Appliance Repair Blog

Why Won’t The Dishwasher Detergent Dissolve?

/0 Comments/in /by

If the detergent in your dishwasher is not dissolving, your dishes will not come out as clean as they should. Not to mention the fact that you will end up with residue building up in your appliance.

This can have further negative effects on your dishwasher and more extensive repairs may become necessary. If you notice undissolved detergent in your dishwasher after a wash cycle, here are some possible causes.

Low Temperature

The water in your dishwasher should be heated to 120 – 160F. Anything cooler will not dissolve the detergent. If your dishwasher is not heating up the water to the appropriate temperature, there could be a problem with the heating element or thermostat. You should call a technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

Faulty Inlet Valve

Your dishwasher has a water inlet valve that controls the flow of water into the appliance. If this valve is faulty, it may not allow enough water to flow into the appliance. Too little water will result in a failure to dissolve the detergent completely.

Dispenser Door Jammed Or Blocked

If the door on the detergent dispenser is jammed or blocked, it may not open completely. The door must open completely in order for the soap tablet to drop into the hot water. If not properly released, it will remain, at least partially, in the dispenser.

Faulty Circulation Pump

A working circulation pump will spray water in the dishwasher and, when the dispenser door opens, it will wash out all of the detergent from the dispenser. If the pump is not working, you will most likely hear a strange noise immediately after it has filled with water.

Clogged Spray Arm

Check the holes on the spray arm and take care of any blockages. If the holes are blocked, they will not be effective at spraying water throughout the appliance. Food particles can clog these tiny holes very easily which is why they should be inspected and cleaned regularly.

Spray Arm Not Spinning

The spray arms need to spin in order for water to be evenly distributed throughout your dishwasher. If they do not spin, the water will not move around as it should. A technician can best diagnose and repair this common fault.

Too Much Detergent

Finally, make sure that you are not using too much detergent. Always follow the instructions on the package and, remember, the smaller the load, the less detergent you will need.

In so many cases, proper cleaning and appliance maintenance will help keep your dishwasher running and prevent detergent-related issues. It’s also good to check the owner’s manual for guidelines regarding the best type of detergent to use since every dishwasher is different.

If you encounter any of the problems mentioned above, give Care & Repair Appliances a call at (647) 812-2863. Our team is trained, experienced and certified to repair dishwashers of all makes and models. We always arrive prepared with the tools and various parts to perform dishwasher repairs on the spot.

What Causes My Fridge To Freeze Food?

/0 Comments/in /by

It makes sense if your freezer freezes your food. That’s expected, that’s normal. However, if you find your food freezing inside your refrigerator, you’d be left speechless because that is not the norm. In fact, you may be left wondering why that is even happening.

A fridge consists of many parts working well together in order to keep the major household appliance in optimal running condition. In a fridge, an air damper is the device that balances the airflow from the evaporator fan housing, which controls circulation. This simply means that the amount of cold air entering the fresh food compartment is being controlled. When that control isn’t there, or isn’t functioning properly – you could very easily be left with frozen food. Of course there are many reasons why your food could be freezing.

Temperature

This reason is the most common source of frozen food in the refrigerator. Whether it’s because the temperature isn’t set at the right level or it’s because it’s a thermostat issue – the wrong temperature can lead to frozen food.

If it’s a temperature setting issue, keep in mind that the optimal temperature range for storing fresh food is between 38 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too low, that could lead to your fresh produce, as well as other food items, accidentally freezing over. If the temperature level isn’t the issue then the thermostat could be faulty and may need to be replaced.

Food Storage

Another reason could be that you are overstuffing your refrigerator. Air vents within a fridge circulate cold air and ensure consistent temperatures throughout the storage area. If your food is either blocking these air vents, then those foods will be more susceptible to freezing over. On the other hand, if your fridge is too empty then you run the risk of cold air settling on the bottom shelf and freezing any food you may have stored there. It’s all about the balance in this instance.

