Since dishwashers have been around for a long time, you might think you know everything about them, but this isn’t the case. According to appliance repair professionals, there are plenty of things you can do to your appliance to get the most from them. These things include:

Use the dishwasher to clean more dishes

You need to change how you think about your dishwasher to get more out of it. If you only use it to load dishes, you only use a small part of what it can do.

Your dishwasher can clean many things around the house, like makeup, plastic hair, nail clippers, razors, toothbrush holders, and soap dishes.

You can also use it to clean fake plants, flowers, and plastic toys for kids. With a quick cycle, it’s easy to clean dog leashes, plastic pet toys, and tools from the garage that are dirty or greasy.

The dishwasher can also clean many things in your closet, like baseball caps, flip-flops, and rubber rain boots.

Many things in your kitchen, like sponges and silicone oven mitts, could use a good cleaning. Even the plate from your microwave and the knobs from your stove can go in the dishwasher.

As you clean the various items, remember that whatever you put in the dishwasher will get wet and that whatever you put on the bottom rack will be closer to the heating element.

If you’re worried about fragile items, you can choose to run your dishwasher without soap or heated drying.

If you have small or light things like Legos or pacifiers that could fly away when hit by the water jets, put them in a mesh bag from your laundry room.

Understand the chemical reactions going on inside the dishwasher

Chemical reactions are happening in your dishwasher; if you understand how they work, you can get more out of them.

One reason is that modern detergent is made to react with food. Because of this, you shouldn’t rinse the plates before putting them in the dishwasher. Instead, you should leave the food on the plates.

When you put stainless steel and silver-plated flatware in the same bag, a chemical reaction can happen. Silver ions can leave pits and marks on your silver when they react with detergent and moisture. Even when washing silver by itself, use a detergent, rinse aid that doesn’t contain acid or phosphates, and a low heat setting.

Do you want your dishes to be clean and shiny? You can go with rinse aids, which speed up evaporation by changing the surface tension of water droplets. There are fewer spots and lines on the glass when there is less water.

Plastic takes longer to dry than glass, even with rinse aid, because it repels water. If you want a natural alternative to rinse aid, you might want to know what vinegar can do.

It can help dry dishes better and get rid of hard water spots. You need to pour a little in before you turn on the machine, fill the rinse aid compartment with it, or put a bowl of vinegar on the top rack.

You can also roll some aluminum foil into a ball and put it on the top rack of your dishwasher. It will cause an oxidizing reaction, letting your glasses and silverware dry to a sparkling shine.

Unload the dishes on autopilot.

Dishwashers make it easier to wash dishes, but every time you need to empty them, you have to jump through hoops.

Did you know you can set up your dishwasher to empty itself? The beauty of doing this is that you don’t have to think about it.

Start by emptying the section for flatware, then the bottom shelf, and finally, the top shelf. If you empty the top rack first, drips might fall on the dishes below, which is not good.

Dishwasher repair Alexandria advises that you make room above the dishwasher on the counter. You should spread out a dish towel and then spread the dishes there in piles that go together

With this method, you don’t have to move around your kitchen as much, and any dishes that are still wet can dry.

The post Tricks to Get the Most from Your Dishwasher first appeared on HVAC Repair, appliance repair. The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

The refrigerator has made life easier for decades, and it’s up to you to take care of it and correctly put food away. This is because not doing so will increase your chances of getting sick and shorten the refrigerator’s life. You don’t want this, do you?

There is also the risk of the fridge breaking down regularly. You have to keep hiring appliance repair professionals to fix it. 

 There are many things you need to be cautious of, like putting food in the right container and ensuring the fridge stays at the right temperature.

To help you out, here are five mistakes you shouldn’t make when putting food in the fridge:

Failing to cover the food

The most common reason people will fail to cover the food as they put it in the fridge is that they are in a hurry. They will also fail to do it because they don’t want or they have the impression that covering it will get it spoilt. 

