While it's expected that appliances do wear down and need replacing after an average lifecycle, a little care can in some circumstances, keep them running longer than expected. A lack of cleaning or care can force an appliance to work harder and that can put a strain on the motor which in turn, can shorten its life. Since replacing appliances can be a strain on the family budget, even small steps to extend their life by a year or even only a few months, is well worth the effort. Look for ways to reduce operating time and apply basic care to help your appliances work better and hopefully, longer.