The holidays are over, and now it's time to whip those appliances back into shape. Here are some things you may want to check:

1) Range/Stove/Oven - Burned on gravy spills are difficult, sometimes impossible, to get off burners and drip pans. Consider replacing yours with new ones to make your stove look new again.

2) Refrigerator - If you're like most people, a quick peek in your refrigerator shows exactly what you served for holiday dinners - even after you've tossed the leftovers. Perhaps a smidge of pumpkin pie remains caked on the door seal or some cranberry sauce dripped onto a shelf. Regardless of the story your refrigerator tells, now's a good time to clean it before anything leaks into the insulation and causes a bad odor. A little soapy water will do the trick, and use a toothbrush to get at all the nooks and crannies of the door seal. If the seal looks dry and cracked, you might want to replace it to ensure continued cooling efficiency.

3) Dishwasher - Are your dishes not getting as clean as they were before the holidays? Check to see if the unit is filling with enough water for each cycle. If not, replacing the water inlet valve may fix this problem and get your dishes sparkling clean again.

4) Dryer - If you dried comforters and sheets after holiday guests left, be sure to clean the vent leading to the outside of the house. It will reduce drying times and the risk of fire.

5) Washer - Just as frozen pipes can cause a small flood in your house, cracked and brittle rubber washing machine hoses can burst and cause a mess. Replace them with stainless steel hoses for increased durability and peace of mind.

6) Garbage Disposer - Now that the last of the fruitcake has been safely ground up, it's time to freshen up the disposer. Grind a half-lemon in the disposer to reduce odors.

SOURCE RepairClinic.com

RepairClinic.com offers easy-to-understand advice via the Internet about how to make all kinds of home appliance repairs. The web site empowers do-it-yourself homeowners by helping them diagnose problems, find and order parts, and make repairs.