Are you cleaning your dishwasher? If the answer is no, you may not be getting the best out of the most important appliance in your kitchen. Cleaning your dishwasher can troubleshoot most performance issues, but it should also be part of your routine. Here’s how to clean your dishwasher for optimal performance.

Clean Food Debris from the Bottom

After a while, solid bits of food can build up at the bottom of your dishwasher, near the circular coil. Every week or so, take a washcloth and wipe the bottom of the dishwasher making sure to scrub off any hardened messes with a sponge.

Clean the Filter

Most dishwasher models have a small circular filter located at the base. Carefully turn the filter and lift it out. Using soap and warm water, gently scrub the mesh lining and rinse out any debris. You should be cleaning your dishwasher filter at least once a month. A dirty filter can prevent your dishwasher from washing properly.

Clean the Vent

The dishwasher vent is usually located near the top of its door. After time, dirt and debris can build up in the vent and prevent it from drying your dishes thoroughly. Most vents are easily removed by prying it out gently. Read your appliance’s manual for more detailed instructions. Scrub the vent with dish soap and water, using baking soda on any stubborn buildup.

Clean the Spray Arm

The spray arm on your dishwasher is located at the bottom. There are small holes where water sprays out during the wash cycle. Using a q-tip or a thin brush, clean each hole to remove any buildup and make sure it can rotate without any sticking or obstructions.

Cleaning your dishwasher regularly will prolong its life and ensure you’re getting a clean load of dishes every time. Most common dishwasher issues can be resolved by a thorough cleaning, but if you still have any problems, give Express Appliance Service a call!

Appliances can be noisy. Some noises they make alert us to problems and mechanical failures, but some noises are perfectly normal. When it comes to your refrigerator, which noises are deemed ‘normal’ and which should be checked out? Let’s take a closer look.

“Whirring” Sounds

A whirring sound, like one a fan makes, is normal to hear when your open or shut your fridge door. When the door is open or closed, temperature changes cause the fan to turn on or abruptly shut off.

Tic Toc Sounds

A sound similar to a ticking clock can be heard from your refrigerator when the defrost timer clicks on or off.

Gurgling Sounds

A soft gurgling or boiling sound is heard while your refrigerator is running. The refrigerant is being cycled through the unit resulting in the sound of liquid moving.

Tapping Sounds

While a tapping sound that is brief is usually normal, a consistent tapping that doesn’t let up could be a sign of a damaged fan blade or an obstruction in the fan itself. If you hear a tapping coming from your fridge and can’t find the source, contact an appliance repair company right away.

Buzzing Sounds from Underneath

A buzzing, whirring or quiet tapping sound, like when a card hits the spokes of a bicycle, coming from underneath your fridge could be a sign of an issue with the condenser fan. Unplug your refrigerator and carefully move it away from the wall. Removing the cover on the back near the bottom of the refrigerator, being careful not to lose the screws you remove, will give you access to the fan blades. Check for debris that may have gotten stuck, like small pieces of paper or trash. If this doesn’t stop the sound, contact an appliance repair company.

If you’ve heard a sound coming from your fridge that isn’t on this list, it never hurts to get advice from the professionals. Contact Express Appliance Service right away.

Buying a new appliance can be both exciting and overwhelming. Modern ovens have so many new features that it can be confusing to find one that’s right for you. Let’s take a look at some features to consider when purchasing a new oven.

Dual Capacity

An oven with dual cooking chambers could be handy if you often cook multiple things at the same time that require different temperatures. Big holiday meals are made a lot easier if you can bake the pumpkin pie and the turkey at the same time while having space for other dishes. But if you’re only the occasional cook, this may not be a necessary feature.

Delayed Start

A delayed start feature on an oven is convenient for the cook that loves to plan. Have a casserole from the fridge that’s all set to go, but you’d like it to reach room temp before cooking? A delayed start will allow you to set a specific time for your oven to turn on and start cooking while food is already inside.

Self-Cleaning

An oven with a self-cleaning feature doesn’t actually “clean” itself. It heats up to around 1,000 degrees while locking the door, which causes all the food and debris in the inside of the oven to burn off. People with self-cleaning often don’t use them which can cause the feature to break and need repairs. Decide if this is something that is important to you.

Safety

Safety precautions are an important feature of any oven, especially if you have small children at home. You want to look for an oven with a locking mechanism on the door.

Parts

When searching for a new oven, you want to look for one that will be easy to service. A rare or specialty oven may be difficult to find parts for, making repairs more expensive and time-consuming.

Any questions about oven features? Ask the experts at Express Appliance Service.

Detergents and soaps can contain a lot of chemicals and ingredients that irritate the skin. If you or anyone in your family tend to get rashes or skin problems from common household products, you may want to think about switching to hypoallergenic laundry detergent. Here are the best detergents and dryer sheets for sensitive skin.

Free and Clear

The main culprits in dry itchy skin caused by detergents are dye and fragrances. Buying a detergent that is made free from dyes and artificial scents is the best way to avoid irritated skin. These detergents still wash and clean thoroughly, although you may have to use an additional product for stain removal. Almost all major laundry detergent brands, like All, Gain and Tide make free and clear versions of their products.