To stay safe, you should always cover your food as you put it in the fridge because open food is more likely to get bacteria and can also get contaminated by raw meat or other uncooked foods in the refrigerator. As you can guess, when you eat contaminated food, you will most likely suffer from food poisoning. And you don’t want this, do you?

The good thing is that you don’t have to do much to cover the food. Simply put the food in a container that won’t let air in or wrap it in plastic.

Putting more food than the fridge can carry

The other mistake many people make is storing more food than the fridge is designed to carry. Yes, there is the temptation to stock all the supplies you get from the grocery store in the refrigerator, but it’s not a good idea to pack the shelves too full. 

When you overstock your fridge, you shorten the time your food will last and reduce the refrigerator’s efficiency. Remember that to keep your food cool, your fridge needs to distribute the cool air throughout the appliance. 

When you fill all the shelves, you even block the air vents, which prevent the cool air from circulation, and as a consequence, the food gets spoilt. 

Just store the right amount of food inside to protect your appliance and avoid overstocking. Regularly cleaning your appliance is a great way to ensure that you don’t overstock it. At least once a week or before you head to the grocery store, remove all the items from the fridge and only put back what hasn’t expired. 

Washing fruits and vegetables before storing them

You might think you are being tidy and hygienic when you wash your fruits and vegetables before putting them in the fridge, but this isn’t the right thing to do. This is because when you wash these items, you introduce water to the food. 

This can lead to the growth of bacteria, which is bad for your health.

Instead of washing the fruits and vegetables before you store them in the fridge, you should wash them right before you cook or eat them. 

If you want to rinse them before putting them away, ensure they are completely dry.

Using the wrong storage containers

As mentioned above, you should always store leftover food in a container that keeps air out. If you don’t, the food will go bad, and your fridge will smell funny. Don’t keep your leftovers for too long, either. 

One of the biggest mistakes people make is to store the food in their original packaging. This is wrong. The right way to go about it is to use the above-mentioned containers. If you are using the original packaging, ensure it’s airtight so that moisture doesn’t get in.

Parting shot

These are some of the mistakes you should avoid making to protect your appliance from breaking down too often, and you are forced to hire a refrigerator repair Northern VA expert. Avoid these mistakes, and you will have a long-lasting appliance and a highly efficient unit. 

The post Mistakes You Are Making Storing Food In The Refrigerator first appeared on HVAC Repair, appliance repair. The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

The dishwasher is one of the hardest-working appliances in the kitchen. You need to do several things to get the most out of the appliance. These things, as given by dishwasher repair professionals, include: 

Use aluminum foil to make your silverware shine.

This may be the easiest tip for a dishwasher: Before running the dishwasher, crumple up a ball of aluminum foil and put it in the silverware caddy. 

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

This trick works because the baking soda-like parts of the dishwashing detergent react with the aluminum foil in a scientific way called oxidation. Together, the steps remove rust from your dishes, leaving you with sparkling kitchenware. 

The method is also a brilliant way to get more use out of a piece of foil that isn’t too dirty before you throw it away.

Regularly maintain your dishwasher.

Like a car, you must regularly maintain your dishwasher to keep it in top shape. And the good thing is that you don’t need to be fancy about it. 

 Turn on the hot water tap at the sink before you run the dishwasher. After each use, clean the filter. While at it, wipe down the seals with a damp towel. Don’t forget to clean the spray arm, and once a week, clean the dishwasher with vinegar.

It’s also wise to hire a dishwasher expert at least once a year to inspect the appliance and fix any issues it might be having. Please note that your appliance doesn’t have to be damaged to hire a contractor—hire them even if your unit is in perfect shape. 

Don’t do these things.

You can get the most out of your dishwasher by doing a few things to keep it in good shape and remembering a few things you shouldn’t do. 

If you hear your unit shaking, don’t turn it on. Some homeowners ignore the minor issues that develop with their appliances, which is wrong as the small problems worsen over time. 

When you experience even a small problem, such as the appliance shaking, turn off the appliance and ask an expert to look into it before you can start using it. 

