Ever cursed at a broken appliance?
Before you complain about a manufacturer’s quality, here’s something you should know:
From dishwashers and refrigerators to dryers and automatic washers, many appliance problems are caused by operator error.
The great news is that by following the appliance owner’s manuals and studying up on RepairClinic’s maintenance and repair help information, you can fix these problems and avoid them later on!
Here are a few of these problems and how to prevent them:
Problem: Glassware appears cloudy or foggy after dishwasher cycle.
Common myth: The dishwasher is neglecting to clean properly.
Real cause: You've used too much detergent and it caused permanent damage referred to as etching.
How to fix it: Once etching exists on glassware, there is no way to get rid of it. Avoid using too much detergent by following the owner's manual’s recommendation. Consider detergent pods instead of filling the detergent cup directly to avoid overfilling it.
OR:
Real cause: You have calcium in the water.
How to fix it: To find out if you have hard water, pick up water test strips from the home improvement store. Alternatively, you can hire professional water experts to test it for you. If water is located to be too hard, you may need to install a water softener. The softer the water, the less detergent the dishwasher will have to do its job.
Problem: Dryer is taking longer to dry clothing.
Common myth: The dryer is aging and/or parts are failing.
Real cause: Lint buildup in the venting system is restricting ventilation.
How to fix it: At least once per year, the entire venting system ought to be cleaned out from the inside of the dryer facing outward vent cap. A vent cleaning brush makes this a simple DIY job. In addition to causing performance problems, it is really an extreme fire risk. The lint trap filter should be cleaned out after every load; this is critical for proper air flow.
Problem: Ultra wrinkled clothing after washing.
Common myth: Washing machine's agitator is twisting clothing an excessive amount of.
Real cause: Too much clothing is being stuffed into a single load.
How to fix it: Don't overload your machine. Remove clothing promptly after drying cycle is complete.
Problem: Freezer burn (a.k.a. the snow-ish fuzz that covers your food stored in the freezer) is since the freezer contents.
Common myth: There's a problem with the freezer's thermostat.
Real cause: Food is dehydrated due to exposure to the air – all thanks to improper food packaging. Most frozen foods available at grocery stores are not packaged to prevent dehydration.
How to fix: Food intended to be stored in a freezer for more than a couple of days should be placed in airtight containers or zippered plastic bags created specifically for freezer storage.
Is it safe to eat freezer-burned food? Yes, but most people find that the dehydration leaves the food with a bland taste.
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Dishwasher Maintenance Tips
Dryer Maintenance Tips
Freezer Maintenance Tips
Washing Machine Maintenance Tips