Properly caring for your washer and dryer can prevent fire, electrical problems, or water damage. If your washer is not working properly, ensure the lid is closed all the way and that nothing is obstructing it. Ensure the timer and all controls are set properly and that the water faucets leading to the washer are turned on.

Always clean your dryer lint filter after every load to reduce fire hazards and lengthen the lifespan of your dryer. If your clothes are not fully drying, check to see if the rear exhaust duct is pinched, preventing adequate airflow through the machine. Always ensure that the clothes you put in the dryer have gone through an adequate spin cycle in the washer so that they are damp, not soaking wet.

How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?

You should clean your dryer vent at least once a year. For families and heavier use, do it every six months. You should also clean it twice a year if you have pets. Lint building up in the vent not only makes laundry take longer to dry but it can also be a fire hazard so make sure this is one job you keep on top of.

If you continue to experience problems with your washer or dryer, you may need professional service.

Cleaning your refrigerator condenser coils about twice a year. If the coils are located on the bottom of the fridge, you can clean them with a vacuum cleaner. This will help extend the lifespan of your refrigerator.

If your refrigerator is not keeping your food and beverages cold, try turning the thermostat up to the next highest setting. After 24 hours, check the temperature again and see if the refrigerator has cooled. If not, the thermostat may need to be replaced.

Refrigerators can sometimes malfunction, but don't go out and buy a new one without trying to fix yours first. The problem could be simple that is inexpensive and easy to fix.

Are you frustrated that your dishwasher isn't cleaning your dirty dishes? Test the water to make sure the water temperature is at least 140 degrees F. If it is not, then you may want to turn up the thermostat on your hot water heater.

Also, ensure that the bottom of the dishwasher is clean. Always follow proper loading procedures. Don't overfill the dishwasher, as this can block movement of water and detergent and prevent all dishes from being cleaned.

If the dishwasher is leaking, ensure that you are following recommended loading procedures for dishes and detergents. Run the dishwasher through a cycle while empty, if it does not leak then you may be improperly loading the dishwasher.

If you have an electric or a gas oven and the oven is not heating properly, make sure that the timer/clock is set to manual. This often requires unplugging the oven and accessing the timer/clock through the back of the oven. Models vary, so refer to your oven owner's manual to determine where your timer/clock is located.

For your electric range, if your burners aren't lighting, ensure the burners are positioned and sitting properly. If you have a gas stove, if the burners aren't lighting, ensure the pilot light is on.

Always use microwave safe dishes when operating your microwave.

Do not use aluminum foil in your microwave or anything with metal on it, unless your microwave specifically allows it. Aluminum and metal can ignite and ruin your microwave. Regularly wipe the seal of the microwave door with a wet rag and then dry it with a separate rag. This will help prevent buildup around the door.

Do not twist, bend, or slam the microwave door.

Disposals often need repairs. home appliance repair tips, appliance repair raleigh, appliance repair technicianPlease be careful when performing disposal repairs. The blades can be sharp and may cut you. Also, you can get your hand or wrist caught in the disposal if careless. Ensure that the unit is turned OFF, but for added precaution, you may want to turn off the circuit breaker that supplies electricity to the unit.

If the disposal is jammed or hums when you flip the switch, follow these steps:

• Turn the unit off and remove anything that has fallen into the grinding chamber.
• Turn the unit off and use the unjamming tool provided by the manufacturer. The tool should be located in a small pocket on the disposal. Once the tool turns freely, remove whatever object caused the jam.
• If the disposal appears dead, the jam may have tripped the built-in breaker. Press the red reset button located on the bottom of the disposal. If the unit hums when you turn the switch on and the reset trips again, then it is still jammed or may need repair.