Microwaves make your life so much easier. But if the turntable inside the microwave stops functioning, then it’s likely the food will not cook evenly. There are a number of reasons your microwave tray may stop spinning. In this post, we will examine each potential cause and how you can fix it.

 

Interior Debris

Sometimes when you microwave food, food particles can splatter all over the interior of the oven. It is possible for them to become encrusted on the tracks of the roller guide or the coupler. The solution is extremely simple: thoroughly clean the interior of the oven.

Remove the round, glass microwave tray and the roller guide; check to make sure that there is no stuck-on food that might inhibit turning

Wash in warm soapy water

Wash out the interior of the microwave

Replace roller guide and tray

Test it out and if your tray turns, you’ve solved the problem!

 

Roller Guide

If a thorough cleaning doesn’t do the trick, the issue may be with the roller guide. The roller guide works with the coupler to rotate the turntable. It has a center part that fits on the coupler and then the outer circle guides it along the track. When you take the roller guide out to clean it, make a comprehensive inspection of it.

Examine the wheels on the guide to ensure they turn freely with no resistance

Look for any signs of wear, cracking, discoloration, or damage

Look at the fitting for the coupler; any cracks or damage may mean that it is not engaging properly

If you find any issues, you will need to have a replacement roller guide.

 

Coupler

The coupler is the center piece in your microwave oven that attaches to the drive motor below. It connects to the roller guide as well. If the coupler is damaged, then the energy from the drive motor is not being transferred to the roller guide. Here’s how to figure out if the coupler is the culprit.

Disconnect your appliance from the power source

Locate your drive coupler – in most models, that means removing the tray and roller guide; in some models, you will need to remove the motor from the floor of the microwave to find the coupler

Remove coupler – most models will have a three sided coupler that will just pull off of the motor shaft.

Examine coupler – it normally has a D shaped opening that fits tightly onto the motor shaft and you should look for cracks, discoloration or wear

If you identify any issues, you will need a replacement drive coupler.

 

Drive Motor

The drive motor that powers the turntable is located in the floor of the microwave. If you have eliminated all of the causes above, you will need to check the drive motor. This is a more extensive undertaking and you may want to contact the experts at Dave’s Appliance. If you decide to tackle it yourself, then you should be prepared with a multi-meter and other tools.

Disconnect your appliance from the outlet

Remove drive motor – you will need to remove the cabinet in order to get at it, and then disconnect the wires and retaining screw

Test drive motor – using a multimeter set to the highest setting, test for continuity by touching the probes to the terminals; you should receive a reading of zero if your motor is functioning properly.

If your test results aren’t zero, or if your microwave makes grinding noises, then you may need a replacement drive motor. Dave’s Appliance can help.

The post Microwave Not Spinning? How to Fix a Microwave Tray that Won’t Turn appeared first on Dave's Appliance Service.

You know how important it is for wine to be maintained at a specific temperature, minimizing sediment disturbance and maximizing taste. So when your wine cooler suddenly stops cooling, something needs to be done, and quickly.

The first thing to do is determine which type of cooling system it uses. A compressor system is the same technology as a regular refrigerator; a thermoelectric system uses the Peltier effect to lower temperature. The compressor system uses a refrigerant and relies on mechanical energy while the thermoelectric system pumps heat out of the interior using electrical energy. Here are common problems and their solutions for each.

 

Compressor System Problems

Condenser Fan

If the fan in a compressor cooling system stops working, other elements can overheat. In time, that heat can transfer to the interior of your wine cooler. Repairing the condenser fan may be as simple as eliminating built-up dust and debris. If that is not the problem and it is still not spinning freely after thorough cleaning, the fan needs replacement. It is possible to do so on your own, though you may want to call the professionals at Dave’s Appliance.

 

Broken Evaporator

If the evaporator doesn’t work, the unit won’t produce cold air even if the compressor is running properly at full capacity. The evaporator also uses a fan, and built-up dust and debris could be the culprit here too. Likewise, there may be some sort of ice blockage that would be apparent when you examine it. Repair may simply entail cleaning and letting the ice melt, then plugging it back in. If the blades of the fan are actually bent, it will need to be replaced.