Organic Baby Detergents

If you’ve tried free and clear products and they just don’t work for you, try an organic baby detergent. Baby products are already made for sensitive baby skin, and organic brands tend to take it a step further. Choose a fragrance-free baby detergent for best results. Most brands also make a natural dryer sheet product as well, so look for those.

Natural Soap Powder

There a few different companies that make a natural powdered detergent that is free from most allergens. If you usually use liquid detergents, it may take some time getting used to how much powder to use per load, but this can be a very smart option for those with sensitive skin. Powdered natural detergents can be a little pricey, so do your research and shop around before deciding on a brand.

DIY Dryer Sheets

You can make your dryer sheets using a blend of vinegar and essential oils placed on a soft cloth. Some essential oils can be irritants to sensitive skin, so opt for a gentle scent like lavender or citrus.

Finding laundry detergent that’s safe for your family’s sensitive skin is possible with a little research.

Dishwashers make kitchen chores a whole lot easier. But when it comes to all the different kinds of detergent to use with your dishwasher, the choices can be overwhelming. All dishwasher detergents have mostly the same ingredients, just different formulas. Here’s a closer look at all your options, and the pros and cons of each.

Powder Detergent

The one ingredient that powder detergent contains that gel does not is bleach. This makes for sparkling white dishes, yet it sometimes isn’t able to get starchy stains, like potato or flour, off of larger dishes like a casserole dish or a large mixing bowl. Since powder does contain bleach, it’s the best at getting rid of musty and unpleasant odors that can sometimes occur in a dishwasher that hasn’t been run in a few days. If you have hard water in your home, powder detergent will clean much better than gels and pods.

Gel Detergent

Gel detergents seem to have a slight edge on powder in the popularity department, probably because it resembles liquid dish soap, which we all know has strong dish cleaning power. Gels contain enzymes instead of bleach. Enzymes can wipe out those tough filmy stains on dishes that rich, starchy foods leave behind.

Pods

Pods are quickly becoming the most purchased dishwasher detergent. These small convenient packs cut out the need to measure out portions and contain just the right amount of detergent for the job. They also can contain both powder and gel, which give the consumer peace of mind that they’re getting the best cleaning experience and the best of both worlds.

No matter which detergent you choose for your dishwasher, you can be sure it’s formulated to clean and sanitize your dishes properly. If you’re having any issues with your dishwasher not washing correctly, it could be a problem with your machine. Call Express Appliance Service for an appointment right away.

Over 3 million appliances are recalled every year, so it’s essential for every homeowner to be aware and act quickly when a recall is issued. Let’s take a closer look at appliance recalls.

Why do appliances get recalled?

An appliance recall happens for one of two reasons. Either the appliance has a design flaw that prevents it from working correctly or it has a defect that makes it dangerous to use. Once an appliance is recalled, it can no longer be sold, and owners must discontinue use immediately.

What are the different types of recalls?

Six different agencies in the US are responsible for protecting consumers. The largest, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), regulates more than 15 million different products and works with manufacturers when there is a recall. There are two different kinds of recalls. Let’s take a closer look at both.

• Voluntary: Voluntary recalls are issued willingly by the manufacturer while they work with agencies to get the word across to customers.
• Compulsory: Compulsory recalls are when the government orders a company to take a product off the market due to safety concerns. These are very rare for appliances. In fact, there hasn’t been a compulsory appliance recall since 2001.

How can I be aware of appliance recalls?

When you purchase a new appliance, be sure to fill out the registration card and mail it right away. The manufacturer will use your contact information to contact you if there are any recalls on your appliance. You can also check company websites for recalls or visit the Consumer Reports website which keeps a comprehensive list of current recalls.

What should I do if I own a recalled appliance?

If you own an appliance that has been recalled, don’t panic. Unplug the power source and discontinue use immediately. Contact the manufacturer and they will guide you through the process of repairing or replacing your appliance. You’ll soon have a properly working appliance again.

Have you ever opened up your fridge for a snack only to be greeted by a musty or unpleasant smell? Unfortunately, refrigerators can develop nasty odors from time to time, but the good news is that they’re usually very easy to get rid of. Here are some ways to reduce or get rid of fridge odors.

Try the Obvious First

Most of the time a gross odor coming from your fridge is caused by a rotting piece of food you didn’t realize was still inside. Try cleaning out your refrigerator first before you try anything else. Since the vegetable drawers are usually the culprit, start there. Throw out any decomposing fruits or veggies and give each drawer a thorough cleaning with soap and water. Remove everything from the shelves and wipe each one down. If you still smell something, try the next tip.

Vinegar Will do the Trick

To be extra vigilant on fridge odors, try mixing equal parts of white vinegar, baking soda and dish soap till it forms a thick paste and wipe down every part of the inside of your fridge. Then rinse with water and dry. The vinegar smell will be strong at first, but as it dissipates, you’ll be left with an odor-free refrigerator.