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

Other things you shouldn’t do include: 

• Don’t get in the way of the sprayer. 
• Refrain from pre-washing your dishes. Scrape the extra food from the dishes, but don’t pre-wash them. 
• Don’t put glasses on top of the tines. 
• Don’t place plastic items on the bottom rack.

Clean your dishwasher often.

Since your dishwasher’s role is to clean the dishes, it doesn’t need cleaning. Well, wrong. Like any other appliance in your kitchen, your dishwasher needs cleaning to keep it looking great and have a long life. 

A telltale sign that it’s time to clean your dishwasher is if your dishes are dirty, cloudy, smells funny, or don’t drain properly. 

For peace of mind, clean your dishwasher once a month, check and clean the filter after each use, and sanitize it at least once a week.

Use dishwasher soap the right way.

The soap you use on your appliance makes a huge difference in your experience with your dishwasher. 

For a great experience, ensure you use the right detergent. 

Newer machines work best with liquid detergent because their water doesn’t get as hot and doesn’t dissolve powder or pods as well as it does in older machines.

 And don’t use too much detergent because that can cause too much sudsing, damage your unit, or make your dishes less clean.

Check your spray arms regularly.

If your dishes don’t get clean after every cycle, it could be a problem with your spray arms. Look to see if they are working and if they need to be cleaned.

Load the dishwasher properly.

Many people have different opinions on how to load their dishwashers. And this is a common bond of contention among people living in the same house.  

Regardless of how you load your appliance, here’s what appliance repair Northern VA experts say: Face knives down and forks and spoons up. You should also try not to put the same items next to each other and try not to overcrowd. 

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

The post Tricks To Getting the Most From Your Dishwasher first appeared on HVAC Repair, appliance repair. The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

For your dishwasher to continue cleaning your dishes as well as it should, you need to keep it clean. While some homeowners know the right time to clean their appliances, others don’t.

While this is the case, there are several things you can look out for to tell that it’s time to clean your unit. These things, as given by dishwasher repair professionals, include:

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

1: Your dishes are cloudy and dirty.

It’s annoying to wait for a dishwasher cycle to finish and then find that your dishes are still dirty or have a white, cloudy film. Dishes that are dirty and cloudy can be a sign that you need to clean your dishwasher more or that you need a dishwasher detergent made for hard water.

The residue left on dishes or other items can be a sign that your dishwasher needs cleaning. For peace of mind, check on your dishwasher and clean it at least once a month.

In addition to checking the filter and racks of your dishwasher once a week for buildup, take the racks and filter or screen out and clean them with warm water and dish soap.

While at it, look for a film or rough coating on the inside of the dishwasher, check to see if the holes in the spray arms are clogged. You also should give the arms a push by hand when the machine is off to see if they spin freely.

Sign 2: Your dishwasher smells weird.

If you don’t keep an eye on your dishwasher filter and clean it regularly, it’s easy to get full of food particles and smells that not only smell bad but can also cause bigger, more expensive problems.

To avoid these problems, you should check and clean the filter after each time you use the dishwasher. You also should commit to sanitizing it at least once a week.

You should fill a bowl with white vinegar, put it on the top or bottom rack, and run a standard clean cycle with hot water. When it’s done, use a simple mixture of water, dish soap, and white vinegar to clean the door seals and the inside of the dishwasher.

When you do this, you not only leave your dishwasher smelling fresh, but you also leave it sparkling clean.

Sign 3: Water backs up in your dishwasher or doesn’t drain properly.

If you’ve ever seen a pool of water at the bottom of your dishwasher or water overflowing into your sink, this could be a sign that you need to clear a clog or get a new dishwasher.

If you’ve cleaned out the filter basket and there’s still standing water or your dishwasher drains slowly, it might be time to call in the pros.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

Best practices when cleaning the dishwasher

When cleaning the dishwasher, you must observe best practices to clean your unit properly. These practices include:

Don’t use bleach

Even though bleach can clean and disinfect some surfaces well, it is usually not a good idea to use it to clean the dishwasher. This is because bleach can be too harsh for the inside and parts of the dishwasher, and over time, it can cause damage.

