The dishwasher is one of the modern appliances that make life easy. Unlike most of the appliances in the market, the dishwasher is easy to maintain. According to dishwasher repair professionals, some of the proper dishwasher maintenance practices include:

Keep it level

A dishwasher should be level. If it isn’t, it could leak. For you to tell whether the unit is level, open the door and place an air-bubble level along the edges. If the dishwasher isn’t level, raise or lower either side by adjusting its “feet.” You can also add a wedge to balance it correctly.

Inspect the sprayer arms for clogs

When you go for a long time without cleaning it, food particles, mineral deposits, and other debris are bound to clog the holes in the sprayer arm. For the dishwasher to function more efficiently clean these small holes.

At least once every month, remove the sprayer arm and soak it in warm vinegar to loosen any obstruction. You should then clean out each spray hole with an awl or pipe cleaner.

Check the gaskets for cracks and other signs of damage

Gaskets are rubbers of plastic seals you find along the dishwasher door. Their purpose is to provide a water-tight seal when you close the doors.

Signs of faulty gaskets include water around the dishwasher. If the gasket is damaged, remove it by unscrewing it using a screwdriver. You can get a replacement gasket from a hardware store. You can also order one from a manufacturer.

Before you install the new gasket, soak it in hot water to make it more flexible.

Check and clean the screens and filters

Each dishwasher has a screen or filter located above the food drain. Its purpose is to catch large food and debris. For you to prevent clogs from coming about, clean it regularly.

If you have never cleaned it before, take a look at the owner’s manual for instructions on how to go about it. If you inspect the filter and it has holes, you have to replace it to avoid harming the other parts of the dishwasher.

While you are at it, also inspect and clear out any food or debris that might be trapped in the food drain.

Keep the dishwasher plugged

Plenty of accidents have been reported when dishwashers electrocute homeowners. Dishwashers have inbuilt water heaters and motors that consume a lot of electricity. The unit also uses a lot of water. If the unit isn’t properly wired, you are at more risk of being electrocuted.

For you to be safe and protect your family members from any danger, you should plug the dishwasher into a grounded outlet.

Watch out for the socket you connect it to. As a rule of thumb, ensure that it’s rated adequately to handle large loads that are required by most dishwashers.

Watch the water temperature

The temperature of the water greatly determines how efficient the dishwasher is. To improve the efficiency of the unit, reduce the amount of hot water you need to clean the dishes.

Studies show that up to 80% of the energy goes into heating the water. If the water is too cool, it doesn’t clean the dishes as well as you should. If the water is too hot, you end up wasting a lot of energy.

Set the water temperature at 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Water at this temperature will effectively remove all the food particles and residues without wasting a lot of energy. Place a thermometer inside the dishwasher. If above or below 130 degrees, adjust the hot water heater.

Use the right detergents

Not all detergents and soaps are designed for dishwashers. Wrong detergents produce large amounts of foam, suds, and bubbles that leak from the dishwasher and spill onto the floor.

For you to be safe, use detergents and soaps designed for dishwashers. Appliance repair Alexandria professionals recommend that you use powder detergents instead of gels. This is because gels contain chlorine bleach that has been shown to dissolve seals and gaskets.

Gels also don’t work well with hard water. They also clog the detergent dispenser thus impeding the cleaning performance. Gels also leave more spots and cloudiness on glassware so that it looks dirty after removal.

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If you have a dishwasher in your kitchen, you’ll need to have a garbage disposal. A garbage disposal can take care of any small food particles that are left over after you eat. Even if you don’t have a dishwasher, you might still have a disposal to make sure that you don’t wind up with a drain that’s stopped up when you’re washing dishes. Like other small appliances, issues can crop up with a garbage disposal. While you might need to replace your garbage disposal under some conditions, there are some signs that indicate a somewhat simple repair might work:

Strange Noises

A high-pitched grinding noise coming from your garbage disposal might indicate that you need to make get it repaired. Sometimes, a metal utensil can fall into the disposal. It’s usually possible to remove these and fix the problem. If there’s not a utensil evident, you’ll want to call someone to see what the problem is. In this instance, the components of your disposal could be misaligned. A professional can tell you what direction to go in if there’s a nasty grinding noise coming from your disposal. If the components of your disposal are out of alignment, a professional will likely be able to remedy the problem with a few adjustments.

