The Difference Between Front Loading and Top Loading Washers

When buying a washing machine, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go for a top-loading or front-loading model. Both have their pros and cons, and understanding the differences can help you choose the best option for your needs.

 

Top-Loading Washing Machines

Top-loading washers are the more traditional option and are often less expensive than front-loading models. These washers are also easier to load and unload since you don’t have to bend down using them. They also typically have a center agitator, which can be more effective at cleaning heavily soiled clothes.

Front-Loading Washing Machines

Front-loading washing machines are known for their energy efficiency and water savings. They use less water and detergent than top-loading machines and also have faster spin speeds, which means clothes come out drier and require less time. They also tend to be quieter and have larger drum sizes, which can be a plus for larger households. Another advantage of front-loading washing machines is that they are stackable– a great space-saving solution for small apartments or homes.

Front Loading vs. Top Loading Washers

When considering cost, front-loading washing machines can be more expensive than most top-loading models. Regarding maintenance, front-loading washing machines have a higher risk of mold and mildew buildup due to the door seal and the drum design. However, the front-loading models are typically larger and have more features to take advantage of. Both top-loading and front-loading washing machines have their own set of pros and cons. It’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing between the two.

 

If you’re having issues with your washing machine, top or front-loading, call Express Appliance Service. Our team of excellent technicians can help diagnose and repair problems you’re experiencing and ensure that your washing machine is running at its best.

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?

Keeping your oven clean not only ensures that it looks good, but also that it functions efficiently and safely. Here’s a guide on how often you should clean your oven, as well as some helpful tips on how to do so.

 

Cleaning the Inside of Your Oven

The inside of your oven should be cleaned at least once a month or more often if you use it frequently. This includes the oven walls, racks, and bottom. To clean the inside of your oven, you can use a commercial oven cleaner or make your own by mixing equal parts of baking soda and water to make a paste. Spread the paste throughout the oven, let it sit for a few hours, and then wipe it away with a damp cloth or sponge.

How to Clean Your Stovetop

The stovetop should also be cleaned at least once a month. To clean the stovetop, start by removing any large debris or food scraps. Then, use a stovetop cleaner or a solution of equal parts water and vinegar to clean the surface. Scrub and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Don’t Forget the Oven Door

The oven door glass should be cleaned every time you clean the inside of the oven. You can use a commercial oven cleaner or a homemade solution of equal parts water and vinegar to clean the door. This homemade solution should be used after the water and baking soda solution mentioned above. Wipe the glass with a soft cloth or sponge and dry it with a clean cloth. It’s important to be gentle when cleaning the glass to avoid scratches. Remember, never use your oven if the glass door is cracked.

 

If you have any issues with your oven or other appliances, give us a call at Express Appliance Service.

How to Take Care of the Lint Filter In Your Dryer

Taking care of the lint filter in your dryer is an important step in keeping your dryer running efficiently and safely. Lint buildup can cause your dryer to work harder, use more energy, and even be a fire hazard. Here are some tips on how to properly clean and maintain your dryer’s lint filter.

 

Clean Your Lint Filter After EVERY Use

The most important step to caring for your lint filter is to clean it after every use. Simply pull the filter out and use a soft brush or your hands to remove any visible lint. If the filter is particularly clogged, rinse it with warm water and mild soap. Allow the filter to dry completely before putting it back in the dryer. It’s also a good idea to periodically vacuum around the lint filter’s slot. However, reference your owner’s manual first to ensure this can be done safely without damaging the dryer.

Replace Your Filter if Damaged

Besides regular cleaning, inspecting the lint filter and screen for any tears or holes is important. If you notice any damage, replace the filter or screen immediately to prevent lint from bypassing the filter and creating a fire hazard.

Check the Air Flow Surrounding Your Dryer

Another step in maintaining your dryer’s lint filter is ensuring that the airflow around the dryer isn’t blocked. Keep the area around the dryer clear of clutter and debris. Also, ensure that the vent pipe and exhaust vent on the outside of your home are clear. This is something that should be checked periodically by a professional.

 

If you have any issues with your dryer or other appliances, call Express Appliance Service. Our team of experienced technicians can help diagnose and repair many problems and ensure that your appliances are running at their best. Give us a call today!

Why It May be Dangerous to Fix an Appliance on Your Own

While it may be tempting to try to fix an appliance on your own when it’s not working properly, it’s almost always better to call an expert instead. It’s important to remember that attempting to repair an appliance without the proper knowledge, skills, and tools can be dangerous. Here are a few reasons why it’s always best to call a professional appliance repair company instead of trying to fix your appliance on your own.

 

Fixing Your Appliances Could be Dangerous

One of the biggest risks of attempting to fix an appliance on your own is the potential for injury. Appliances contain various electrical components and moving parts that can be dangerous to work on if you don’t know what you’re doing. Appliances can also be heavy and difficult to maneuver, which can increase the risk of accidents or injuries.

