Having a dryer that just doesn't shut off can be annoying, to say the least. Fortunately, troubleshooting a dryer that doesn't shut off is a fairly simple task. Now, there are many things that can prevent a dryer from shutting off. In most cases, the main cause of this problem is either a malfunctioning timer control or a defective door switch.    

• The door switch could be the main cause

Most modern dryers boast of the safety feature “door switch” that permits a dryer to operate only when the door is latched completely. Hence, it is possible that your dryer won´t stop functioning because the signal that indicates that the door´s open isn´t being received properly.  

• Check the timer

The timer can be located in the control console of the machine and it uses a small motor to operate switches and cams to control the dryer functions. Now, a shorted contact in the timer, a defective timer motor or the timer contact can prevent the timer from working normally. And, this can prevent your dryer from shutting off.

• Check the cycling thermostat

Most dryers have an “Auto Dry” function which boasts of the cycling thermostat that helps turn off the heat source when the desired temperature is reached. It also governs the timer motor on the unit. Now, a defective thermostat may not allow the timer to advance to the off position and thus, cause the dryer to continue operating. 

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It is absolutely essential for you to maintain and clean your washing machine on a regular basis. Failure to do so can lead to germs, bacteria, foul odors, and mold etc. In addition to that, incorrect maintenance can also result in poor cleaning results, leaks, and even breakage. Anyway, now that you are aware of the importance of maintaining your washing machine, let´s discuss the ways you can keep it clean.

• Clean your detergent drawer

It is possible for your detergent drawer to accumulate excess detergent, which can result in subpar cleaning results. In addition to that, the excess detergent can also cause your drains to clog up. How do you clean your detergent drawer then? Well, first, you should take it out. Then, you should soak it in warm water and remove the residue. After that, you can use an anti-bacterial spray to remove the germs.

• Clean the drum

In order to clean the drum, you should set it to wash on a hot water cycle. Before doing that, you need to add a cup of vinegar to the machine. Doing so will remove foul odors and disinfect the machine. You should then dry the drum after the completion of the cycle.

• Clean the filter

We would also strongly advise you to clean the filter of the washing machine frequently. After all, the filter can collect a host of unwanted things such as hair, coins, lint, tissues and more. You must get rid of anything that´s sticking to the filter

There is no denying the fact that the fridge is one of the hardest working home appliances. After all, it is operational round the clock, preventing your food from going stale. The rigorous use of a fridge can cause it to break down and face numerous problems including drain blockage, defrosting problems, cooling issues etc. Here are some tips to troubleshoot common problems with your fridge.

• Common problems

Is cooling less than normal, more than normal, or isn´t happening at all? Well, that´s a problem right there. Is the light inside the fridge working? Does your fridge make too much noise? Is there a water leakage in the freezer? Is your freezer even working? The aforementioned issues are some of the common problems you can face with your fridge. So, how do you go about fixing the issues then?

• Troubleshooting the problems

First, you should proceed to check the electrical connections and check to see if the wires are good and well-connected. Then, you need to see if the fridge door closes properly. When inspecting the fridge light, you should particularly check the bulb filament and look for split and broken wires. We would also advise you to take a look at the thermostat controls and see that the knob isn´t set to an out-of-limit setting. You should replace the knob if it is broken. While doing this, you should also check the defrost button and freezer cooling controls for similar issues. After that, you should proceed to clean the condenser, condenser fan, condenser coil, and the coolant tubes.  

If you rely heavily on your stove for your meals, you should ensure that it is in pristine condition at all times. Having a stove that stops functioning when you need it the most can be bothersome. Without beating about the bush, here are some tell-tale signs that your stove requires professional attention.

• Uneven food cooking

If your food does not cook evenly, there may be a major problem with the stove. Basically, if you find that your turkey is under-cooked on top and burned on the bottom, it is time to perform repair works. Now, this problem can be caused either due to faulty broiling or the baking element of the stove. In addition to that, these issues can also indicate a faulty sensor. If you´re uncertain of the exact cause, you should seek professional help pronto!