Using bleach in the dishwasher can also leave dishes with a strong bleach smell and taste, which is unpleasant and could be dangerous if eaten. If you must use bleach to clean your dishwasher, do so in a well-ventilated area and small amounts.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners.

You might have the impression that using abrasive cleaners will make your unit cleaner, but this isn’t the case. In fact, it has been shown that cleaners and scorching pads often lead to more damage.

A good rule of thumb is to use a soft sponge or cloth, and you are good to go.

Parting shot

There are many safer ways to clean the dishwasher and make it work better. For example, you can get rid of buildup and smells by using a commercial dishwasher cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.

Regular cleaning and maintenance, like wiping down the inside, cleaning the spray arm and filter, and running the dishwasher on a hot cycle with no dishes, can also help prevent buildup and keep the dishwasher working well.

You can clean the dishwasher yourself, but if you have problems, let an experienced appliance repair Alexandria professional help you.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

The post Signs that Your Dishwasher is Ready For Cleaning first appeared on HVAC Repair, appliance repair. The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

If your fridge is old and you are tired of hiring a refrigerator repair professional, the best way to fix the problem is to get a new appliance. Of course, when buying a refrigerator, you must get a good one.

How do you know that you are buying a good refrigerator? There are several things you can look out for. These things include:

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

Size of the fridge

You want a fridge that will adequately fit your kitchen. Before you head to the stores or place your order, measure the space you want to place the unit. Pay attention to the area’s depth, width, and height when calculating.

You also should consider your storage needs. If you have a large family, you will need a large unit, but a small appliance will get the work done if you live alone.

If buying the appliance online, carefully compare the specifications given in the descriptions with your measurements and place the order only after you have ascertained that the new unit will fit your space.

The efficiency of the fridge

If you have had your old fridge for a long, you must have noticed that it consumed a lot of energy, right? You don’t want your new unit to do the same, do you?

To ensure this doesn’t happen, buy an energy-efficient appliance.

Besides ensuring that the unit is suitable for your needs and space, ensure that the appliance has a high-energy star rating. While at it, pay attention to the annual energy consumption and always go for a unit with low consumption, often quoted in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Certain brands are known to be more energy efficient than others so take your time to buy one with a good reputation. The brand might be a little expensive, but it will save you a lot of money.

Reputable brand

As mentioned, you should always buy a fridge made by a reputable brand. This way, you not only have a highly efficient unit but a unit that will also last for a long time.

To tell whether a brand is worth it, check the customer ratings. After all, they are the ones that have already used the appliance, right?

It’s rare to even for the best brand to have a perfect 5-star rating, but you should pay attention to several positive and negative reviews. Of course, you should go for a brand with more positive ratings than negative ones.

When you come across a brand with perfect ratings, you should be wary of it, as chances are it’s cheating. This is because it’s rare for even the company to make the best appliance to please everyone. There is always someone that doesn’t like what they do.

Besides the brand having high-quality appliances, it also should provide warranty and service at a local service center. This way, you are sure you are covered in an accident and can quickly fix your unit in your local store.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

The right type

There are many brands to buy from in the same way you can purchase many types of fridges. Of course, for the refrigerator you are looking to buy to be the right one, it has to be of the correct type.

The different types of fridges in the market are bottom freezer, top freezer, side-by-side, compact, French door, built, and so on.

We all have different tastes, and all you need to do is to choose the one that is best for you.

Aesthetics

Besides the functional fridge, it also needs to be good-looking for it to be the right one to buy. The appliance should also have several attractive features, such as automatic defrosting.

You may need to visit different stores and compare various devices to buy the best appliance. If there is something that you are doubtful of, get the input of an appliance repair professional.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

If you are new to dishwashers, you must have learned that you should run them at night, right? And this is true.

Why is it better to run your dishwasher at night? There are plenty of reasons. Here they are as given by dishwasher repair experts:

You save energy

This might come as a shock to you, but it’s true. Since most people aren’t using electricity at night, this time is regarded as off-peak, which means that the electricity consumed at this time attracts lower fees.

