Dishwashers are incredibly convenient and make washing a sink full of dishes a piece of cake. However, some things just shouldn’t be put in a dishwasher. Some items could melt, break or even cause damage to the dishwasher itself. Read on to learn more.

Anything Wooden

Wooden spoons, utensils with wooden handles, wooden salad bowls and cutting boards should all be kept out of the dishwasher and washed in the sink instead. Dishwasher detergent can be a bit too harsh on wooden items and can cause them to crack. The heat of the dishwasher can also cause some wooden items to warp.

Cast Iron

Cooking with cast iron is amazing and produces incredibly tasty meals. However, cast iron pots and pans should never be washed in the dishwasher. In fact, you shouldn’t be using soap or detergent at all on your cast iron. Instead, they should be scrubbed gently with coarse salt and rinsed with cool water.

Aluminum Cookware

Most people think aluminum cookware can be washed in the dishwasher, and technically they can. However, a dishwasher cycle will oxidize and fade those pots and pans, even after one wash.

Nonstick Pans

A dishwasher cycle can wreak havoc on a non-stick coating, so it’s best to hand-wash these items.

Some Plastic Items

Always look for the “dishwasher safe” label on plastic items. Some will warp and melt in the heat of the dishwasher.

Kitchen Knives

Not many people realize this, but kitchen knives should always be hand-washed in the sink. Dishwasher cycles dull knife blades and loosen handles. Knives can also be dangerous in the mix with all your other silverware, especially if you have kids that help with the dishes.

So in the future, pay attention to what you throw in the dishwasher.

Even though your dryer has multiple settings, you’re probably used to using just one. Here’s a little info on all those other settings. They may not be the exact ones you have on your dryer model, but they’re most likely very similar. Hey, you may even want to switch it up every once in a while!

Regular/Heavy

This setting uses the highest heat setting on your dryer. It’s best for socks, towels, and standard basic clothing items that can take a little heat. Check your clothes tags before using this setting.

Permanent Press

This is usually a medium heat setting and works well with bright colored clothing. This is the setting to use as a default if you’re not sure what heat to use.

Wrinkle Release

This setting uses a blast of warm air to take wrinkles out of clothing that is already dry. This is the perfect setting to use if you don’t have time to iron something before wearing it. It’s also great for sheets that have been sitting on a closet shelf for a while. You can also use this setting to freshen up clothes that have already been worn but aren’t exactly dirty.

Delicate

The delicate cycle uses the lowest heat setting on your dryer. This is great for clothing made of delicate materials, hand-knitted or crocheted items, or just anything that you don’t want to dry in high heat.

Air Fluff

This setting uses no heat at all. It is great for items that just need a little refreshing before use like tablecloths, linens or jackets. You could even throw a dryer sheet in on the air fluff cycle to remove musty odors.

So next time you throw a load of clothes in the dryer, try out some of your rarely used settings. Be sure to check the care labels first.

We rely on our washing machines, probably more than any other appliance in our home. Sometimes we don’t realize how much we rely on them until something goes wrong and we can’t use them anymore. Luckily, most washing machines are built to last. Here are some of the most reliable washing machines on the market.

LG

LG is one of the most reliable brands of both washers and dryers, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index ratings. It’s also a highly recommended brand by repair technicians.

Samsung

Samsung washing machines score high with customers as well. They also make budget-friendly models that still rank high as far as reliability. The less expensive models do tend to have fewer settings than the more expensive choices; however, they still function just as well.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool washing machines are very reliable and come in a variety of price ranges to work with most budgets. They all score high on consumer reports, and some models feature settings not found on other brands.

Speed Queen

Some Speed Queen washing machines can last up to twenty-five years, which beats almost all brands by about 10 years. Speed Queen models also come with a ten-year warranty and are known for having few issues. The entire Speed Queen brand is built around beating the competition in reliability.

Kenmore

Kenmore has been a top-rated appliance brand for over 100 years. Its washing machines, in particular, score high on consumer reports as well as online reviews. They also have a wide selection of models, in a variety of price ranges.

If your washing machine has required many repairs over the years, or you’re just not happy with its performance, it may be time to invest in one of the brands mentioned above.

Our refrigerators and freezers are meant to keep our food cold, that’s their entire purpose. But, they can get too cold, which can cause a whole list of problems, including spoiled food, burnt-out motors, and more. Here’s how to tell if your fridge or freezer is too cold, and it’s time to call a repair company.

Things to Know First

Before we get into signs that your fridge is too cold, it’s important to understand how a refrigerator’s cooling process works. Your fridge isn’t at a constant temperature. It’s cooled by refrigerant vapor, which is a gas that flows in liquid form inside a coil. It absorbs heat in the air, which keeps it cool inside the fridge. The coil is usually near the lower shelf and foods kept in that area are colder than the ones in other areas. If your refrigerator or freezer is overstuffed, it will be harder for everything to be kept at the optimum temperature.