• Electric stoves

Let´s discuss some of the common signs that your electric stove needs a repair. If you have a flat glass top stove, it will need a repair if there are cracks in the glass tops, if the controls stop operating properly, if the control boards stop displaying results, if the elements or burners don´t heat up or heat up too much etc.

• Gas stoves

Your gas stove will need to be repaired if the burners don´t heat up or heat up too much, if the stove produces excessive smoke, if the burners spark when ignited, and if you find any of your burners not working. You should also check to see if the burners ignite at all. 

Is there a leak in your kitchen? If so, you should check underneath your fridge for signs of pooling water. More often than not, your fridge is the main culprit of the leak in the kitchen. If aren´t certain of the exact cause of your leaking fridge, here are some of the reasons;

• Check to see if the defrost drain is blocked

In most cases, a fridge starts leaking water when the defrost drain is blocked. In a nutshell, a defrost drain is basically a small passage that enables water that is collected during the defrost process to drain into a pan for easy disposal. When this passage (hole) is blocked, the collected water accumulates inside the fridge itself and causes the leak.

• Check the water filter

It is absolutely essential for your water filter to fit correctly with your fridge. If it doesn´t and if there is a poor connection between the water supply and the fridge, your fridge will start leaking. The leak could also occur due to the holes in the filter.

• Defective ice maker

Does your fridge feature an ice maker that is connected to the water supply? If so, you should examine the ice maker and inspect the pipes and hoses attached to it. If there are kinks in the pipes, this could cause excess pressure, causing leaks where the pipes are connected to the device. Therefore, you should tighten the connections and check the pipes and hoses for tears and cracks. 

There is no denying the fact that the dishwasher is one of the most useful home appliances around. Not only does the dishwasher help simplify the chore of washing utensils and dishes, but it also uses less water than if the dishes were washed by hand. However, if you want your dishwasher to perform optimally at all times, it is essential to maintain and clean the appliance regularly. Without further ado, here are some useful maintenance tips for your dishwasher.

• Examine and clean the spinning arms frequently

It is essential for you to examine and clean the spinning arms frequently. If the holes in the spinning arms are filled with buildup, your dishes will not get cleaned properly. Hence, it is imperative that you clear out any debris that has collected inside the holes of the spinning arms. You can clean the holes with a small pliers, a piece of wire, or a toothpick.

• Ensure that you keep the exterior and the edges clean

More often than not, the offending smells that come from your dishwasher may actually be produced from the outside areas rather than the inside parts. You should ensure that the edges around the door are thoroughly cleaned; it is because these areas rarely get washed during a regular cycle and can thus, end up with pieces of food debris and plenty of spills.  

• Ensure the drain isn´t clogged

A drain is a common place where unwanted buildup, food debris, and other matter can end up eventually. Now, if left unmoved, the collection of the obstacles can create a clog in the system and prevent the dishwasher from functioning efficiently. 

​Do you want your fridge to operate efficiently and perform optimally at all times? If so, it is of paramount importance for you to maintain your fridge properly and frequently. Doing so can not only get your unit to perform exceptionally but can also help prevent breakdowns. Without further ado, here are the top maintenance tips for fridges.  

• Inspect the door seals

It is necessary for you to check the door seals. A loose seal causes cool air to seep out. When this happens, your fridge is forced to work harder than required; this also causes a waste of energy. You should also check to see if there is any food residue on the seals. You can clean the door seals with a toothbrush and a mixture of water and baking soda.  

• Ensure that the coils are clean

Your fridge will not be able to operate efficiently if the condenser coils are covered with dust. Therefore, it is advisable for you to clean your coils at least twice a year. You can even vacuum the area with a brush attachment.