 

Defective Thermostat

Your thermostat is responsible for the supply of power to the condenser, evaporator fan, and compressor. The thermostat must be properly calibrated to ensure that your wine is preserved in the best possible way. Unfortunately, a defective thermostat can’t be repaired; you’ll have to replace it entirely. While it is possible to do this yourself, it is best to call in one of the experts at Dave’s Appliance. The procedure itself is complicated and the thermostat is just too important to rely on your own amateur efforts.

 

Thermoelectric System Problems

Room Temperature

The Peltier modules conduct heat out of the cabinet in relation to the outside environment. If the room itself is too hot, the Peltier module can’t do its job properly. It is recommended that this kind of wine cooler should be kept in a room that doesn’t exceed 75ºF. The obvious fix to this situation is either to move the wine cooler to a cooler room, or to ensure that the room it is in never gets warmer than 75ºF.

 

Improper Ventilation

Because of the way it conducts heat out of the system, a thermoelectric wine cooler needs clearance from surrounding objects. Make sure that it is positioned away from walls and other objects, and never place things on top of it. If it is a countertop cooler, don’t have it near the toaster or microwave, which generates heat.

 

Fan Issue

Thermoelectric wine coolers also have a fan that conducts hot air out of the cabinet and it can easily disconnect. As with the compressor system fans, clean off any accumulated dust and debris. If it still doesn’t function, you may need to replace the fan.

 

Your wine cooler is an investment in keeping your wine at the optimal temperature. When it is malfunctioning, your wine is at risk. Dave’s Appliance can remedy the issue quickly and easily.

The post Wine Cooler Not Cooling? How to Repair Your Wine Fridge appeared first on Dave's Appliance Service.

You want your washer and dryer to last as long as possible. This requires regular professional maintenance as well as daily maintenance tasks you can do. Read on to learn what you can do at home and remember to contact American Appliance Repair when you need dryer repair or maintenance.

1. Clean Your Lint Screen Often

You should never let lint build up in your dryer. You may know that if there is too much lint a fire can occur, but that is actually very rare. While you obviously want to avoid that chance of fire, it is also important to get rid of any small amount of extra lint that is on the screen. Why? Because even that tiny bit of lint will cause your dryer to work harder to get clothes dry. As time goes on, this can affect how well your dryer works overall.

2. Do Not Put Dirty Clothing in Your Dryer

If you want the inside of your dryer to stay clean then you should not put soiled clothing into it. You should also only dry clothing that is wet because it has been in the washing machine. If you have wet clothing or towels for another reason, such as spending a day at the beach, they should be washed before they are put through the dryer. This prevents dirt, sand, and other debris from clogging up your dryer.

3. Wipe Down the Exterior of the Dryer

While you do need to take good care of the interior of your dryer, you should also be sure to keep the exterior clean too. Wipe it down at last once a week to prevent soap from corroding it. If you don’t, soap reside can not only make your dryer dirty, but it can get onto just-watched clothing and make them dirty.

4. Keep Your Dryer Vents Cleaned

One of the most important aspects of maintaining your dryer is regular vent cleaning. You should do a comprehensive cleaning of your vent or duct at least every six months. There are cleaning brushes made for this exact purpose. If you do not do this, and an obstruction occurs, the amount of air that gets to the dryer will be significantly reduced. This results in wasted energy and extended drying times. Over time, this can break down your dryer and shorten its life span.

Do you need help finding the right maintenance options for your washer and dryer? Do you want to work with an experienced appliance repair company that can assist you in repairs, installation, replacement parts, and much more? Then contact American Appliance Repair at 800-640-9934 at your earliest convenience.

The post 4 Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Dryer in Top Shape appeared first on American Appliance Repair.

You need kitchen appliances to execute everyday household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and keeping the food fresh. When the appliances develop a problem, you have to hire an appliance repair professional to fix them.

Top-notch technicians don’t come cheap, so when your appliance keeps on developing problems, the fees charged by the contractors can quickly add up.