Condensation

Condensation or sweating is a sign that your fridge is working too hard to stay cold. If this is the case, check the sealing around the door. If you’re sealing isn’t holding in place properly, it can be hard for the fridge to keep a steady temperature.

Too Much Ice in the Freezer

Yes, a freezer should be icy. However, if you’re finding that you have to scrape ice off of items,  or if there is a layer of ice covering the inside, your freezer is definitely too cold. Try defrosting your freezer by taking everything out and unplugging the fridge. Once you’ve removed all the ice, plug it back in and monitor it for a couple of days. If it keeps happening, its time for a repair.

If you suspect your fridge or freezer is getting too cold, call Express Appliance Repair right away.

Our dishwashers are one of the most time-saving appliances we have in our home. In fact, you probably don’t realize how much you rely on your dishwasher until it stops working. Thankfully most common dishwasher problems are easily fixed, and most appliance repair companies are prepared for them. Here is a little more on the most common dishwasher malfunctions.

Dishes Stop Getting Clean

It’s incredibly frustrating when your dishwasher stops doing the one thing it’s supposed to do…clean your dishes! There are several different reasons why this may be happening, such as overloading, low-quality soaps, or failing to scrape food debris off before loading. However, there could be a problem with the inner components of the dishwasher if you can’t get to the bottom of the issue.

Won’t Start

If your dishwasher makes a humming sound when you try to start it, you most likely have a problem with the motor. If nothing happens at all, there could be wiring issues. Whatever the culprit may be, it’s time to call your appliance repair company when your dishwasher doesn’t start.

Water Won’t Drain

A prevalent issue with dishwashers is the failure of water to drain. This is usually caused by a clogged drain or filter. You can check the filters yourself and give them a proper washing with soap and water. If this doesn’t fix the problem, call the pros.

Door Won’t Latch

Another common dishwasher issue has nothing to do with washing dishes. When your dishwasher door doesn’t close or latch, it won’t turn on. The most likely cause of this problem is that the striker plate is out of alignment, preventing it from locking when closed. You’ll most likely need the part replaced by your repair company.

For all these common dishwasher malfunctions, or any others not listed, Express Appliance Repair can have your machine back to working order in no time. Call for an appointment today.

Let’s face it, ovens don’t last forever. If your current oven is on the older side and you use it often, it just may not be able to handle regular use anymore. It may be time to throw in the towel and invest in a new oven. Here are some signs that your oven is overworked.

Your Favorite Dishes Aren’t Coming Out the Way They Usually Do

Every good home cook has a few favorite recipes that they prepare over and over for their family. If you have a favorite dish you make in the oven regularly that just isn’t turning out the way it used to, it may be a sign your oven just can’t hack it anymore. If you’re finding yourself having to increase the cooking time, or even ending up with partially cooked dishes, your oven isn’t heating correctly.

Your Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

If you have a gas-powered oven and the pilot light consistently goes out, this could be a sign your oven is on the way out. Gas ovens, in particular, can be dangerous as they age since they can give off carbon monoxide when not working properly. Gas ovens should always be serviced by a professional.

The Door Won’t Close Properly or Falls Open

A faulty oven door can be dangerous, especially if you have young children in the home. Most door issues can be fixed easily, but if your oven is old and the door keeps braking even after repairs, it may be time for a new model.

If you have any of these issues with your oven, or any others, your oven just may not be capable of keeping up with you any longer. The experts at Express Appliance Repair will be able to let you know if a repair is possible, or if it’s time to shop for a new oven. Call for an appointment today.

Refrigerators have come a long way since the days of pastel greens and rounded tops. Today, refrigerators are all about function and convenience. Here’s a look at the most popular refrigerator styles and the benefits of each.

Top Freezer

The top freezer style refrigerator is the most commonly found model in American homes. The main reasons are because of its low price point and storage size. These refrigerators can be priced as low as $400, which makes it an excellent choice for those on a budget. A disadvantage of the top freezer fridge is that refrigerated food is stored at the bottom, which means you have to bend down to reach things on the bottom shelf. However, this model fits in almost any kitchen, and makes a great choice for a second fridge used in the basement or garage.

Bottom Freezer

A bottom freezer refrigerator model has the same benefits as a top freezer model, just a reversed design. Like its counterpart, a bottom freezer fridge fits in most kitchens and has a low price point. However, they are usually a bit larger than top freezer models and feature more drawer style shelving.

Side by Side

The side by side refrigerator style has become a very popular model in the last couple of decades due to the many features and extra freezer space and organization. This fridge is split right down the middle; however, the refrigerator section is usually a tad deeper. This model is a good choice if you have a narrow space for your fridge since there is less clearance space needed for the doors.