This means that when you run your dishwasher at night, you save money compared to running it during the day.

Set your dishwasher to run at the energy-efficient setting or cycle to save even more energy.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

You reduce noise pollution.

Most old appliances are noisy, and this includes dishwashers. This means that when you run the appliance during the day when there are people running chores, you are bound to make plenty of noise that can be off-putting to them.

To cut on the noise, consider running the dishwasher when everyone is asleep and can’t hear the noise.

Place the dishwasher away from the bedrooms or behind a closed door to avoid disturbing anyone.

If the dishwasher still makes plenty of noise at night to the extent that some people wake up, consider getting a newer, quieter appliance.

It’s convenient

Let’s be honest. Daytimes are busy, even if you are a stay-at-home dad or mom. This is because you have plenty of chores to run.

Getting the dishes using the dishwasher isn’t a matter of throwing the dishes in and waiting for them to get clean—you need to load them properly and wait until they are thoroughly clean. This means that when you decide to clean them during the day, the task might come in the way of your daily activities.

On the other hand, when you decide to run the dishwasher during the night, you will have been done with your daily activities, which means that you won’t be disrupting anything.

As a result, you are more likely to be involved with the cleaning as you won’t be in a hurry to complete running the dishwasher so that you can run to other activities.

You have enough water to do the cleaning.

Like electricity, water is in high demand during the day. This means that even if you were to run your appliance at this time, you wouldn’t have enough water for optimal cleaning. When you do dishwashing at night, most people will be asleep, meaning there won’t be a high demand for water.

This means you will have all the water you need to clean your dishes properly.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

Best practices when running the dishwasher

You need to do several things to get the most from your dishwasher. These things include:

Run the dishwasher at the right settings: Different dishwashers have different settings that vary depending on different models. You should always check your user manual and confirm that you are using the right cycle for the type of dishes you are cleaning.

Always sort the dishes: Before putting them in the dishwasher, always sort them out and place them in different compartments where they will be properly cleaned. This means the plates and cups shouldn’t sit in the same compartment.

Scrape the food off the dishes: To give your appliance an easy time to do cleaning, always scrape the food from the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. Some people will advise you to clean the dishes, but this isn’t wise as it removes the surface where the detergents are meant to adhere. Scrape the excess food, and you are good to go.

Load the dishes properly: As mentioned above, you need to sort your dishes to achieve ideal results. Sorting isn’t enough—you also need to load the dishes properly. This calls for you to place the glasses on the top rack and the pots and pans on the bottom rack.

Parting shot

These are some of the reasons you should run your dishwasher at night. To keep your appliance in top working condition, have it checked by a qualified appliance repair professional at least once a year.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

The post Why Is It Better To Run Dishwasher At Night? first appeared on HVAC Repair, appliance repair. The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

You should follow plenty of rules to ensure that you properly clean your dishes using the dishwasher and keep the unit in top shape. While this is the case, you should follow a couple of more important rules.

If you are wondering which these rules are, here they are as given by appliance repair professionals:

Sort dishes properly

You need to sort the dishes properly to ensure that all of them are properly and there is enough room for the water to circulate.

If you are new to this, here is a guide you should follow:

Place large items on the bottom rack, such as pots, pans, and casserole dishes. When doing this, you allow the larger dishes to be closer to the water source and ensure that they get cleaned properly.

For medium-sized items, such as plates, bowls, and cups, place them on the middle rack. as you place them, take care not to stack them too closely together, as doing so will prevent the water from reaching all surfaces.

The small items, such as utensils, cutting boards, and small bowls, belong on the top rack. You can place these items in the utensil basket or on the top rack, depending on the size and shape of the dishwasher.

Avoid placing sharp or pointed items, such as knives, on the same rack as delicate items, such as wine glasses, as you will break them. The best way to do it is to place them separately to prevent damage.

Besides these tips, it’s also wise to consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions on loading your dishwasher. This is because some dishwashers have specific loading instructions or features that you should be aware of.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

Don’t overcrowd the dishwasher.