Door Seals

That cushiony piece around and under your fridge is a fridge seal. It is also what secures the cold air circulation within the fridge when the fridge door is closed. If that seal is damaged or is leaking, then the cold air will seep through resulting in a fridge that’s overworked, thus too cold – which leads to frozen food.

Damper Issue

The damper of the fridge regulates the amount of air that trickles into the fridge from the freeze. If the damper isn’t properly shut, the temperature in the fridge will become as cold as that in the freezer. This could be another reason why your fridge is freezing your food items.

Main Control Panel

If none of the aforementioned reasons are the root of the problem, then it may be a circuit issue in the main control board. This issue isn’t simple to diagnose that you could require professional assistance to fix the problem.

At Care & Repair, our team of appliance repair pros can help you with all types of appliances, no matter their make or model. So if you have encountered a fridge freezing your food type of issue, or have any other appliance-related issue, simply give us a call at 1(866) 413-2708 for our fridge repair service.

Our technicians are licensed and insured, as well as have over 10 years of experience in the industry. Furthermore, we are available to assist your 24/7, 365 days a year and provide you with a warranty of up to 1 year for all our appliances repairs in the GTA. With us, you can rest assured your appliance will be taken care of.

Why is my Dishwasher Leaking?

/0 Comments/in /by

A leaky dishwasher is extremely problematic since this appliance relies on water in order to function. With so many working parts involved in each wash cycle, it can be tricky to figure out which one is at fault. Here are some of the most common reasons for dishwasher leaks.

A Leaky Door

If the door latch is loose, bent or no longer latching properly, it can result in the dishwasher door not closing as tightly as it should. In some cases, you may need to tighten the latch. If there is significant damage or wear, it is best that the latch is replaced. Another common problem is a worn gasket. This part ensures a perfect seal all around and, if it is no longer in perfect shape, you will notice water seeping out. Like a damaged latch, worn gaskets should be replaced right away.

A Leaky Tub

This is a common problem that affects older dishwashers due to all the wear and tear that they have experienced over the years. A hole may have formed in the tub and this allows water to escape and end up under the appliance. Depending on just how attached you are to your dishwasher, it is sometimes best to replace rather than repairing it in this case.

Valve Damage

Each hose connection has its own valve which helps control the flow of water. This includes the drain hoses. If you notice a leak, it is important that you check all hose connections to make sure that they are not worn, damaged or loose. If they are loose, tighten them right away. If you notice cracks, have them replaced promptly.

Poor Alignment

Like other appliances, it is essential that your dishwasher is level. Even if the ground is not level, you can still adjust the legs underneath the appliance until it is perfectly level. This will help prevent water from pooling under the appliance.

Improper Detergent Use

If you plan on using regular dish soap in your dishwasher, think again! Dishwasher detergent is designed for use in dishwashers. If you use regular dish soap, it can create too many bubbles and this can put pressure on the door gasket which can result in leaks.

Overfilling

The float valve is responsible for detecting just how much water has entered the appliance. Once it reaches a certain level, the dishwasher should stop filling. If this valve is not sealing properly or if there are drain issues, your dishwasher could end up overfilling. If this is the case, the faulty part or parts will need to be replaced in order to solve the problem.

If you are experiencing any trouble with your dishwasher, contact Care & Repair at (647) 812-2863. Our team of skilled technicians is available throughout the Greater Toronto Area and we always arrive promptly and prepared to fix the fault on the spot. We work on all makes and models and our team understands just how important your home appliances are to you and our goal is always to complete repairs during our initial visit.

Why Won’t My Dryer Heat Up?

/0 Comments/in /by

A dryer that does not heat up is not very good at all. Even if the appliance turns on and the drum turns, without heat, your laundry will not come out dry. Dryers are far more complicated than many people realize. There are several working parts that are responsible for ensuring that your laundry comes out perfectly dry. If your dryer is not heating up, here are some possible reasons why.