Why Expertise is Important

Repair technicians have the training, knowledge, and experience to diagnose and fix appliance problems safely and effectively. They are familiar with the inner workings of appliances and know how to identify and fix issues quickly, efficiently, and safely.

Why Proper Tools Are Necessary

Professional appliance repair technicians have access to a wide range of specialized tools and equipment necessary for properly repairing appliances. These tools and equipment may be expensive or difficult to obtain for the average person. This means attempting to do it yourself will be both dangerous and expensive!

You Could Void Your Warranty

If you attempt to repair an appliance on your own, you may void the manufacturer’s warranty. This can be a costly mistake, as you’ll be responsible for paying for any future repairs that would normally be covered by its warranty. On the other hand, if you call a professional appliance repair company, they can often repair the appliance without voiding it.

 

If you’re experiencing issues with your appliance, call the experts at Express Appliance Service for all your appliance repair needs.

The Advantages of Using Dryer Sheet

Dryer sheets are a great way to keep your laundry fresh and static-free. Not only do they help reduce static cling, but they also add a pleasant scent to your clothes and linens. But with so many different brands and types of dryer sheets on the market, it can be tough to know which ones are the best to use in your dryer.

 

No More Static Cling

One of the main benefits of dryer sheets is their ability to reduce static cling. Static cling occurs when clothes and fabrics become charged with static electricity, which causes them to stick together or to other surfaces. This can be especially frustrating when trying to separate clothes from each other or from the dryer itself. Dryer sheets work by releasing a small amount of a substance called quaternary ammonium compound, which helps to neutralize the static charge and prevent it from forming.

Soften Your Fabrics

In addition to reducing static cling, dryer sheets can help soften fabrics and add a pleasant scent to your laundry. Many brands offer a variety of scents to choose from, such as lavender, citrus, and fresh linen. Using dryer sheets can help your clothes and linens smell fresher for longer, making them especially useful for items that don’t get washed as frequently, such as blankets and towels.

What dryer sheets should you use?

It depends on your personal preferences and needs. Some people prefer natural or organic dryer sheets, which are made with plant-based ingredients and are generally considered to be safer and more environmentally friendly. Others prefer scented dryer sheets, which can help to mask any lingering odors in your laundry.

 

If you have any questions or concerns about your dryer or other appliances, don’t hesitate to call Express Appliance Service for all your appliance repair needs.

How to Get the Best Performance Out of Your Fridge

If you want your refrigerator to work its best, you have to take care of it!  There are a few simple steps you can take to help with its performance. Here’s how to get the best performance out of your fridge.

 

Keep Your Fridge Clean

Regularly cleaning your refrigerator can help it run more efficiently. Wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces with a mild detergent and warm water to remove any food spills or build-up. Make sure to also clean the seals around the door to ensure a good seal and prevent warm air from entering the fridge.

Don’t Overfill Your Fridge

While cramming as much food into your fridge as possible is tempting, leaving some space for air to circulate is important. Overfilling your fridge can cause it to work harder and use more energy, which can lead to higher energy bills and potentially shorten the lifespan of your fridge.

Keep the Temperature Consistent

Your fridge should be set to a temperature between 35 and 40 degrees, while the freezer should be set to 0 degrees. Keeping the temperature consistent will help your fridge run more efficiently and prevent food from spoiling.

Regularly Replace the Water Filter

If your fridge has a water filter, it’s important to replace it regularly to ensure that the water and ice you’re consuming are clean and free of contaminants. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the filter every six months to a year.

 

By following these tips, you can help your refrigerator work its best and keep your food fresher for longer. However, if you notice that your fridge is still not running efficiently or if you’re experiencing any other issues, it may be time to call the professionals. Express Appliance Service offers reliable fridge repair services to get your appliance back up and running in no time. Don’t hesitate to call us if you need help with your fridge.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Fixing Your Oven

Your oven is an important part of your kitchen and your home. You use it to prepare meals, bake cookies, and heat up leftovers. So, it can be extremely frustrating when your oven stops working the way it should. It may even be tempting to continue using your oven, even if you know something’s wrong. But the truth is, you should always call a professional appliance repair company at the first sign of an oven problem. Never use a malfunctioning oven – it could be dangerous.

 

Cracked Oven Doors are Dangerous

If there is a crack in the glass door of your oven, do not turn it on. When the integrity of the glass is compromised, like with a crack or chip, heat can put further stress on it. The build-up of pressure can cause the glass to shatter or even explode. Glass oven doors should be replaced right away. NEVER use an oven with a cracked glass door.

Your Oven Could Overheat

If your meals suddenly burn every time you cook, there’s most likely a serious problem with your oven. It could be either your temperature sensor or the heating element itself. It’s unsafe to continue using your oven if you can’t control the temperature. Call a repair company right away.