Overcrowding the dishwasher prevents the dishes from getting clean and also damages the dishwasher itself. To be safe, leave enough space between the dishes to allow the water and detergent to reach all surfaces.

This calls for you to avoid stacking dishes too closely or placing them at odd angles.

You also should avoid filling the dishwasher to the point where it is overflowing or packed too tightly. This is because this can prevent the dishes from getting clean. It can also damage the dishwasher, and you are forced to repair it, which isn’t cheap.

As you arrange the dishes, always use the correct rack for each item: Be sure to place larger items on the bottom rack and smaller items on the top rack. The purpose of doing this is to ensure that all items are cleaned properly and that there is enough room for the water to circulate.

You also should be cautious of the detergent dispense and ensure you don’t block it. Leave the detergent dispenser clear to dispense the correct amount of detergent during the wash cycle.

Use the right detergent.

The detergent you use determines how well your dishes get and impacts the dishwasher’s durability. Of course, when you use the wrong detergent, you significantly increase the chances of damaging your unit.

To stay on the safe side, use a detergent specifically designed for use in your dishwasher.

You should avoid hand dishwashing detergents as they are not formulated for dishwashers and can create suds that can damage your appliance. Also, avoid detergents with bleach as the bleach can damage dishwasher parts and may be harmful to inhale.

Detergents with added enzymes are also a no go zone. While the enzymes can be effective at breaking down food particles, they can also be harsh on your dishwasher’s seals and gaskets, damaging the appliance.

While non-phosphate detergents are environmentally friendly, they may not be as effective at cleaning dishes as detergents that contain phosphate, so stay away from them.

As mentioned, find the detergents designed for your dishwasher and go for them. For a great experience, dishwasher repair Alexandria experts recommend using the correct amount of detergent as specified by the manufacturer.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

The post What Are The Three Most Important Rules When Using A Dishwasher? first appeared on HVAC Repair, appliance repair. The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

For the best outcome, you should always use dishwasher detergent to clean your dishwasher correctly. But what if you can’t afford it or have the right detergent? Well, according to dishwasher repair professionals, there are several alternatives you can go with. These alternatives include:

Use a combination of baking soda and white vinegar

Here you must mix equal parts baking soda and white vinegar and use this mixture as a substitute for dishwasher detergent. The baking soda will clean and deodorize, while the vinegar removes stuck-on food and grease.

Remove any large pieces of food or debris to clean your dishwasher using this mixture. You should then sprinkle a cup of baking soda over the bottom of the dishwasher, followed by a cup of white vinegar, into a dishwasher-safe container and place it on the top rack of the unit.

You should close the dishwasher and run it on a hot water cycle.

Once the cycle is complete, wipe the inside of the dishwasher with a soft cloth to remove any residue.

Use liquid dish soap.

If you don’t have dishwasher detergent, you can use a small amount of liquid dish soap instead of the detergent. As much as the dish soap is great, take care not to use too much of it as you can cause suds to overflow from the dishwasher, and you don’t want this, do you?

To clean your dishwasher using liquid dish soap, remove any large debris or food particles from the dishwasher. You should then fill a bowl with a mixture of hot water and liquid dish soap, dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water, and use it to scrub the dishwasher’s interior, including the door seal, racks, and spray arm.

You should rinse the cloth or sponge to remove any soapsuds or residue.

Once you are done, run an empty dishwasher cycle with hot water to rinse away any remaining soap and debris.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

Use lemon juice

For years, lemon juice has been known as a natural cleaning agent that you can use to remove soap scum and mineral deposits from the inside of a dishwasher. The juice is also a natural deodorizer, so using it to clean the dishwasher can help to freshen up the appliance.

You should add a few tablespoons of lemon juice to the dishwasher detergent compartment or mix it with water and use it as a pre-rinse before loading the dishwasher.

Remember to always rinse the dishwasher thoroughly after using lemon juice. This is to avoid leaving behind any acidic residue that could damage the appliance or affect the taste of future loads of dishes.