Power Issues

If there are power problems, your dryer may not turn on at all or it could stop working as soon as the power problem occurs. You should check the plug, circuit breaker and inspect the fuses to make sure that everything is working properly before you proceed to inspect your appliance more thoroughly.

Faulty Heating Element

One of the most important parts involved in the heating of the air in your dryer is the heating element. Much like heating water, air is heated in a similar manner. If there is a problem with the heating element, it will need to be professionally replaced.

Thermal Fuse Issue

Your dryer is fitted with various safety measures to ensure that it functions properly. One such part is the thermal fuse. While you want your dryer to heat up, you don’t want it to get too hot. The thermal fuse helps ensure that your dryer maintains the appropriate temperature. Replacing a blown fuse will solve this problem. It might be difficult to locate and some disassembly of your appliance will be required. So, make sure that you call an expert in order to ensure that repairs are completed as they should be.

Broken Thermostat

Thermostats are used in various appliances, including dryers. Along with the thermal fuse, the thermostat also helps regulate the temperature according to the settings that you have selected. Your dryer could have several thermostats and each one needs to be tested individually in order to find out which, if any, is faulty.

Timer Motor Fault

If the timer motor is faulty, you might need to replace just the motor or the entire motor assembly. Both of these repairs are complex and it is best to have a professional diagnose and repair the fault.

As you can tell, the possible causes of dryer heating issues are quite complex and they require both specialized tools and experience for a thorough diagnosis. At Care & Repair, we are experienced and trained to repair all dryer problems. No matter the make or model, you can always depend on us for fast and professional service. Call us at (647) 812-2863 for expert repairs.

My Miele Dishwasher flashes Error Code F78. What does it mean?

/0 Comments/in /by

When an error code appears on the display of your Miele dishwasher, it can be particularly stressful. The first thing that most people worry about is what the code means and how much it will cost to fix the problem. If you notice the F78 error code on your dishwasher, this is a circulation pump fault. Here are some of the common causes of this error and some solutions.

Try to clear the error code

Before you worry about whether or not something really is faulty, you can try resetting your appliance. To do so, follow these steps:

  • Turn off your dishwasher for 30 seconds.
  • Turn your dishwasher on again.
  • Select the wash cycle you wish to use.
  • Press the ‘Start’ button.

In some cases, a quick reset will resolve this problem. If this does not work, further investigation and repairs might be needed.

Door contact switch connection interruption

Every dishwasher has a contact switch located somewhere on the door. This tells the computer that the door is closed. If the computer detects that the door is open, it will not start or it will stop mid-cycle. If the switch is faulty, this can send a false signal telling the computer that the door is open. To determine whether or not this is the case, you can follow these steps:

  • Check the voltage on the electronic input and output.
  • Check the voltage on the wiring harness.
  • Check the voltage on the circulation pump.

When you find the faulty part, it will need to be replaced and retested. Once the faulty part is replaced, your dishwasher should work just as well as it did before.

Faulty circulation pump

There are a number of problems that can affect your circulation pump. These include excess or low voltage, a defective frequency converter electronic or even a blockage. Repairing the fault will depend on the fault itself. In many cases, the circulation pump will need to be replaced in order to resolve the issue.

 

Appliances have come a long way over the years and there are so many working parts. Diagnosing and repairing dishwasher faults require experience as well as the right tools. At Care and Repair, we are available throughout the Greater Toronto Area and you can contact us 7 days a week at (647) 812-2863 for our Miele Appliance Repair service. Our professional and speedy dishwasher repair service will ensure that your Miele dishwasher is running again in no time.

Why isn’t the ice maker in my JennAir fridge filling with water?

/0 Comments/in /by

With the warmer months well on their way, ice will become a precious resource you’re going to be wanting more and more of. Thankfully, many modern fridges have the luxury of built-in ice makers so you don’t have to go through the trouble of filling up ice trays. 

However, from time to time your ice maker may stop working as it should. A common problem you will face if you have a JennAir fridge with a built-in ice maker is that it will not fill with water. Without water, your machine will be incapable of making ice, making it entirely useless until you have fixed the problem. 

