Appliance Repair Blog

A Guide to Cleaning a Dirty Oven: Tips and Tricks for a Spotless Kitchen Oven

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 02:14:31 GMT

How To Properly Clean Your Oven

An oven is an essential appliance in the kitchen, but it can quickly become dirty and greasy with regular use. Not only does a dirty oven affect the quality of your food, but it can also lead to unpleasant odors and even a potential fire hazard. In this guide, we will discuss the proper way to clean a dirty oven and share some tips and tricks for maintaining a spotless kitchen.

Preparing for Cleaning

Before you start cleaning your oven you need to prepare the area to make for a quicker and more efficient clean. First, make sure the oven is off and not hot and then remove any racks or other removable parts. Place them in a sink or tub filled with warm soapy water to soak while you clean the rest of the oven. Then you will need to choose a cleaning solution. You can purchase one from the store or make one yourself. A popular solution is baking soda and vinegar. The solution can be made by mixing 2 cups of baking soda, with 1 cup of water and 1/4 cup of white vinegar.

Cleaning the Inside of the Oven

Once the racks are removed, apply the solution to the entirety of the oven, making sure to cover the really dirty or greasy areas with extra solution to really break down the build-up. After the solution sits for at least 15 minutes, scrub the inside of the oven with a sponge or scrub brush. Be gentle but thorough, making sure to clean every part of the oven, even the hard to reach areas. Wipe away the cleaning solution and loosened dirt with a damp cloth until it is clean. You can repeat this process as many times as needed until you reach the desired cleanliness of your oven.

Cleaning the Oven Racks

The oven racks are pretty simple to clean. They have been soaking in water for awhile to help break up the grime on them. Take the racks out of the water and scrub them with a sponge or brush. Rinse the racks with warm water and dry them off. This is all you need to do to clean your oven racks.

Cleaning the Exterior of the Oven

Many homeowners are so focused on cleaning the inside of the oven that they neglect the exterior. The exterior should be wiped down using a damp cloth and your regular cleaning solution you use for your kitchen counters. You can use a non-abrasive cleaner for tougher stains, but make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before using any cleaner on your oven to ensure that it will not damage on of the exterior parts. Then after spraying the cleaner on, wipe it down with a dry towel for a spotless shine.

Preventing Future Buildup

Now that you just went through all that work of cleaning the interior and exterior of your oven, it's important to maintain it to prevent future buildup that is tough to get rid of. And easy way of doing this is to cover your food before placing it in the oven, if possible. This will help to avoid spills and stains. You can also add a pan on the bottom rack when cooking food so that any spillage will fall on the pan rather than the bottom of the oven. It is important to wipe up spills immediately to avoid them becoming baked-on messes. Your oven should be cleaned from time to time but is not an every day task. Just use your judgement on how often to clean to avoid those extra deep cleaning sessions that are needed when you don't try to prevent any spills or clean them up right after.

Conclusion

Cleaning an oven may seem like a daunting task, but when prepared, it can be a quick and easy job. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your oven is clean and work to maximum efficiency. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when cleaning your oven, and never use any harsh or abrasive chemicals. Cleaning your oven from time to time may just prolong the life of the oven as well as prevent future problems with it that may only be solved by an appliance repair service .

How to Repair the Ice Maker in Your Refrigerator

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 21:36:56 GMT

How to Repair the Ice Maker in Your Refrigerator

While the main function of a refrigerator is to keep all its contents cool and prevent food from being spoiled, it also has another important feature, making ice. Most refrigerator have some kind of ice maker and it is extremely helpful in certain situation and we have become very reliant on them. It can save you a trip to the gas station or grocery store to grab a bag of ice, as well as cool off your drink quickly rather than wait for your refrigerator itself to cool it off. And just like other parts of your refrigerator, the ice maker will not work properly at times and it needs to be fixed. This doesn’t mean you have to quickly call a refrigerator repair service to come out and check on it and see if they can fix it. Many times, the fix is very simple and can be done in a matter of minutes even for those who are not very familiar with how ice maker’s work. The parts of an ice maker are not complicated at all, with it only involving a water line, ice mold, a container with a couple parts. That is all that is needed to make ice. In this post, we will go through some common problems with ice makers and why they might not make ice and how to quickly fix them without the help of a professional repair service.

