If you've ever felt the dread of going to put on a load of washing, only to realise halfway through the load that the machine won't drain, or gone to empty the dishwasher to see everything still streaked with grime, you know how frustrating it is.

In day-to-day life, we tend to forget how important our appliances are - and it's only when they break that we invest time into them. Once your fridge, dishwasher or washing machine break down, it can be expensive to fix.

That's why it's crucial to keep up on your regular checks, to stop your appliances failing completely. Regular maintenance can save you time and money in the long run - and it's super easy to do.

Kane Taylor, from Ailsa, an expert in appliance maintenance, said: "So many homeowners are unknowingly shortening the lifespan of their appliances through simple maintenance oversights.

"The good news is that a few quick habits and easy at-home checks could add years to your appliances and save you hundreds of pounds in costly repairs or replacements."

Washing machines

His first top tip for ensuring your things stay functioning for longer is to never overload your washing machine.

Kane said: "Overloading your washing machine is one of the quickest ways to shorten its lifespan. When the drum is too full, it strains the motor, bearings and suspension system.

"Clothes also don't wash properly when they can't move freely, meaning you'll likely rewash items, doubling the wear on your appliance.

"As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit a hand vertically between the top of the drum and your laundry. If you can't, it's too full."

Another way to prolong the life of your washing machine and tumble dryer is to check your filters more often than you think is necessary.

He said: "Blocked filters force the machine to work harder, increasing energy use and putting pressure on internal components. Over time, that extra strain can lead to breakdowns.

"Check and clean filters once a month. It's a five-minute job that could save you hundreds in repairs."

Fridges

One of the appliances that sees the most use is your fridge. Because it runs 24/7 it needs a bit of care to stay efficient. Many people overlook the condenser coils - but you shouldn't.

These coils are located either at the back of your fridge, or beneath a kick panel at the front. When they get covered in dust, grime and pet hair they have to work harder to keep the fridge cold.

Kane said: That constant strain can reduce its lifespan significantly.

"Vacuum the coils at least twice a year to keep your fridge running smoothly and reduce energy bills at the same time."

Coffee machines and kettles

His final tip is to keep on top of descaling your coffee machines and kettles. He said: "Limescale doesn't just affect taste, it damages heating elements over time too.

"If left to build up, it forces appliances to work harder to heat water, which increases wear and can eventually cause the element to fail.

"Descale every one to three months depending on your water hardness. If you live in a hard water area, you may need to do it more frequently."