There are a number of reasons the ice maker in your JennAir fridge is filled with water. We will break them down here so you can get back to enjoying cold refreshments.

Freezer Temperature too High

When your freezer temperature is too high, the ice maker will be unable to produce ice cubes. This usually occurs when the freezer temperature is -12 degrees celsius or higher. Instead, your freezer should sit between -18 to -15 degrees celsius in order to properly make ice. 

Defective Icemaker Switch

If your ice maker isn’t making ice, it could be as simple as the icemaker switch being in the off position. Check to see if it is on and if it is but ice still isn’t being made, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the icemaker switch does not have continuity, it needs to be replaced.

Water Filter

If the water filter in the ice maker is clogged, it can restrict the flow of water to the dispenser which will stop the ice maker from working as it should. Replace the water filter and if the problem persists then the issue most likely lies elsewhere.

Defective Water Inlet Valve

A water inlet valve is a valve that feeds the icemaker water. The valve needs at least 20 psi of pressure in order to function properly. If the valve isn’t outputting enough pressure, your ice maker will not be able to make ice. If your water inlet valve has sufficient pressure but still isn’t making ice, you need to have it replaced.

Icemaker Module

The icemaker model is a motorized ice ejector that releases ice out of the machine. If the icemaker module isn’t working as it should it may not be able to dispense ice but could also prevent ice from being made as it is the part of the ice maker that sends a signal to the water inlet valve to refill the ice tray. If you believe that your water module is what’s preventing your ice maker from filling with water there are usually test points in the module that can be used by a technician so they can diagnose the problem.

Defective Door Switch

When you open the fridge door, a switch goes off so the fridge knows when you have the door open. Having the door open will stop the ice maker from working, so if your door switch is defective your fridge will constantly have your ice maker turned off. To check if the problem is the door switch, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the door switch does not have continuity, it needs to be replaced.

Control Board Failure

In the ice bucket of the ice maker, there is an infrared beam used to determine if the ice bucket is full or not – if the ice goes above the infrared beam the control board shuts off the ice maker. If your control board stops working, the ice maker will stop making ice entirely. First, check if your control board is getting power, if it is still getting power but ice still isn’t being made, you will need to replace the ice level control board.

Defective Icemaker Mold Thermostat

The icemaker mold thermostat monitors the temperatures of ice in the machine, and once it has reached optimal temperature, the ice is released and the ice mold is refilled with water. If the icemaker mold thermostat is defective, the icemaker will no longer make ice. To check if the problem is the ice maker mold thermostat, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the icemaker mold thermostat does not have continuity, it needs to be replaced.

 

If you have encountered any of these problems, you will need to have the problem part replaced, If you have a multimeter you can diagnose the problem yourself but the locating and replacement of the part will need to be done by an appliance repair technician. 

Luckily, the experts at Care & Repair Appliances specialize in JennAir fridges. We have all of the required parts necessary as well as the skill to replace them, so give us a call for any JennAir appliance repairs. We are fridge repair experts you can trust so give us a call today at (647) 812-2863 and we will have your ice maker up and running in no time!  

Washer Repair: Why it’s Important to Clean your Washer from Time to Time

/0 Comments/in /by

Most modern homes are equipped with a washer. This appliance is great for large families that go through a lot of clothing every week. They allow you to quickly and easily clean your clothing without having to worry about cleaning things by hand. 

While it may not be apparent to everyone, your washer sometimes needs to be washed. Many believe that because it is filled with soap and water all the time, it doesn’t require cleaning every now and then. However, that is not that case. Your washer does need cleaning due to its constant use. 

So you may wonder, why exactly should you clean your washer, how to do it, and how often. Luckily, throughout this article, we plan to tackle all of these questions. 