Luckily, you can reduce the frequency you hire contractors by taking good care of your appliances. How do you do this? Put these tips into consideration:

DIY oven/stove maintenance

Start with confirming that the door provides a tight seal. When the door is poorly sealed, the oven can lose up to 20% of its heat. This results in the food taking a long time to cook. The food can also cook unevenly.

To confirm the condition of the seal, open the oven door and find the gasket around the door perimeter. Are there any broken, deformed, or torn areas? If they are there, replace the seal.

You also should clean or replace the vent filters. To do it, wash the metal grease filters in soapy water or use a dishwasher. If your appliance has paper or charcoal filters, don’t wash them. You should replace them if too dirty or worn out.

Also, pay attention to the stovetop drip bowls. You need to clean them by presoaking them in a cleaning solution. You should then handwash and replace the bowls. Make a habit of cleaning the drip bowls immediately after spills. This is because if the spills burn into the bowls, you have to replace them.

DIY garbage disposal repair and maintenance

One of the most common issues you will have with your garbage disposal is the appliance clogging up now and then. The clogging comes about when you go for a long time without cleaning it. To prevent the clogging, clean the appliance.

To avoid injuries, ensure that the disposal is off before you begin the cleaning. When cleaning the garbage disposal, be on the lookout for both large and small items that might have got stuck in the unit.

Use tongs or any other tool to remove the blockages. Never use your bare hands for cleaning.

After removing any large items that might be there, pour a mixture of ice cubes and vinegar or salt down the drain. Wait for at least 10 seconds then run cold water over it. To remove any odors that might be there, place a handful of citrus peels in the disposal, run cold water and turn it on.

You should be cautious of the materials you allow down the garbage disposal. As a rule of thumb, avoid fibrous materials that have high chances of causing clogs.

DIY refrigerator maintenance tips

Dust, dirt, and pet hair tend to clog up refrigerator coils restricting airflow and causing the fridge to work harder to cool the food. Once or twice a year, use a vacuum to clean the coils and suck up any loose particles that might be there.

The location of the coils varies depending on the refrigerator model. Most of the refrigerators will have the coils behind the kick plate or at the rear.

In addition to cleaning the coils, you also need to change the refrigerator water filters. Water filters that don’t remove the contaminants and impurities expose you to harmful water so you should change them once every three to six months.

DIY dishwasher maintenance tips

While the dishwasher can gobble up and dispose of large bits of food, it doesn’t mean you should feed it a lot of it. When you allow a lot of food in the appliance, the appliance is bound to clog up or start functioning inefficiently.

To protect the appliance from working too hard, make a habit of rinsing off any unwanted foods from the dishes. Direct the large food chunks to the garbage disposal as it’s more capable of handling the waste.

You also should regularly inspect the dish rack tines. If they have rusted, they will ruin the dishes and silverware. To solve the issue, buy a tine repair kit then use a sealant to adhere the replacement tips over the chipped or rusty tines.

You don’t need to hire a dishwasher repair Alexandria professional to help you with this as you can easily do it by yourself.

The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

If walking into your laundry room fills you with dread because of the lack of organization, then you will be happy to check out these six options for organizing your laundry room. Whether they all work for you or just a few, they can make a big difference.

1. Make Sure You Are Using Every Inch of Space

If your laundry room is a small space – and most laundry rooms are – then you will need to get creative about how to use the space. How this will work for you will depend on the specifics of your laundry room. You may need to organize your cabinets, you may need better hampers, or you may need to add shelves. Remember that hooks and racks can make use of your vertical space too.

2. Take a Closer Look at Your Cleaning Supplies

Many homeowners have shelves in their laundry room that are filled with nearly-empty bottles of detergent, cleaners, and other cleaning materials. Take a look and get rid of anything that you do not use or has expired. Anything you decide to keep should be stored in an organized manner.

3. Install a Countertop

If you have room in your basement, adding a countertop can be a huge help. You can likely find a fairly inexpensive butcher block or other sturdy material to use as a countertop. It can then be used to store cleaning products or baskets, or to sort laundry when folding it.