• Keep your fridge full

Scientific reports indicate that fridges require “thermal mass” to maintain low temperatures. On this occasion, “thermal mass” can refer to anything that can be kept in the fridge. Basically, cool drinks and food help absorb warm air that streams in when you open the door. If you don’t have plenty of food to store in the fridge, you can always keep your fridge full of bottles of water. 

Here´s what you need to understand—the dishwasher has been specifically manufactured and designed to only clean glasses, pots, pans, silverware, and dishes. And, that´s about it! Therefore, you need to be careful with what you put in your dishwasher. Anyway, without beating about the bush any further, here are some of the items that you shouldn't put in your dishwasher.

• Wooden spoons, bowls, and cutting boards

Well, wooden spoons, bowls, and cutting boards are utensils; but, why can´t you put them in the dishwasher? Well, that´s because dishwasher detergents can play an atrocious role in stripping the natural oils of the aforementioned utensils. When the natural oils are stripped, the wood begins to crack. Wooden utensils and items should only be hand washed with a mild detergent.

• Don´t put kitchen knives in the dishwasher

Knives are sharp and the edges can nick the protective coating on the baskets and racks, causing rust to form. The harsh detergent of the dishwasher can also dull the knife edges and cause the wooden handles to split.

• Aluminum pans and cookware

It is in your best interest to avoid putting aluminum cookware and pans in the dishwasher. Doing so can dull and darken the pans and cookware. In addition to that, if the aluminum hasn´t been anodized properly, the harsh detergent can cause corrosion and pitting. It is always better to hand wash aluminum pans and cookware even if they have been labeled as “dishwasher safe.” 
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​Dealing with malfunctioning home appliances can be frustrating. Sometimes, the unit will be destined for the recycling bin as it may be beyond repair. Other times, an inexpensive repair can do the trick. If you want to repair an appliance, it is first important for you to diagnose the problem. Anyway, let´s talk about some of the common appliance problems and what you can do to repair them.

• Lights

If your light stops functioning, you shouldn´t proceed to change out the switches and light bulbs immediately. You should first check the main electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker. You should also check to see if a GFCI outlet has tripped. If it has, you will only need to push the reset button on the GFCI to get the lights to function.

• Fridges

More often than not, fridges stop functioning because of a dirty or debris-filled coil. Hence, you should keep the coils of the fridge as clean as possible. A coil, basically, helps cool the fluid in the compressor. When it is dusty and filled with debris, it stops doing its job, causing the compressor to heat up and trigger the overload switch.  

• Dishwasher

Is your dishwasher no longer cleaning your dishes properly? If so, you may need to check the filter of the dishwasher. If the filter is clogged and filled with food, it won´t be able to transfer the water to the spray arms to clean the dishes. You can easily solve this problem by using a wet vacuum to get rid of the unwanted food ingredients in the filter. 

​Deciding between repairing an appliance and replacing it with a new unit can be a rather confusing task. Contrary to popular opinion, repairing broken appliances isn't always the best way to save money. Luckily, you don´t need to be worried if you feel conflicted; we are here to help you identify if it is better to replace your unit or repair it. Here are some questions you must ask yourself first;

• What will the repair cost?

The general rule of thumb implies that you should proceed to replace an appliance if the repair cost is more than 50 percent of the cost of a new one. Of course, you also need to factor in the cost and logistics of installing a new unit. However, if your unit experiences a major failure and requires huge expenditures in labor and parts to fix it, it is in your best interest to purchase a new unit.  

• How old is your appliance?

Well, experts indicate that you should consider replacing an appliance that is more than halfway through its expected lifespan rather than have it repaired. How old is too old then? Well, according to reliable reports, the average lifespan of common appliances such as a dishwasher is 9 years, disposal is 12 years, freezer is 11, and exhaust fan is 10 years.

• Are you looking to cut down on your energy consumption?

If you want to cut down on your energy consumption, the breakdown of your appliance may actually be a blessing in disguise. You can finally get the energy efficient appliance you have always dreamed of. The new appliance will save you plenty on electrical bills in the long run.