Why Clean Your Washer

There are a number of things that come into contact with your washer. Due to the repeated use of washers, they tend to build-up soap residue, chemical, minerals, and bacteria. These tend to get locked within the washer and will build up a film over the interior of the machine. These materials, while unhygienic on their own, can also clog mechanisms within the machine and cause it to not work as it should. The film of all of the chemicals and bacteria will start to produce a smell and may even affect the way your clothes smell when they come out. 

This is why it is important to clean your washer. Not only is it necessary for health reasons but it can also begin to wear your machine and cause it to not work as it should. 

When Should You Clean Your Washer?

How often should you clean your washer though? 

It is said that you should clean your washer at least once a month, both the inside and outside. However, due to the reasons listed above, cleaning your washer could improve its performance so the more your clean your washing machine, the better. When cleaning your washer, it is best to use a natural solution as to not harm your septic system. 

A good indication of when you should clean your washer is when you start to notice dark streaks around the rim. When you see those streaks, it’s best to clean your machine immediately. 

How to Clean Your Washer

Now we will give you a 6 step routine you can use to ensure your washer is clean and running at its best. 

  1. Clean out the innard of the machine between each use and pay attention to where you feed the machine the detergent and the door seal as that is where bacteria tend to build up the most. 
  2. Once a month run your machine on a cycle of 60C or higher without any clothing or chemicals in the machine. This will break down any mould and bacteria that has started to build up in the machine. 
  3. Use a cleaner that is made specifically for washing machines. This is the most effective way to get your machine clean and is only required every 3 to 6 months
  4. After every few washes, take an anti-bacterial wipe and a touch of bleach and wipe the drum seal to prevent any mould or bacteria from forming. 
  5. Between washes, keep the dryer door open. This will allow air to circulate through the machine and stop any bacteria from growing.
  6. Check your drain filter, excess water tends to build up and where there is moisture, there is mould so be sure to do this regularly.

 

Having a clean washer will keep it in top condition so it cleans your clothing perfectly every time. Protect your family and yourself from getting sick from bacteria and mould build-up by regularly cleaning your washing machine. 

If you have any concerns about your washer or are in need of washer repairs, call Care & Repair at (647) 812-2863. No matter the make or model of your washing machine, our appliance repair experts will get to the bottom of the fault and we are always ready to perform speedy repairs on the spot.

What Is That Noise Coming From My Fridge?

/0 Comments/in , /by

If your fridge is making a strange noise, it can be quite concerning. The good news is that there are several noises that are considered normal. There are also many possible causes that are minor and just a few that may require professional repairs. Here’s how to decipher what your fridge is trying to tell you.

Rattling Noise from the Bottom

This usually indicates that the drain pan is loose or not properly fitted. Move your appliance away from the wall to access the pan under the fridge. Move it into place and you’re all set.

Noise from the Back of the Fridge

If you notice a sound coming from the back of the appliance, it could be due to the compressor or condenser fan. Before you try to figure out the exact cause, make sure that you unplug your fridge. If it is the condenser fan, you can try cleaning away any debris and dust that could have accumulated between the blades. A soft brush will usually do the trick. Alternatively, you may need to clean the compressor. This can be a tricky one to diagnose so, if basic cleaning does not work, it’s best to call a technician.

Noise Inside the Fridge

Is there a rattle or squeaking sound coming from inside the appliance? This could be due to the circulation fan. This fan pushes air through the freezer and fridge. It is located behind an access panel inside the fridge which is why you will hear the sound coming from inside the appliance. Due to the complex nature of these repairs and the tools required, it is best to have a technician perform them. Attempting to fix your fridge yourself can have disastrous results and many people end up doing more harm than good.

Squealing or Chirping Sound

A strange squeal or chirping noise coming from your fridge is a sign that you should call a technician right away. It could be that the evaporator fan is on its way out. If this fan fails, your appliance will no longer cool properly. Not only does the fan need to be checked, but so do the relevant wires and grommets. This part relies on several components to run smoothly and a technician will be best equipped to check for corrosion and other faults.