Your Disposal Won’t Turn On

Sometimes, a garbage disposal simply won’t turn on. There can be a number of reasons this might happen. If it’s not a simple problem with a circuit breaker, you’ll want to contact a professional skilled at garbage disposal repair. A professional can figure out the problem and make recommendations regarding repairs or replacement when your disposal won’t turn on.

The Disposal Jams

If you put too much food into your disposal, it could jam. If you put the wrong food into the disposal, it can also jam. Potato peels are notorious for jamming garbage disposals. Additionally, a disposal with dull blades can stop up because the food particles aren’t getting chopped up correctly. If you find that your disposal is jammed, a professional might be able to fix the problem with a simple repair. This might involve removing any food that’s jamming it or replacing any dull blades that are no longer doing their job.

There’s a Nasty Odor

Rotting food has a tendency to smell over time. A disposal that’s not doing its job could start to have food settle in it. When a garbage disposal fails to do what it’s designed to do, you might start to smell an unpleasant odor coming from your sink. If you find that this is the case in your kitchen, you should contact a professional to check out whether your disposal is taking care of the food that you’re feeding it.

If your disposal fails to work as advertised, you’ll want to contact Dave’s Appliance Service to take care of any garbage disposal repair that might fix the problem. We serve Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin, and we’d love to help you get your garbage disposal in working order. The sooner you get your disposal fixed, the sooner your sink and dishwasher will operate as designed. Call (262) 253-2200 today.

Ask us about our repair specials. Senior Discount: Seniors ALWAYS receive $13 off any repair service.

Photo by bradleypjohnson from Flickr using Creative Commons license.

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Do you own a black, white or stainless steel Frigidaire or Kenmore brand electric wall oven?  Some of these ovens are a part of a recall issued by the manufacturer, Electrolux, because they can pose a fire hazard to consumers. 

Read below for more information on the recall.  

Recall Information

On July 26, 2016, the manufacturer Electrolux issued a recall with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for approximately 1,000 electric wall ovens branded Kenmore or Frigidaire. The recall covers both single and double ovens.  The brand name on these ovens is printed below the oven window. The ovens were originally sold in March and April 2016.  The Frigidaire models retailed in Illinois and the Kenmore models were sold at Sears stores nationwide.  

The model and serial numbers on these ovens can be found inside the oven on the left side.  Specific information about which serial numbers and models are covered by the recall and detailed information about the recall itself can be found at this CPSC link. There is a fire hazard with these ovens due to the improper manufacturing of the thermal switch.  The recall recommends that you stop using these ovens immediately.  

What You Can Do

If you need assistance with this or any appliance you can contact us. With all product recalls we recommend getting in touch directly with the brand and/or manufacturer first.  With this recall, a free inspection and repair on Kenmore ovens are available by contacting Sears at 800-659-7026 Monday through Friday from 7 am-9 pm CT or on Saturday from 7 am-8 pm CT.  If you own a Frigidaire model covered by this recall you can get in touch with Electrolux directly by calling 888-360-8556 from 8 am-8pm ET Monday through Saturday, or by emailing Frigidaire.

Jerry’s Appliance Repair is authorized to service Electrolux ovens both in and out of warranty.  We have completed over 200,000 service calls in Indiana in the past 24 years.  We’ve recently expanded our service area to include Kentucky.  We offer quality, efficient service to meet your home appliance repair needs.  