Gas Ovens Need Professional Repair

If you have a gas-powered oven, it is even more critical to use it only when it’s working correctly. Gas leaks are hazardous and can be disastrous. If you smell a natural gas leak anywhere in your home, leave and call the gas company immediately. If you’re having issues with the pilot light of your oven or the burners are not lit properly, discontinue use and call an appliance repair company immediately.

 

Don’t delay fixing your oven. Call Express Appliance Service today!

Understanding the Other Settings on Your Dishwasher

You probably use your dishwasher every day. However, if you’re like the average person who owns a dishwasher, you most likely use the same setting every time. Maybe you’re not even aware of what the other settings are for. Because if the tried and true “Normal” setting works every time, why try the others? Because you may be wasting excellent washing power, that’s why! Your dishwasher has those other settings for a reason. Here’s some more info on your underrated dishwasher settings.

 

Quick Wash

Don’t shy away from the quick wash setting because it doesn’t sound thorough enough. If you’ve dirtied just a few dishes or glasses, there’s no need for an entire normal cycle. The “Quick Clean,” or “1 Hour” on some models, is designed to sanitize lightly soiled dishes. So this cycle is perfect after a cocktail party, but probably not the best choice for a big dinner.

Heavy Duty

The “Heavy” cycle lives up to its name and is meant for heavily soiled dishes. Think cheesy casserole dishes or spaghetti sauce-covered plates. This is the setting to use if you have a mix of plates, silverware, and cookware to wash. It uses high temps and extra wash cycle times to get all those little bits of food and gunk off your dishes.

Air Dry

This setting is perfect for those looking to conserve energy but still want to use their dishwasher. Instead of using high heat to dry your dishes after a wash cycle, it just finishes. We recommend cracking the door open to speed up the drying process. Plastic Tupperware and containers don’t always dry very well in this setting, so keep that in mind.

 

Is one of your dishwasher cycles not working correctly? Give Express Appliance Service a call today!

When It’s Time to Call an Appliance Repair Company to Fix Your Washing Machine

Your washing machine is an important component of your everyday life. That’s why it’s such a big deal when they stop working. Sometimes there are warning signs that there’s a problem. Other times, it may just stop working altogether. Here are a few situations when it’s time to call an appliance repair company to fix your washing machine.

 

It is Making Loud Banging Noises

Washing machines can sometimes become unbalanced during a washing cycle, causing them to make loud noises. However, loud banging noises shouldn’t be a common occurrence. If rearranging the clothes to distribute them evenly doesn’t solve the issue, and it’s still making loud noises during a cycle, it’s time to call in the pros.

It Won’t Drain

A washing machine that won’t drain usually points to a jam in the drain line or hoses. Most of the time, you will need a professional with the appropriate equipment to unclog it.

There’s A Leak

There are several different areas that your washing machine can leak from. The most common leak site is at the drain line. However, a professional will need to assess the washing machine and find the leak. Never use one that’s leaking – standing water can cause a lot of damage to your home.

The Drum is Stuck

Something is wrong if the drum isn’t turning like it’s supposed to while running a cycle. The culprit could be a damaged, loose, or broken belt. This is a sign to call in an appliance repair company right away.

It Won’t Open

Many washing machines use computer sensors to operate their door-locking mechanisms. Sometimes the sensors can malfunction, causing the door to stay locked. Never force open a locked door. Forcing could result in much more trouble than just a bad sensor. Call an appliance repair company instead.

 

If your washing machine is experiencing any of these issues, leave it to the pros! Call Express Appliance Service today.

Basic Dryer Tips to Improve Performance

We rely on our dryers to help keep up with our laundry tasks. Unless you’re a fan of hanging your clothes outside to dry, your dryer has probably become important in your home. Just like any other large home appliance, a clothes dryer benefits from a bit of care and attention. Here are some basic dryer tips to improve its performance.

 

Don’t forget to clean out that lint trap!

The most critical performance and safety tip is to remember to clean out your dryer’s lint trap. A build-up of lint not only prevents your dryer from heating up properly, but it can also be a potential fire hazard. A good habit to get into is to check the lint trap before and after throwing in a load of clothes. This way, you’re less likely to miss a full lint trap.

Don’t Overload Your Dryer

Your dryer was made for a certain amount of clothes; the less clothes, the faster they’ll dry. But if you overload your dryer, it could take several cycles to get them fully dry. Overloading can also be rough on your dryer’s motor, leading to a shorter lifespan. Also, if you’re overloading your dryer, you’re most likely overloading your washer.

Use the Right Dryer Cycle

The tags on your clothes will instruct which cycle is best to use. Different fabrics have different temperatures they should be subjected to, and too much heat could lead to shrinkage.

Use a Dryer Ball

Dryer balls help keep clothes from clumping together during a dry cycle. Using a dryer ball can help your clothes dry faster by increasing the airflow between each piece of fabric. And unlike dryer sheets – there are no synthetic fragrances, dyes, or chemicals.

 

Is your dryer not performing the way it should? Give Express Appliance Service a call! We’re here for all your home appliance needs.