Buzzing or Humming Noise

A buzzing sound could mean that the light in your fridge needs to be replaced. Depending on the unit, you might be able to perform this simple repair yourself. There are, however, some models that are more complex and a professional should replace any light bulbs. If you do plan on replacing the bulb yourself, make sure that you buy the right size bulb and the right colour for your fridge. Warm and cool lighting options are available in various sizes so keep this in mind.

Knocking Sound

This can be quite a startling sound to hear coming from your fridge. The most likely culprit is the condenser. Alternatively, it could be due to a faulty fan motor which makes the fan run too hard or too hot.

Ice Maker is Clicking

This could indicate that the water line valve is loose or no longer connected to your water supply. If you have moved the appliance recently, it could have come loose. Check all of your connections and see if this resolves the problem.

It’s good to remember that not all noises are necessarily cause for concern. Some are absolutely normal. Especially if the fridge has produced this noise from the beginning. It’s when noises get louder or when we notice strange noises that it’s time to do some investigating. Remember, if you have any concerns about your fridge, call Care & Repair at (647) 812-2863. No matter the make or model of your refrigerator, we will get to the bottom of the fault and we are always ready to perform speedy repairs on the spot.

Laundry Symbols on Clothes

/0 Comments/in /by

Laundry Symbol Cheat Sheet

Laundry is such a burdensome thing to do. However, it has to be done quite regularly. The majority of people are not very fond of laundry because it is a meticulous process. Not only have you to do it often, but also in the correct way to keep your clothes in good condition.

Luckily, we have composed a simple washer guide. Here you will learn how to separate clothes correctly, divide laundry according to the fabrics and colors, select the right temperature and dryer settings. The process becomes much easier when you know how to do it step-by-step. This way you will save your time, clothes, and money.

Laundry Clothes

 

Dryer Settings

Drying clothes is an essential part of laundry. If you choose to machine dry your clothes, determining the right settings will ensure that the items will not be damaged in the process. Here is the list of settings to choose from:

  • Timed Dry – you select the necessary time yourself. This might be too energy-intensive if not supervised. Usually, it does not involve wrinkle guard so keep that in mind;
  • Automatic Dry – this program adjusts to fabrics based on how wet the items are. It involves a higher level of energy efficiency;
  • Regular or Heavy – the fastest cycle with the highest temperature. This is suitable for white and lightly colored clothing. The fabrics will shrink if dried after a hot wash;
  • Permanent Press – this is a medium heat program suitable for colorful clothing. Do not use this for delicate fabrics because they can be damaged;
  • Delicates – slow and low-temperature drying appropriate for delicate fabrics. It takes longer to dry because of low heat;
  • Air Fluff – this program uses a room temperature air. This can only fluff clothes, but not dry them;
  • Wrinkle Shield – a special setting that tumbles items intermittently to avoid wrinkling. It does not dry clothes;
  • Easy Iron – a program suitable for lightly wrinkled clothes. It cannot remove heavy wrinkling;
  • Damp Dry or Iron Dry – this setting is used only after a drying cycle. The clothes remain slightly moist in order to facilitate ironing.

Laundry Cheatsheet – Labels

Every piece of clothing has a label with useful information regarding advised washing and drying. Some items might require only natural drying and others might need specific drying settings:

  • Tumble Dry, Normal – set the highest temperature;
  • Tumble Dry, Normal, Low Heat – set the lowest temperature;
  • Tumble Dry, Normal, Medium Heat – select a medium temperature;
  • Tumble Dry, Normal, High Heat – select a high heat option;
  • Tumble Dry, Normal, No Heat – dry the clothes with no heat. You can also choose an ‘Air Only’ setting;
  • Tumble Dry, Permanent Press – select a ‘Permanent Press’ program;
  • Tumble Dry, Gentle – select a gentle program setting;
  • Do Not Tumble Dry – this clothing item cannot be put in a dryer;
  • Do Not Dry – this clothing item requires an alternative way of drying instead of machine-dry option;
  • Line Dry – hang the item up on a line or a special bar. You can do it both inside and outside;
  • Drip Dry – take your soaking wet clothes and hang them up on a line. Do not squeeze the water or try to eliminate wrinkles;
  • Dry Flat – lay your clothes on a horizontal surface;
  • Do Not Wring – let the clothes dry without wringing the dripping water.

