If you have a kitchen appliance that squeaks or rattles, you know how annoying it can be. With cheaper devices, this is usually the time to remove them and replace them with something newer, but in some cases the devices still feel pretty solid and expensive. Fortunately, there is an easy fix for many devices, and this is simply lubricating certain parts that are a bit worn and therefore making more noise than they used to.
Juicers, food processors, and bakeries are common culprits of making loud squeaks and extra noise after a few years. The manufacturer generally lubricates gears, pulleys, shafts, and bushings with silicone or Teflon-based materials. These last a long time, and if you can find them, it’s the best to use again. You can get them at electrical repair shops or try at hobby stores. The thing about these lubricants is that they are very clean and don’t leave nasty stains, which is why hobbyists like to use them. To lubricate the noisy parts, you will need to open the box of the appliance. Turn it off and unplug it, then find the screws that allow you to lift the top, side, or bottom plate; there should be about 4-6 holding it. Most electrical appliances use Phillips head screws, although some use security screws for which you will need special drill bits. Once inside and when you see the motor, pulleys and gears, just give the machine a hand turn. You should hear the familiar screech and see where it comes from. All you need to do is apply a few drops of lubricant between the contact points (for example, where a shaft passes through a bushing or bearing) and run a thin bead around the sprockets. The only place you should NOT put is on a pulley that has a belt running through it, as bread makers often do. There has to be a certain amount of friction here so that the strap doesn’t slip. If this happens, you should wipe off the lubricant with a cloth and denatured alcohol.
