to remove loose grime, then apply a homemade paste of equal parts bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar, and leave it on overnight. Then, in the morning, wipe it all away. A mix of lemon juice and salt is effective on stubborn residues – leave this on for a few hours before scrubbing it off.
Clean the racks
Oven-rack cleaning kits can do a good job, but they use harsh, corrosive chemicals. A good soak in hot soapy water and a touch of elbow grease can give a satisfactory result, too. If you’re short of soaking space, a bath can do the job.
Clean the glass door
Use a glass scraper, sponge or microfibre cleaning cloth to remove baked-on foods. Don’t use harsh scourers, such as wire wool, as these may cause tiny scratches on the glass and weaken it.
With the right tools and tips, cleaning your oven can be effortless.
Vacuums
Clean the brush bar
Prevent damage to the bristles and maintain sucking efficiency by unclogging any hair and fibres from the brush bar. For cleaners without a brush bar, check the air pathways and clear away anything that’s blocking them.
Clean the filters
A monthly clean of both the motor filter and allergen filter will pre-empt suction problems and prevent the motor cutting out. Check your manual for how to locate them.
Replace dust bag/empty dust container
Don’t wait until your vacuum’s bag or container is chock full of dust and debris before emptying it, as it’ll lose suction the fuller it gets.
Which? Investigates podcast
The packaging on our everyday groceries is enemy number one for anyone trying to do their bit for the planet. But why is there still so much of it around and what makes it so hard to recycle? In our plastics podcast, presenter Greg Foot and Which? researchers investigate the current state of supermarket packaging. We look at why so much of the plastic that wraps our food is completely unrecycleable and whether biodegradable plastic is the answer.