4. Let Curtains Become Your Best Ally

If you want to organize various parts of your laundry room, curtains are about to become your new best friend. Choose neutral-colored curtains behind which you can hide your washer and dryer. If you choose a single color for all the space, it will look more streamlined and together.

5. Use a Hanging Rod

If you do not already use a hanging rod in your laundry room, now is the time to install one. You can run it across a doorway, a small corner of the room, or anywhere else that makes sense. This is where you will hang clothing that cannot be dried, swimming suits, etc.

6. Create a System for Lost and Found Items

Depending on how many people live in your home, and how often you travel and/or have guests over, it may be that you end up with random bits of clothing that is not yours. It may be that you have single socks that cannot find their mate. Have a section of your laundry room for unclaimed items.

Of course, you cannot have a truly organized laundry room unless you can first get a washer and dryer that work well. If your units have seen better days and are in need of repair, contact American Appliance Repair at 800-640-9934 and we can get to them right away.

The post 6 Ways to Better Organize Your Laundry Room appeared first on American Appliance Repair.

You expect that your washer is going to
swish and make some noise when it is spinning, but what happens when
the spinning is much louder than it usually is? Generally speaking,
any time your appliances are acting differently than they usually do,
it is likely a good time to talk to an appliance
repair company. You can also keep reading to get a few ideas on
what may be causing the loud noise.

You Could Have a Defective Tub Bearing

It may be an issue of a faulty tub
bearing. This is a small part shaped like a ring. It is located in
the outer tube of the frontload washer. If you know where the
transmission is on the top loader, look near there and you should
find it. The tub bearing is on both types of washers – top loader
and front loader – and is tasked with keeping the inner tubs moving
correctly and smoothly.

As time goes on, water, detergent, and
other gunk can seep from the seal of the tub and cause rust in the
bearings. This may cause a loud banging and/or squealing sound when
the washer is spinning. This is not a replaceable part and due to the
difficult location and proximity to other delicate components of the
washer, we do recommend professional help for this dryer
repair.

The Issue Could Be a Damaged Drive Pulley

The purpose of your dryer’s drive
pulley is to rotate the drive belt within your washer. Essentially,
it is what physically moves your washer drum around. You can find the
drive pulley on the back of your washer drum. There should be a belt
looped around it. As time goes on, the drive pulley can loosen.
Tightening can silence the loudness but if it is bet or cracked, it
will need to be replaced.

The Drive Belt Could Be Worn

The drive belt has an important job: It
spins the washer drum. It is wrapped around the drum between the
tensioner pulley and the drive pulley. As is true of the drive
pulley, over time this belt can loosen. It can become worn and get
tears and cracks. In some cases, it could even break. This damage can
cause loud noises during a spin cycle. If the belt is simply
loosened, you can reposition it, but any damage requires replacement.

There Could Be a Failed Motor Coupling

The motor
coupling in your washer connects the transmission and the motor. This
powers the appliance. The motor coupling is between these two
mechanisms if you have a direct-drive washer that does not have a
drive belt. In the event the transmission does not work correctly,
the coupling can break from the motor. Additionally, couplings can
wear out as time goes on.

Remember that you can always contact American Appliance Repair at 800-640-9934 for help diagnosing and repairing any appliance issues.

The post Is Your Washing Machine Much Too Loud on the Spin Cycle? Learn Potential Causes and Fixes appeared first on American Appliance Repair.

The dishwasher is one of the most hardworking appliances in your home. Unfortunately, grease gunk and leftover food particles accumulate over time, leaving your appliance with a musty smell.

Has your appliance been having an awful smell you aren’t proud of? Many homeowners rush to the stores to buy expensive commercial deodorizers, but you shouldn’t do this as there are plenty of ways you can get rid of the smell without spending much.

Here are some of these ways as given by dishwasher repair professionals:

Clean the drain filter

Most dishwashers have a drain filter that prevents food particles from clogging the drain. If you go for a long time without cleaning your appliance, the drain filter is bound to produce awful smells.