Fabric Care Laundry Cheat Sheet

This table will be handy for learning some general information about fabrics. Use it to know how to wash, dry and iron clothes made of certain fabrics in case the label on the item is missing:

WashDryIronCaution
Cotton and LinenAny water temperature; Divide colors. Low setting or line drying for cotton; High setting or hang drying for linen.Steam or use hot iron for cotton; Press iron moist linen.Use bleach only for completely white clothes.
Wool, Angora, Cashmere, MohairCold water; Divide colors; Hand washing or delicate program.Do not put in a dryer; Remove water with a towel; Use flat drying.No ironing, only steaming.Do not use bleach or hot water.
Silk and its MixesCold water; Divide colors; Wash in a mesh bag.Do not put in a dryer; Use flat or hang drying.Steaming is advised; Ironing at a low temperature is allowed.Do not use bleach; Do not put in hot water; Avoid keeping it under the sun.
Polyester and NylonUse warm water; Divide colors; You can use a normal cycle in a washing machine.Select tumble drying on low settings; Line or hang drying is allowed.Use steam; Pressing at a low or medium temperature is allowed.Do not use bleach.
ModalAny water temperature; Divide colors.Use a dryer on high settings; Hang drying is allowed.Use steam or hot iron settings.Do not use bleach.
Viscose and RayonUse cold water; Wash in a mesh bag; Divide colors; Choose delicate settings or hand wash.Do not put in a dryer; Lay on a surface to dry or hang dry.Use steam; Turn the moist item inside out and iron at a medium temperature.Do not use bleach; Do not use vinegar; Do not put it into hot water.
Lycra and SpandexAny water temperature; Divide colors; Wash in a machine on a normal setting; Use hand washing laundry.Use low tumble drying settings; Use line drying.Use steam or iron at a low temperature.Do not use bleach; Do not use any type of conditioner.
AcetateUse cold water; Divide colors; Wash in a mesh bag; Choose delicate settings; Use hand washing laundry.Do not put in a dryer; Use flat or line drying.Use a cool iron to press the item while it is still moist.Do not use starch; Do not use any type of conditioner.
RamieUse cold water; Divide colors; Wash in a mesh bag; Choose delicate settings; Hand wash.Do not twist the item; Use low tumbling settings; Use flat or hang drying.Use steam; Iron at a low temperature; You can iron at a medium or high temperature if the item is moist. Do not use bleach; Do not put it into hot water.

Deep cleaning of your dryer

/0 Comments/in /by

Learn how to clean a dryer

If you know how to fulfill the proper cleaning of your dryer, you will have all the chances to prevent numerous problems in the future. We would like to share some arguments why you should add the cleaning of the dryer into your annual to-do list:

  •  You will keep yourself in safety since about 15000 fires in the USA are caused due to dirty clothes driers.
  • The clogged dryer takes a much longer time to dry clothes. Thus, you will save some money on electricity bills.
  • The dirty dryer causes the heavy tumbling in the drum, so your clothes can get pills and excessive tensions and, as a consequence, may look fraying and fading.

Know when to clean is vital

We are against any needless cleaning. The exception is if you are obsessive about cleanliness. But if you see these signs, described below, it means your dryer needs to be cleaned:

  • After the regular cycle, the clothes are not fully dry.
  • The dry cycle takes too much time as it is stated in the user’s manual.
  • When the cycle is completed, the garments are fairly hot to the touch.
  • When the appliance is cycling, it produces some burning smell.
  • Some kind of humidity and dampness are being felt in the room where the dryer is standing.