Jar of Baking Soda

Once you’ve given your fridge a deep clean, fill a small mason jar with about a 1/4 cup of baking soda. You can add a few drops of citrus essential oils as well. Place the jar uncovered in the back of the top shelf. After a few hours, the bad odors should be absorbed and you’ll be left with a fresh, clean scent which will prevent future odors.

If you’ve tried all of this and still detect an odor coming from your fridge, there could be something wrong causing your food to spoil early. Call Express Appliance Service right away and we’ll get your refrigerator working, and smelling fresh, in no time.

It’s important to be mindful of the amount of water and energy you’re using in your household. High-efficiency washing machines help you do just that. Here is what a high-efficiency washing machine is and what makes it the better choice for your home.

What is a high-efficiency washing machine?

A high-efficiency, or ‘HE’, washing machine is made with technology that reduces the amount of water and energy you need to wash a load of clothes. An ‘HE’ washer uses 80% less water than a traditional top-loading washer and uses 65% less energy to operate. An ‘HE’ washing machine can wash more clothes in one load than traditional machines due to their larger size.

How are ‘HE’ washing machines different?

An ‘HE’ washer does not have an agitator, meaning your clothes are washed more gently and with less energy. Since they do have larger capacities than traditional machines, they do require more detergent. Make sure to use a detergent with an “HE” label on the bottle. These detergents are specially made to work in high-efficiency washing machines using less water.

Should I purchase an ‘HE’ washing machine?

‘HE’ washing machines use less water and less energy to do the same job as a traditional machine. Owning a high efficiency washer will save you money on your utility bills as well as help reduce your overall carbon footprint. Although you have to use specialty detergent, most washing machine detergents are made for ‘HE’ machines, or they have a separate version that is. You’ll also be able to wash more clothes at a time, cutting down on the time it usually takes you to do laundry.

If you own a high efficiency washing machine that needs repair, or if you’re interested in the benefits of owning one, contact Express Appliance Service today. We have experience working with all makes and models of washing machines and can help you pick one that’s best suited for your needs.

Both gas and electric stovetops have their advantages and disadvantages. Most people who prefer one over the other have certain features that they swear by. Despite their loyal followings, both types of stovetops have common issues that can be inconvenient – to say the least. Let’s look at some common issues with both gas and electric stoves.

Common Issues with a Gas Stove

• Burners Won’t Light– This super common issue happens because of one of two problems. Either the pilot light is out, or the burner is being obstructed or clogged. If the other burners are working properly, it is most likely the pilot light causing the problem. This can be fixed by cleaning the pilot light opening or adjusting the pilot flame.
• Gas Odor- If you start to smell a gas odor in your home, immediately check the burner knobs to make sure one isn’t turned in the ‘On’ position. If that is not the source of the odor, vacate your home right away and call the gas company.
• Noisy Flames– A properly functioning burner should be virtually silent. If your flame is noisy, it can usually be fixed by adjusting the air shutter. If the burner flame is still loud when in use, contact Express Appliance Service right away.

Common Issues with an Electric Stove

• Coil Won’t Heat– If one of the coil burners is not heating, or not heating enough, make sure all switches are turned on. You may need to replace the faulty burner, which is relatively easy and inexpensive.
• Can’t Adjust Heat– If your burner seems to only have one heat setting and won’t cool down or heat up when you adjust the dial, this might be caused by a faulty ignition switch.
• Loose Coils– Heavy use can cause burners to loosen or become wobbly. They usually need to be replaced when this happens.

If you’re experiencing any of these common stovetop issues, call Express Appliance Service right away to set up an appointment.

Technology has made common household appliances, like refrigerators, into the things of sci-fi movies. They are not only more convenient, but they’re also a lot of fun to use. Let’s take a look at some futuristic refrigerator features.

Built-In Tablets

One of the coolest futuristic features of new refrigerators is the built-in tablet feature. You can now own a fridge with a 21″ screen which shows you the contents of the inside and can also show you recipes based on what you have. It can play you a song, display family pictures and alert you when you’re low on cream for your coffee. How cool is that?

Built-In Coffee Makers

As if having a tablet on your fridge wasn’t enough, imagine being able to pop a coffee pod into your fridge and have it make you a steaming hot cup of joe in seconds. No more tinkering with your coffee pot on mornings when you’re running late or filling the water reservoir on your Keurig. Talk about convenience!

Temperature Zones

Have you ever reached for that bag of salad in the back of the bottom shelf of your refrigerator and noticed that the lettuce is frosted over? This can be prevented by owning a refrigerator with temperature-controlled zones. Some new fridges have a feature that controls the temperature in different sections, allowing you to keep some areas colder than others. No more frozen berries or soda that isn’t quite chilled enough.

Odor Prevention

Ever open your refrigerator door only to be overpowered by the scent of garlic from last night’s leftovers? This is a thing of the past with new odor controlling fridges. This not only prevents you from smelling things when the doors are open, but it prevents foods from picking up smells from their neighbors. 

If you have any questions about your futuristic fridge or are having issues with an older model, call Express Appliance Service today.