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It’s a fact that the washing machine saves you time and effort. For you to keep it functioning optimally for long you need to take good care of it. Washer repair experts recommend that you clean it regularly to not only leave it looking great, but also to keep off awful smell and bacteria. For you to properly clean the unit you need to:

Wash the washing machine filter

It’s in the filter where gunk is collected after every cycle. Small items such as coins and buttons end up in the filter. With time, if you don’t clean it, dirt might buildup worsening the performance of the machine.

To clean the filter you need to begin with locating it. For the front load washing machines, the filter is located at the bottom, usually in the right corner. Remove it taking care that you don’t break it.

After removing it, use a paper towel to remove any lint that might have built up. Remove as much lint as you can using a paper towel. If the paper towel isn’t doing a good job, scrub off what is remaining using a toothbrush or sponge.

Pay attention to the screen that gathers all the gunk. Remove it and soak it in hot water to get out any dirt that might have stuck to it.

Once the filter is clean, take a look inside the unit before you put it back. Using a paper towel, trace the sides of the opening. You can also use an old toothbrush to get rid of all the dirt that might be on the inside.

To have an easy time, clean the air filter once every 3-4 months.

Get rid of the smell from the washing machine

If you have had your washing machine for a long time you must have been in a situation where you open the washing machine door and a pungent smell hits your nose. You don’t need to throw away your washing when it’s making the awful smells.

The first place you should look is the drawer. Take out the drawer then scrub it properly. You can use your hand or sponge. Once you are done with the cleaning, let it dry and put it back. For you to kill all the mold, use a mixture of baking soda and water.

You can also use a mixture of soda and vinegar. The mixture causes a reaction that eats away the mold or lint. Once the cleaning cycle has ended, you are left with a clean and fresh smelling machine. If you run a cycle with the mixture and still the machine doesn’t have a fresh smell, repeat the cycle.

It’s common for dirt and grime to hide in the crevasses of the seal. Mould also tends to grow there as the area holds moisture for a long time. To clean the seal, use a damp piece of cloth then run your fingers along the rubber to clean it. If you can remove the seal, do so and wash it under the water.

Pay attention to the outside of the washing machine

Cleaning the insides of the machine isn’t enough—you also need to clean the outside. It’s common for the washing machine to get dusty and start looking old and yellowish. To maintain the shine, use a dry clean cloth or rug.

Go over the entire exterior rubbing all the necessary areas. Get rid of the fingerprints and dried up marks that might be there.

Once you are done with the exterior, pay close attention to the windows. Start with going over the window with a dry rack to get rid of the excessive dust. You should then use your favorite mirror or glass detergent and spray it onto the glass. Once you are done, wipe the surface with a dry piece of cloth or paper towel. For ideal results, wipe in circular motions.

Cleaning products matter

For your washing machine to continue functioning optimally you need to keep it clean. Appliance repair Springfield professionals report that you should be cautious of the cleaning products you use. For ideal results, use high-quality detergents. If possible, go for eco-friendly detergents. While they will be a little bit expensive, they will give you perfect results.

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Many kitchen conversations revolve around a question that’s nearly as old as time-saving appliances: Just how clean should the dishes be when they go into the dishwasher?

Some insist that a quick pre-scraping will do, while others argue that the dishes must make contact with soap, water and a healthy dose of elbow grease before beginning their automated bath. Still, others come down somewhere in the middle.

The Importance of Dishwasher Detergents

Didn’t clean your plate at dinner? Believe it or not, some varieties of dishwasher detergents contain enzymes — amylase and protease — that help finish off your food. These enzymes digest proteins and starches by breaking them down into smaller pieces, much as your stomach enzymes begin the digestion process in your body.

After your enzyme-containing dishwasher detergent starts the breakdown process, your dishwasher rinses away the remaining debris, and your dishes emerge sparkling clean. Not all dishwasher detergents contain enzymes, and you’ll find that the variety of soap you choose plays a significant role in the performance of your dishwasher.

