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.