French Doors

The french door style refrigerator probably has the highest price point of these four but offers all the convenience of a side by side and a bottom freezer combined in one. Most of the high-end expensive fridge models feature the french door styling.

No matter what style of refrigerator you have, Express Appliance Repair can fix it! Call for an appointment today!

In the market for a new dishwasher? With all the choices on the market these days, it’s hard to know where to start. We’ve tried to make it a little easier for you. Here are some top dishwasher models.

Bosch 500 Series

This dishwasher has a sleek stainless-steel look and an almost completely quiet noise level. It’s designed to blend into the rest of your kitchen. Its EasyGlide racks are easily customizable, which leaves plenty of space for all your different sized dishes and cookware. It features five wash cycles with unique settings you’ve probably never seen before.

Whirlpool WDT710PAHZ

For those on a budget, this dishwasher is a perfect choice. It received some of the highest marks for cleaning and drying and features a reasonably low noise level. This model also features five different wash cycles, including a 1-hour wash for lightly soiled loads. Plus, the hidden controls make it look much more expensive than it is.

Maytag 24 inch

Another budget-friendly option is this sleek little built-in model that looks perfect in any size kitchen. It has all the unique features that most expensive models have, just in a slightly smaller frame. It has more than 1,400 five-star reviews on department store websites and uses less power than most of its competitors in the same price range.

KitchenAid Top Control

What makes this dishwasher stand out from the rest is it’s “ProDry” cycle. This setting is perfect for you if you’re tired of finding water droplets on your hard to dry dishes once you open your machine. Besides that, it also offers an almost silent noise level and hidden buttons/controls. The Top Control sits on the higher end of the price range but is definitely worth every penny.

Ready to purchase that new dishwasher? Don’t forget to keep Express Appliance Repair in mind for all your dishwasher repair and installation needs. Call today!

Doing laundry in the washer and dryer is the ultimate convenience, but let’s face it, not everything can be dried using heat. Sure, you can cut corners every now and then and use a low heat cycle, but certain materials should be air-dried only. Here’s more information you should know.

Jeans, Sweats and Towels

Thick fabrics like denim jeans, sweatshirts, fleece and towels are always ok in the dryer unless otherwise stated on the label. The heavier the material, the more heat you’ll need for a thorough dry. However, when it comes to designer jeans, you may want to keep it on low heat only or just hang to dry. The choice is yours.

Workout Clothes and Undergarments

Synthetic and stretchy materials do best on a low heat cycle in the dryer. This goes for undergarments as well. For those super lacy, delicate items, it’s best to hang dry. You can always throw them in the dryer on “Fluff” or no heat for a few minutes to refresh after air drying.

Cotton

Cotton fabrics are almost always fine to throw in the dryer, but remember that your items may shrink a bit the first time. Try using a low heat cycle just to be safe. Cotton tends to get wrinkled quickly if you let it sit in the dryer after it’s done drying, so remember to take out your laundry as soon as it is done.

When In Doubt, Air Dry

If you have a piece of clothing that you’re just not sure about, the safest strategy is to air dry it. If you don’t have a clothesline in your laundry room or in your yard, just lay it flat on a table or countertop over a towel.

Having issues with your dryer? Express Appliance Repair can help. Call for an appointment today!

Almost every American household owns a washing machine. Washers are one of the most helpful appliances in our home. In fact, we probably don’t realize how much we rely on our washing machines until they’re not working correctly. So to keep your washing machine working properly as long as possible, here are some easy tips to follow.

Inspect the Hoses

Every month or so, check the hoses that run from your washing machine and make sure there are no bulges and that the connectors are tight and secure.

Don’t Overload

Putting too many clothes into your washing machine can cause damage to the drum and throw it off balance. A good rule of thumb is never to fill the drum more the ¾ full.

Use the Right Kind of Detergent

Make sure you’re using a detergent for your model of washing machine. If you have an energy-efficient model, you should be using a detergent labeled “HE” for “High Efficiency”.

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Using too much soap in your machine leaves a residue on the inside components and can end up doing damage. Read the bottle of detergent and only use as directed.

Clean the Inside of Your Machine

Every month or so, wipe out the inside of your washing machine and any inside components that you can reach. Mildew and gunk can build up in the machine that is hard to rinse away during a cycle. Try running an empty load with two cups of white vinegar periodically. This will cut down on build-up.

Don’t Let Wet Clothes Sit in the Washer

Try to remember to transfer wet clothes into the dryer as soon as they’re done washing. Wet clothes left to sit can cause mold and mildew to form.

Follow these easy tips to keep your washing machine working efficiently. But if a problem does come up, call Express Appliance Repair for all your appliance repair needs.