If your dishwasher doesn’t seem to be doing the job well enough, you may want to take a look at the type of detergent you’re using. Standard detergents will remove grime and oil well enough, and varieties with added bleach will remove most stains. Meanwhile, rinse aids can help avoid the white residue that hard water leaves on glassware.

Older detergents used phosphates, which cleaned well but increased the risk of environmental damage. Research has found that newer varieties with enzymes clean just as well, and the enzymes break themselves down quickly without harming the environment.

To Pre-Rinse — or not to Pre-Rinse?

Manufacturers of enzyme-containing dishwasher detergents discourage rinsing or pre-washing dishes; doing so can actually make the detergent less effective. Instead, give dishes a quick scrape, load them into the dishwasher, and let the enzymes get to work.

Still have questions or concerns about your dishwasher? Contact Sarah’s Appliance Repair today at 505-835-1927, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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In most cases, when the oven door will not open, it is because it is still locked. In some models, there is a manual lock that can be disengaged, but if you have an automatic lock, it can be a frustrating problem that may not have a clear answer.

When your oven is locked, this is a safety feature that is done during the self-cleaning cycle. As the oven gets so hot inside to burn away excess food and greases, it is a hazard. To prevent injury or other issues, the oven will lock the door until the cycle is complete. In most cases where the oven door is still locked, it is because the self-clean cycle was stopped prematurely, such as when you hit it accidentally or just wanted it to stop so you could actually use your oven.

In some cases, you can actually unlock your oven by turning on the self-clean cycle and letting it run its full course. This could take a while, however. If you stopped the self-clean cycle because you thought the damage was being done to your oven, then you do not want to try this method.

What you can do instead of running the self-clean cycle to completion is to actually unplug your oven for a bit. This essentially resets the appliance and may force the door lock to disengage. Your oven’s owner manual may also have a way to reset it via pushing specific buttons on the control panel as well.

Finally, if none of the above worked, it is possible that the door lock is malfunctioning. In most ranges, you can access this by removing the top of the stove, though some models may have access in the back of the appliance. If you need help repairing a faulty oven door lock, contact us today to see what we can do to help.

The post What to Do When an Oven Door Will Not Unlock appeared first on Jerry's Appliance Repair.

Freezers are usually extremely reliable. This is true for combination refrigerator-freezers as well as for stand-alone units. They perform their job well with little maintenance and can last 12 to as long as 20 years. However, no machine lasts forever. From time to time, you may notice signs that your freezer needs repair. Here are three of those signs:

1. Your food is spoiling

Just like fresh food, frozen food has a shelf life, which typically ranges from about two months for cured or processed meat to a year or more for fruits and vegetables. If your frozen food is not lasting that long, your freezer may need repairing. This is especially true if your food is spoiling after only a few days. Although other possibilities exist, the premature spoilage of food could be a symptom of a malfunctioning thermostat or dirty condenser coils. In either case, you will want to call for a freezer repair as soon as possible in order to minimize the damage. Also, your freezer may be running more than it should in an effort to keep up, and this could increase your electric bill.

2. Frost is building up on the freezer walls

If you see heavy frost or ice beginning to accumulate on the walls of your freezer, this is another sign that you may be in need of a freezer repair. In such cases, you may notice that your freezer isn’t holding its temperature as well as it should. Possible causes include a bad door seal or worn-out door hinges. Either of these can allow room-temperature air to enter the freezer compartment, which can cause condensation. It is also possible that your freezer drain could be clogged.

If frost is accumulating in the back of the freezer where the evaporator coils are located, this could indicate a problem with the defrost cycle. Suspects include a defective heater or defrost sensor. It is also possible that the freezer control board or timer has gone bad. Some of these issues are hard to pinpoint and will require the services of a qualified technician.