Tools required to do the cleaning

The entire cleaning process is not so complicated as it might seem at first glance. Therefore, you won’t need many tools to fulfill the good cleaning. Make sure you have the following tools on your spot while cleaning the dryer:

  • Set of screwdrivers
  • Dryer lint remover kit (usually sold in home stores)
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Metal foil duct tape
    You would also need some materials: soap, water, microfiber, brush, cleaning spray, spatula.

How to clean dryer vent

Before you start cleaning your dryer, make sure the electric or gas supply to the appliance is disconnected.

Step1

Cleaning of the lint filter. It is typically located in the front of dryers, so it is rather easy to take it off. Just take the filter and easily pull it up. Prepare the warm soapy water to sink the lint filter into it and let it soak for a while. Afterward, gently rinse the filter and dry it with the soft cloth.

Step2

The next step is to clean the lint trap housing. To fulfill the quick and high-quality cleaning, the following items will help you much: vacuum cleaner, curtain rod, and pipe bender. Bent the curtain rod with the pipe bender and attach it to the vacuum hose. Such a homemade “appliance” will easily clean the inside of the lint trap housing.

Step3

It’s time to clean the dryer duct. Discard the duct from the wall it was attached to, as well as from the dryer itself. Use the brush (from your kit) to clean the duct. While cleaning it, gently rotate the brush along its inner walls till the end of the duct. Repeatedly get rid of the debris accumulated on the brush. At the end of the duck, you will find the vent cap – it also has to be thoroughly cleaned. Inspect the condition of the flapper and make sure it is functioning properly. It might be better to test it outside.

Step4

Now we will reattach the duct to the dryer. Use a zip tie and (or) UL-listed metal foil duct tape. Before reattaching the duct to its place, remove any lint and debris that can be built upon the backside of your dryer. Then attach the duct to both the dryer and to the vent in the wall. After the dryer duct is successfully rejoined, you may turn the gas or electricity on (it is up to the type of your drying machine). Turn your dryer on and verify whether the appliance is operating and venting in a proper way.
It goes without saying that the regular cleaning of the dryer ductwork and vent will make the dryer work more efficiently and won’t mistreat your clothes.

Step5

Cleaning of the exterior of your dryer. To do this we need to use the microfiber cloth and the cleaning spray that is appropriate for dryers. Spray all sides of your dryer and wipe them off. Don’t forget to clean the buttons and knobs where debris usually packs abundantly. Use the brush to speed up the cleaning.

How to properly clean the inside of a dryer

After having cleaned the dryer duct and the vent, it turns to make the inside of your dryer clean as well. You can’t even imagine how much lint, dust, and any other debris is building up inside. The clean interior will prolong the life of your dryer and prevent any possible lint fires.

Discard the lint trap

Discard the lint trap and put it into the sink with warm soapy water. Let it soak, afterward rinse it slightly with the brush. Let the air dry it. While the lint trap is drying, we will clean the dryer drum.

Remove thrums

Remove thrums, pieces of tape, threads and any other items that could be stuck inside or in the fins if your dryer is of the older model. Clean the interior of the drum with a wet microfiber. If you noticed some stubborn residue, moisten the drum walls with the warmed olive oil and slightly scrape them with the spatula. You can also use a paste made of baking soda and warm water. After you have done away with sticky messes, spray the interior of the drum and wipe it off.

Lint trap

Put the dry lint trap into its position. Turn your appliance on. Make sure it is functioning correctly with no smells or unusual noises.

What to do to keep Your Dryer Clean

To keep your dryer clean, you are to follow some handy pieces of advice which are easy to perform between the big cleaning-ups:

  • After each cycle takes off the lint trap and cleans it up.
  • Once a month clean the lint filter using the brush and the warm soapy water. Spray the inside of the drum and wipe it with the microfiber.
  • Don’t put the washed pet-bedding into your dryer. Let it dry outside.
  • Consult the qualified professionals if you noticed any cracks or suspicious signs of malfunctioning.