To clean the filter, start with removing the filter from the floor of the dishwasher, then wash the filter in the kitchen sink with hot water and soap. To have an easy time reaching the interior surfaces, use a bottle brush if necessary.

After cleaning the filter, reinsert it back. It’s common to find the filter damaged. In such a case, replace it with a new one. Before you reinsert the drain filter, ensure that the drain is clear of food debris. If there are any remaining food particles, wipe them with a sponge.

Clean the insides of the dishwasher

When you go for a long time without cleaning the dishwasher, it’s common for grime to accumulate on the interior walls of the appliance.

Did you know a quick wipe down on the appliance can do wonders to the foul smell? Start with removing the upper and lower racks then run them under hot water in the kitchen sink.

Scrub the inside of the dishwasher with a rag or sponge dampened with hot water. While at it, pay attention to the door gasket, which might have collected mold and mildew.

If it’s months since you last cleaned the appliance, it’s normal to find a lot of accumulated grime that is hard to remove. In such a case, use kitchen-safe household cleaners that will make it easy to scrub out the filth.

Wipe the door gasket

The door gasket is the black rubber seal that lines the opening of the dishwasher. The gasket often has a magnetic strip on the inside that helps it to cling to the frame of the dishwasher to prevent water from leaking out during cycles.

In some cases, the food particles that get washed off the dishes during the cleaning cycle stick to the sides of the gasket. When you go for a long time without cleaning, the particles start producing an awful smell.

To get rid of the smell, wipe down the gasket with warm water. You also should inspect the gasket. If damaged or worn out, replace it so that the dishwasher can continue functioning optimally.

Clean the spray arm

When the spray arm gets clogged with food, the dishwasher doesn’t clean the plates, cups, or silverware as efficiently as you would want it to.

The clogged food also makes the dishwasher smelly. Just like with the other parts, you need to clean the spray arm to get rid of the smell. Start with removing the upper and lower spray arms. Holding the spray arm over the kitchen sink, remove any stray food particles using a cotton swab.

You should then run water through the spray arm to ensure that all the holes are clear. Once you are done with one arm, repeat the process on the second.

Clean out the garbage disposal

You might think that the garbage disposal has nothing to do with the dishwasher, but the same central hose connects the two.

So, sometimes you might think that the smell is coming from the dishwasher while it’s coming from the garbage disposal. To tell where the smell is coming from, disconnect the hose from the disposal.

Temporarily remove the hose, then clean it out using a stiff wire and a thin, damp cloth.

You should note that cleaning the garbage disposal is messy, so you should be prepared for it. If you aren’t ready for it, ask an appliance repair Northern VA professional to help you out.

The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

No one wants to deal with the cost, hassle, and potential danger of a dryer fire yet they happen every day of the year. Keep reading to discover four of the most important steps you can take to significantly reduce the chance of your dryer catching on fire. If you need dryer repair, contact American Appliance Repair at 800-640-9934 to schedule it.

1. Have Your Dryer Professionally Installed

One of the most important steps to take is to ensure that your dryer is installed by appliance professionals. Doing so assures that everything is installed properly and carefully. We know how to install a variety of units, whether gas or electric, whether individual units or washer and dryer combos. We know the recommendations from various manufacturers and we know how to properly installed everything, including the vent pipe. This one-time-cost is well worth the dividends when it means a safer dryer.

2. Get Service on a Regular Basis

One of the most common causes of dryer fires is a dryer that is not cleaned or well maintained. You should look behind your dryer where lint can build up. Clean your dryer at least once per year and be sure to inspect the hose and vent twice each year. We suggest that you get a qualified appliance repair company to provide the deep maintenance you need. This could include cleaning the interior chassis. This reduces lint accumulation and can give you the peace of mind that your machine has been looked at by the professionals. We can also inspect your venting and exhaust system to be sure it is working correctly.

3. Keep Flammable Materials Away from the Dryer

When people think of dryer fires, they often assume that lint is the top cause – but it is not the only cause. Do not store cleaning products, baskets of clothes, boxes, and other flammable things. In fact, keeping clutter away from the dryer not only reduces the chance of a fire starting but helps reduce the chance that if a fire did start, it would spread.