3. Your freezer is making noise

Very loud noises or strange sounds could be an indication that your fan motor needs to be replaced. Other possibilities include a malfunctioning ice maker. If the freezer is making gurgling sounds, it could be the sound of water draining off the coils during a defrost cycle. It is possible that these sounds are due to the normal operation of the freezer and nothing to be concerned about. However, if you notice any other signs, such as the freezer not maintaining its temperature, you may want to have your freezer serviced by a qualified appliance technician.

Waiting could cost you

If you notice any of the above signs, you should go ahead and call for a freezer repair at (262) 253-2200 as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may lose the food in your freezer. Ignoring minor problems could lead to more substantial problems later on.

Ask us about our repair specials. Senior Discount: Seniors ALWAYS receive $13 off any repair service.

The post 3 Signs That Your Freezer Might Need Repairing appeared first on Dave's Appliance Service.

Did you know that Indianapolis has some of the best food in the country and an internationally acclaimed biking and walking trail? You can experience it for yourself on any of the Indy Cultural Trail Food Tours offered each week. Here’s what you need to know:

Background on Indy Cultural Trail Food Tours:

Food and Wine Magazine has named Indianapolis one of America’s Favorite Food Cities, and the Cultural Trail is a great way to sample the local cuisine. The Trail is 8-miles long and connects all six of Indy’s Cultural Districts, running from Mass Ave to White River State Park and Fountain Square. Expert guides will tell you stories about local food stars, and fun facts about Indianapolis and the Cultural Trail. Meanwhile, you’ll be enjoying a menu from multiple James Beard-nominated restaurants and old and new Indy favorites including Amelia’s, Best Chocolate in Town, Bluebeard, Chilly Water, Circle City Soups and Sweets, City Market, Mimi Blues Meatballs, New Day Meadery, Pearings, Red Lion, Roosters, Saffron Cafe, Tortas, Union 50, and Wildwood.

Ticket Information for Indy Cultural Trail Food Tours:

You can choose from 3 walking tours, as well as a bicycle tour available from April through October. Walking tours focus on Fountain Square, Fletcher Place or Mass Ave. The current price is $55 per person and includes 5 to 8 restaurants depending on your selection. The bicycle tour starts and ends at City Market, and costs $75 for 7 restaurants, which also entitles you to a 24 day-pass for Pacers Bikeshare. Pacers even provides the bikes for the tour too. Walking tours are 90 minutes, bike tours are 2 hours, and all tours begin at 1:00 pm. These events are restricted to those over 21 because alcohol samples will be served too.

Jerry’s Appliance Repair prides itself on providing prompt, expert service in central and southern Indiana. Contact us today for superior service and online scheduling.

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When it comes to a refrigerator repair, a refrigerator light going out is about as best you could hope for. It is not a complex fix compared to the other problems that could manifest. However, while the light bulb might go out and need to be replaced if you change out the bulb and find out that the light still is not working, there is a lot more that could be the cause.

This only applies to traditional light bulbs and not LED, which can vary by model.

If you replaced the light bulb in the refrigerator and the light is still not coming on, there are two parts that you should check next – the light socket and the light switch. With the refrigerator unplugged, you should check the light socket first for continuity with a multimeter as well as do a visual check to make sure the terminals are not damaged. If the socket does turn out to be faulty, you can usually pop it out of the refrigerator via releasing the locking tab around its edge. The wire harness can then be removed and a new one can be installed.

If the light socket checks out, it may be the case of a faulty door switch that is responsible for turning the light on and off. You should first check to make sure it isn’t dirty and sticking in the off position. If it appears to be broken and needs replacement, you simply need to either pry it out or remove the control box and then remove the switch depending on your model of refrigerator. The wires can be released and a new one can be installed.

While repairing a refrigerator light no matter what is wrong with it is a rather easy repair, there are a lot of appliance repairs that are not so easy. If you aren’t comfortable attempting them yourself, contact us today to see what Jerry’s Appliance Repair can do to help.

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