Use borax

Like lemon juice, borax is a known natural cleaning agent to remove stuck-on food and grease from dishes. To clean your dishes, add 1/2 cup of borax to the dishwasher’s detergent compartment, then run the dishwasher as you normally would.

If there are hard-to-remove stains in the dishwasher, mix equal parts borax and water and use this mixture as a substitute for dishwasher detergent.

You can also mix the borax with water to create a paste and use it to scrub away tough stains on dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.

If you use borax paste, rinse the dishes thoroughly to remove any residue before placing them in the dishwasher.

Remember that borax can be harmful if ingested, so keep it out of reach of children and pets. Also, be cautious when handling borax, as it can irritate the skin and eyes.

Use laundry detergent

Use a small amount of liquid laundry detergent in place of dishwasher detergent to thoroughly clean the dishes. Always use a small amount of detergent, as using too much can cause suds to overflow from the dishwasher.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

Parting shot

These are some alternatives you can go with if you don’t have dishwasher detergent. As mentioned, always use small amounts of the alternatives, and don’t make it normal behavior, as you can end up damaging your appliance.

Appliance repair professionals also recommend thoroughly rinsing the dishwasher and remove any leftovers that can compromise the appliance and future loads.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

The post Dishwasher Detergent Hacks: 5 Alternatives When You Don’t Have Dishwasher Detergent first appeared on HVAC Repair, appliance repair. The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

As much as you would want to make your work easy and throw all your clothes in the washing machine, it’s often impossible as some clothes might get damaged. In other cases, these clothes might damage the washing machine, forcing you to hire a washer repair professional to fix the machine.

Are you wondering which clothes you shouldn’t wash in the washing machine? Here they are:

Delicate fabrics

Delicate fabrics such as silk, lace, and wool are prone to damage when you wash them in the machine.

When you wash the fabric in the washing machine, the mechanical action of the machine can stretch, snag, or even tear the fabric, and you don’t want this, do you?

Delicate fabrics are also prone to shrinkage and color bleeding when you wash them in a washing machine using hot water, which can ruin the garment’s appearance.

The harsh detergents and chemicals used in the washing machine can also strip the fabric of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and brittle. Consequently, you have ugly clothes that you aren’t proud to wear.

To avoid damaging your delicate fabrics, instead of washing them using the washing machine, hand wash them. When you hand wash the outfits, you have control of the agitation and the temperature of the water, which protects the fabric from damage.

If you don’t want to hand wash the clothes, you can always dry clean them. Here you use a chemical solvent to clean the garment, rather than water and detergent that have been shown to damage the outfits.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

Clothes with embellishments

You shouldn’t machine wash clothing pieces with embellishments such as beads, sequins, or buttons, as the mechanical action of the machine can cause the decorative elements to get loose or fall off.

The heat and water of the wash cycle can also cause the embellishment to become discolored or tarnished, which ruins the garment’s appearance.

Like the delicate fabrics, don’t use a washing machine to clean the clothes with embellishment. Instead, hand wash or dry-clean them to preserve the integrity of the decorations and maintain the overall appearance of the garment.

Leather and suede

As much as leather and suede appear tough, they aren’t. Both materials are delicate and can easily get damaged by machine washing. The harsh detergents and high water temperatures used in the machine-washing process can strip away the natural oils and finish of the leather or suede, causing it to become dry and brittle.

The agitator in the washing machine can also cause abrasions and scuffing on the surface of the leather or suede, giving the materials an ugly look.

The best way to clean leather and suede is by wiping them down with a damp cloth and a gentle cleaner designed to clean them. If the leather or suede is too dirty or needs a deeper cleaning, take it to a professional cleaner experienced in cleaning these materials.

Clothes with metal hardware

There are plenty of reasons you shouldn’t clean clothes with metal hardware using a washing machine. For one, the zippers, buttons, and snaps can damage the clothing during the washing process. This happens when the metal in the clothes rubs against the fabric, creating holes and tears.

The metal pieces can also get caught in the agitator or the pump, causing damage to the machine. In some cases, the metal can cause the machine to break down.

When exposed to water and detergents, some metal hardware can corrode or rust, discoloring the clothing and even leaving unsightly stains.

Finally, the noise comes about as the metal hardware bounces around inside the washing machine. The noise is not only disruptive but also annoying.

Hand wash the outfits to avoid the issues with machine washing the clothes with metal hardware. If you have to machine wash them, always place them in a mesh laundry bag before placing them in the washing machine.

According to appliance repair professionals, when you do this, you protect the clothing and machine and prevent the metal hardware from corroding or rusting.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

Mastering dishwasher maintenance is essential for running your machine smoothly and ensuring that your dishes are always sparkling clean. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent costly breakdowns and extend the life of your dishwasher.

In this guide, we will cover some key tips and tricks for maintaining and repairing your dishwasher. Here are these tips as given by appliance repair professionals:

Clean the dishwasher

By keeping your dishwasher clean, you can prevent clogs and other common issues that can cause your machine to break down. You also prevent clogs, remove any lingering odors, and ensure that your dishes are always sparkling clean.

Start with removing large debris or food particles from the bottom of the dishwasher. You can do this using sponge or a soft brush to gently scrub the bottom of the dishwasher, making sure to remove any visible debris.

You should then remove the filters from the dishwasher and clean them thoroughly. Most dishwashers have two filters: a fine filter that traps small particles and a coarse filter that traps larger debris. Use a soft brush or a toothbrush to clean the filters, and remove any food particles or debris that may be stuck.

After cleaning the filters, run a cycle with vinegar to remove any lingering odors. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for this step. Add a cup of vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher and run a normal cycle without any dishes. The vinegar will help remove any odors and leave your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.

Finally, clean the exterior of your dishwasher, including the door and the control panel. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the exterior, removing any dirt or fingerprints gently. Be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish of your dishwasher.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

Repair the dishwasher

When it comes to repairs, there are some common issues that you can troubleshoot and fix yourself. For example, if your dishwasher is not filling with water, you may be able to resolve the issue by checking the water supply and ensuring that it is turned on and functioning correctly. If your dishwasher is not draining properly, you can try cleaning the filters and removing any debris blocking the drain.

You can fix some of the dishwasher problems by yourself, but when you encounter more severe issues, it may be best to call a professional for help.

Besides fixing your unit when a problem comes about, you should also regularly inspect the unit as a preventative measure. During the inspections, you should inspect all parts of the appliance and fix even the smallest problem that might be there.

Besides inspecting the unit and giving you peace of mind as you know that the unit is in top working shape, it also helps you pick the problems before they come about.

Again, you can do the inspections yourself, but for the best results, let an experienced professional help you.

When hiring a repair professional, you need to be strategic in going about it.

Begin with researching and comparing different repair services. Start by gathering a list of potential repair services in your area. You can ask friends or family members for recommendations, or search online for reviews and ratings. Be sure to compare prices, services offered, and customer satisfaction ratings to make an informed decision.

You should then verify the technician’s credentials and experience. It’s important to hire a skilled and experienced technician to repair your dishwasher. Ask about the technician’s credentials, training, and expertise to ensure they can handle your repair.

Communicate the issue. Before the technician arrives, gather as much information as possible about the problem with your dishwasher. This may include error codes, the make and model of your dishwasher, and any symptoms you have observed. You can help the technician diagnose and fix the problem more quickly and efficiently by providing precise and detailed information.

Ask about the repair process and cost. Before the technician begins the repair, ask about the steps involved in the process and the estimated repair cost. This will help you understand the scope of the repair and prepare for any potential expenses.

Parting shot

Mastering dishwasher maintenance is essential for running your machine smoothly and ensuring that your dishes are always sparkling clean. Regular cleaning and maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent costly breakdowns and extend the life of your dishwasher.

When hiring a dishwasher repair professional, hire the most experienced.

Call 877-959-3534 for an Appliance Repair Quote!

The post appeared first on Express Appliance Repair