4. Clean Out Your Lint Trap

Of course, the final and most important tip is to make sure that you clean your lint trap. Why? Because the most common source of ignition in dryer fires is dust and lint. When they are allowed to collect within the cavity of the dryer, they are sitting near temperature as high as 550F. This is hot enough to start a fire. Ideally, you should clean the lint screen before and after every single dryer cycle.

If you are in need of assistance with your washer and/or dryer then you will be glad to know you have a partner. Contact American Appliance Repair at 800-640-9934 and we will offer our best advice.

The post These 4 Tips Are the Key to Preventing Dryer Fires appeared first on American Appliance Repair.

According to dishwasher repair professionals, one of the prime reasons dishwashers develop problems is because homeowners load them improperly.

Do you give much thought to how you load your appliance? Here are some of the ways you might be loading your dishwasher wrong:

You group each type of silverware together

It seems logical to keep the knives in one compartment, forks in another, and spoons in a third, right? While you have an easy time removing the items from the dishwasher, the practice makes that the silverware nestle together.

The forks wind up with their tines pressed up against one another and the spoons, well, they spoon. This impedes the water flow making it harder for each item to get adequately clean.

What should you do instead?

You should mix up the silverware in each compartment of the cutlery basket. When doing it, take care you don’t crowd the rack.

You place the pans and bowls randomly

Due to their awkward design, mixing bowls, pans, and casserole dishes are hard to place in the dishwasher. Due to this, many homeowners put them randomly in the dishwasher. This is wrong.

The best way of going about it is slipping large plates, pans, pots, and bowls against the perimeter of the bottom rack where there is more space.

You should then place larger items along the sides and corners of the appliance. Do you have smaller mixing bowls and saucepans? Lay them face down along the side of the top rack.

By doing this, you ensure that the suds and water easily reach even the dirtiest places.

You put large items in the wrong spot

since their size, many homeowners don’t know where to put metal or plastic serving spoons and spatulas. Most of the homeowners end up placing them in the wrong place.

Placing large items at the wrong place not only prevents the water from reaching all the utensils, but it also puts the appliance at the risk of developing dishwasher problems.

The best place to put the dishwasher is flat on the top rack. If your dishwasher has a rack specifically designed for large utensils, use it.

You place bowls and cups on their sides

When the cups and dishes aren’t entirely upside down, the water jets can easily flip them onto their back, which makes them end up collecting food residues instead of getting clean.

The right thing to do is to place the cups and bowls upside down. Also, remember to secure them tightly on the rack.

You load non-dishwasher safe items

When buying the dishwasher, it comes with a manual that you should follow for you to tell the items to put in the dishwasher and those to avoid.

When you go for a long time without going through the dishwasher, it’s common to forget the items that are dishwasher safe and those that aren’t.

You should note that the hot water from the appliance can warp or even melt plastic containers, discolor gold flatware, and crack wood spoons, so these items should never see the insides of the dishwashing machine.

You place glass items in the bottom rack

Your fragile wine glasses and serving pieces have high chances of chipping or breaking when you put them at the bottom shelf.

This is because the rack is closest to the strong water jet, which increases its chances of moving around during a wash cycle.

You overload the machine

It’s common to want to clean all the dishes in one go, but should you do it? Absolutely not! When you cram too many dirty dishes in the machine, the water and detergents don’t circulate to clean the dishes properly, so you end up with dirty dishes even after running them through a cleaning cycle.

In some cases, some of the dishes bang each other and crack.

To avoid this, load just enough dishes in the dishwasher. If you aren’t sure of the maximum to load, refer to the manufacturer’s manual.

You group plates by size

When you do this, you prevent maximum water movement, so you end up with dishwashers that don’t get adequately clean. For water to get to all the utensils, appliance repair Northern VA professionals recommend you alternate small and large plates.

This way, the soap, and water get to all the items hence cleaning all the dishes evenly instead of bouncing off the biggest dishes.

The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair