What to do if your dishwasher does not start?

Be sure to check and make sure the power switch on the wall is turned to on and be aware that most new homes will have this switch located near the dishwasher.

Are your dishes not getting dry?

You must use Jet Dry in order to get dishes dry. Using the soap with Jet Dry in it will not have the desired effect.

Does the inside of the dishwasher smell?

Using Finish In will make your dishwasher smell better.

Do you have a build-up of mineral stains?

If the inside of your dishwasher has begun to build mineral stains or is turning brown, you can put Limeaway or Tang Citrus Drink into the tank during a wash cycle and the citric acid should help to remove mineral build up and restore the finish.

Do you have a buildup of film on the inside of your unit?

Always clean your dishwasher per the guidelines established by your owner’s manual, but one successful cleaning method is to place 5-6 small drops of good quality regular liquid hand washing detergent in the bottom of your unit and put the machine through a regular cycle. This will generally wash away soap scum, mineral deposits as well as grit and will also allow the machine to operate more efficiently. Never use more than 5-6 small drops of detergent or else you run the risk of causing a flood.

Does your disposal smell?

To make the disposal smell better, put half of a lemon or orange (or just the peels) in the sink and turn on the disposal. Be sure to use cold or warm water and never hot when operating the garbage disposal.

What to do if your disposal hums or jams?

Turn the unit off and remove anything that has fallen into the grinding chamber. Always be sure the unit is off before placing your hands or tools into the grinding chamber. You can also attempt to use an “unjamming” tool if available. Turn the unit off first, then insert the “unjamming” tool through the sink into the bottom of the disposal and turn the tool clockwise.

What to do if your disposal unit is dead?

Push the red reset button located on the bottom or side of the disposal under the sink. If the unit begins to hum or trips again, your unit is probably jammed so see the above steps and then attempt to reset again.

Washers / Dryers

Is your dryer taking too long to dry?

Be sure that your dryer filter is clean. The dryer filter should be cleaned after every load. If it still takes a long time to dry the issue could be with your vent.  Remove the vent off the back of the dryer and run one load to be sure that it is not your vent which is clogged.  Also make sure the dryer has not been pushed back against the rear vent duct causing problems with airflow.

Is your dryer running but won’t heat?

Check to make sure the breaker has not been tripped. A dryer can run on 110 Volts, but will only heat with 220 Volts

Is your washer shaking?

Try wiping down the feet of the washer because their pads are sticky and if the unit has been moved dust may collect on them and not allow the unit to remain stuck to the floor. Be sure that you are putting the correct load size into the unit- for the correct load size; refer to your appliance’s manual. Be sure to clean out all pockets before putting clothes into your washer/dryer.

Is your washing machine not turning on?

Be sure that the lid is closing properly and nothing is obstructing it as well as making sure the timer and controls are set properly and both water faucets are correctly connected and turned to the on position.

Range/Oven Tips:

If your glass cooktop is not coming clean, we recommend our customers to use Bon Ami Powder Cleanser because it will not scratch the surface of the cooktop and will create a paste that is great for cleaning.

If your electric burners are not heating, make sure they are sitting straight and in their proper position.

If your gas burners are not lighting, wipe off the burner head with a hot, damp rag and then dry completely. You can also try to raise up the top and clean the entire area of any grease build up.

If your oven is not heating, make sure the clock is set on the manual cycle and not the automatic time bake cycle.

Before you bake something, your oven should be preheated 15 minutes before cooking. It takes at least this long to get the appliance to the proper temperature and will actually decrease baking time.

NEVER use oven cleaner inside of a self-cleaning oven. The cleaner will take off the cavity finish so you should only clean them with soap and water or by the self-cleaning cycle.

Refrigerator/Freezer Tips:

If your refrigerator is not running or isn’t cold enough, attempt to turn the thermostat up to the next highest setting. If the unit comes on, let it run for a full 24 hours and then check temperatures to confirm the unit is working correctly. Be sure to clear and remove anything that may be blocking airflow around the outside of the refrigerator and be sure to allow 3 inches of clearance on all sides of the unit.

Every year the condenser coils behind the refrigerator grill should be vacuumed. This will make your refrigerator work more effectively. If the coils are located at the rear of the unit, make sure they are several inches from the wall and nothing is blocking the heat coming off the coils.

Be sure to wipe the gasket around the doors with warm soapy water to keep the seals (or door gaskets) from going bad. If the door is sticking or not closing properly, check the seal and make sure any shelves, drawers or food is not the causing an obstruction.

If your freezer unit is not defrosting and the temperature rises, check the frost buildup on the inside of the freezer. If there is a lot of frost buildup on the back wall of the freezer this means your refrigerator/freezer is not going through self-defrosting. Contact us for service.

Microwave Oven Tips:

Never run a microwave without anything in it and always use microwave safe dishes.

Never run a microwave when aluminum foil or anything metal is located inside of the appliance.

Always be sure to keep the inside of your microwave clean, because any grease or build-up of food inside could cause arching or pose a serious risk for catching fire.

Be sure to wipe the seal off with a wet rag and dry it thoroughly as often as needed and never twist, bend, or slam the door in any way.