Statewide Appliance Spares Blog

New Year is the perfect time to reset your budget, reduce waste and get more life out of the appliances you already own. Instead of rushing to replace a tired fridge or noisy washer, a few simple repairs can get your appliance working at its best again. Repairing can save money, cut e‑waste and keep perfectly good appliances out of landfill.

Here are 7 common problems that often look like “it’s time for a new appliance” but can usually be fixed with basic tools, a bit of patience and the right spare part.

Fridge not cold enough

If your fridge isn’t cold enough or constantly cycling, it doesn’t always mean the whole unit is failing.

Firstly, check and clean the door seals. If they are damaged or dirty, cold air can escape, causing your compressor to work harder. Check out our step by step instructions to easily replace your fridge door seal.

Next, inspect the condenser coils at the back or underneath the fridge. Give them a gentle vacuum to remove any dust and debris.

Make sure you set your thermostat temperature control to the right range. The Australian Standard for fridges uses a fresh food compartment average temperature of 3°C. Your freezer should be set close to -18°C.  Temperature controls can be easily bumped by food items. Exterior digital controls can easily be changed by curious little fingers! (It is a good idea to lock the settings to prevent this from happening). Reset the temperature to the correct range.

If the temperature doesn’t stabilise or the fridge doesn’t respond to changes, this may indicate a faulty thermostat. Common signs include fluctuating temperatures, food freezing in the fridge compartment, or the motor cycling more often than usual. Thermostats are a common wear-and-tear part and are often far more affordable to replace than the fridge itself. To check the thermostat, try turning the temperature control slightly colder and listen for the compressor to start. If there’s no response, or the fridge temperature doesn’t change after 24 hours, the thermostat may be faulty and need replacing.

Freezer icing up or door not closing

If you see heavy ice build‑up and doors that never quite shut, it could be due to a damaged door seal or a warped shelf or drawer that is preventing the door from sealing properly. Replacing a fridge door shelf or replacing the seal is much cheaper than a new unit and can stop ice from forming so quickly.

While you are at it, a full defrost, clean‑out and re‑organisation of the freezer can improve airflow and help the thermostat work more accurately. Try our tried and tested tips to get the most out of your freezer and keep it working at its best.

Oven cooking unevenly

Uneven cooking may be caused by a failing heating element or a faulty oven thermostat. Inspect your oven and look for elements that are blistered, sagging or no longer glowing evenly. Replacing a faulty element is typically a straightforward repair that restores even heat. Tackle this task with help from our DIY video guide, “How to change your fan forced oven element”.

It is also worth checking the door seal and hinges. Heat escaping around a worn gasket can create cold spots and force the oven to run longer, increasing your energy bill.

Cooktop burners not lighting or heating properly

To keep your burners working properly, keep your cooktop clean by wiping up spills and cleaning as you go. Sometimes you need to tackle a deeper clean to rid your oven parts of unsightly burnt food, baked on mess, greasy gas burner grates and clogged gas ports.

For gas models, remove and clean the burner caps and heads. If cleaning does not help, replacing the igniter or a damaged burner part.

On electric or ceramic models, a single element that won’t heat does not mean the entire surface is finished. Replacement elements and switches are available at Statewide Appliance Spares.

Dishwasher is not cleaning well and has bad odours

If your glassware is cloudy and dishwashers are coming out dirty, pull out the racks and inspect the spray arms and filter. Food scraps, labels and scale can clog spray holes and block water flow, resulting in dirty dishes. Cleaning or replacing spray arms and filters can restore performance quickly.

A regular descaling cycle using a dishwasher descaler can clear mineral deposits, improve water circulation and tackle odour. We recommend Power of 4 Dishwasher/Washer Descaler to tackle this task. Check the door seal too—if it is mouldy or damaged, a replacement can stop leaks and smells.

Washing machine shaking, leaking or leaving clothes dirty

When a washing machine starts thumping around or even sliding across the floor, it can seem like the whole thing is about to give out. Clothes coming out dirty just adds to that worry. But a lot of these problems are not as bad as they look, and you can fix them without buying a new one.

Excessive vibration can be caused by worn suspension components, broken feet or an uneven floor rather than a dying motor. Levelling the machine and replacing suspension parts can dramatically reduce noise.

If the machine is leaking, inspect door seals, hose connections and the detergent dispenser drawer. A cracked door seal or a split hose can usually be swapped out without replacing the entire appliance, and a thorough clean of the dispenser and internal hoses can improve wash quality.

Troubleshoot and fix a faulty washing machine with our handy guide.

Dryer not drying clothes

When your clothes take forever to dry, the first step is to clean the lint filter and inspect the vent hose for blockages. Poor airflow is one of the most common causes of long drying times and overheating. Also inspect the vent outlet outside the home for lint build‑up or obstructions.

If airflow is clear but clothes are still damp, the next suspects are the heating element or thermostat. Replacing faulty dryer parts can bring your dryer back to efficient performance without investing in a new appliance.

When it really is time to replace

Unfortunately, not every appliance can be saved. If the unit has major faults, is very old and inefficient, or requires repairs close to the cost of a new model, replacement may be the smarter long‑term solution.

For many common problems, a simple fix or part replacement will extend the life of your existing appliance, save money and reduce landfill. The new year is an ideal time to inspect your home appliances and tackle easy repairs to increase the lifespan of your appliance.

All the latest on the Statewide blog

Visit our blog for all the latest on dryer repairs and maintenance. We share our top energy saving tips and easy maintenance tasks you can tackle today.  

Check out our YouTube channel

Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze!

Where to buy appliance spare parts

Find all your spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares. The biggest range of spare parts for all the top brands, ready for fast Australia wide shipping.

Need help finding the right spare part for your home appliance? Our friendly team are on hand, ready to help! Call us on Free Call 1800 005 220.