Ice Maker is Turned Off

This may seem a little obvious to most, but sometimes your ice maker can accidentally be turned off. This is very easy to do, especially when somebody open the refrigerator to manually grab ice from the bucket and flips a switch that turns it off. It happens more often than you would think. The most common way that an ice maker is turned off is with the fill bar. Once an ice maker fills up completely, it will lift the fill bar and automatically turn off, preventing more ice from being created. Sometimes this fill bar can get stuck once you start using ice and will never shift back down to turn the ice making process back on. Another way this fill bar can be turned off, as mentioned earlier, is when somebody goes to grab ice manually and accidentally flips the switch to the off position without knowing. So, before you do anything, make sure the fill bar is in the on position. Usually, you just have to flip it down. In newer models that control the ice maker digitally, somebody in the house could have accidentally turned it off electronically when they were switching to different types of ice or to the water setting. Make sure the ice maker is digitally turned on as well.

Clogged Water Fill Tubes

The next common problem with an ice maker not working could be with your water fill tubes. These tubes transport the water from your inlet water line to your ice maker, so if these lines are leaking or clogged, then the ice maker will not be able to make ice. If the lines are clogged, then they will need to be removed and cleaned out. It is a good idea to use hot water and soap to clean them out as well to ensure better quality water. You can use anything small enough to clean out the tubes and push the debris out. If there isn’t anything in the lines preventing the flow of water, then you could have a leaky tube. The biggest evidence of this would be that the tubes may be iced over. If so, then these tubes will need to be replaced. While you are checking the tubes, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to check the water inlet valve as well. There is a filter screen in the valve that can sometimes get clogged. Remove the screen and run it through water to clear it out and place it back in the valve.

Old Water Filter

Refrigerators come with a water filter that needs to be changed out at least every 6 months to a year. If not, these filters will become dirty and clogged and prevent water from flowing to the ice machine. If you notice that your refrigerator has low water pressure, then it is most likely time to replace that filter. Many refrigerators have an indicator light that will blink or turn red when it is time to replace the filter. Check your appliance’s manual for how to replace a filter. For some, the filter is located on the inside of the refrigerator and others are located at the bottom.

Ice Ejector Issues

The ice ejector is the portion of the ice maker where the ice is produced and ejected into the bucket. This ejector includes the gear that turns to eject the ice, the motor that turns the gear, and the flap that prevents ice from releasing too early. The most common issue with this assembly is that overtime chips of ice start to build up and causes an ice dam that prevents new ice from being created or from it being released at all. Just take the entire ice bucket and ejector out so that it has a chance to melt everything and clear any ice build up or clogs. Make sure to carefully dry the assembly once melted because you don’t want leftover water to refreeze once you put it back in the refrigerator because it will just ice up again. If there isn’t an ice buildup, then there is a problem with the motor and gears, which then will most likely need to be replaced. Look for the replacement parts in your refrigerators manual and order them and replace it. If you aren’t comfortable with replacing it yourself, then call your local appliance repair service and they can easily do this for you.

Conclusion

When it comes to refrigerator repair, a broken ice maker is a very common issue. Many potential issues with your ice maker are extremely easy to fix if you take the time to look at it and diagnose it. Much of it involves clogged lines or extra ice buildup, while others are just a simple replacement or clearing of filters. If you are not the handyman type and you don’t want to run the change of messing something else up with the ice maker or refrigerator itself, then call your favorite appliance repair company . Ice maker issues are an extremely common problem that they can easily fix the same day that you call.

Washing Machine Problems: The Most Common Issues and How to Repair Them

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 04:08:34 GMT

Washer Repair: Common Problems and Solutions

It's the middle of laundry day and your washer just stops working. Now what? Most people don't know how to fix common washing machine problems. Since it is one of the most used appliance in your home, when it stops working, it can be extremely frustrating and cause huge headaches. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common washer problems and how to repair them without the need to call an appliance repair service . Unfortunately in some cases, the fix can be complicated and best handled by the professionals.

Washer Doesn't have Power

If your washer doesn't have power, there are a few things that could be the culprit. The first thing you want to check is the circuit breaker. If the breaker has tripped, simply flip it back on and see if that does the trick. If not, check to see if there is power going to the outlet by plugging something else in. If there is power, then the washer probably just needs a new fuse. A blown fuse will be black. You can typically find the fuse box in the control panel. Just remove the cover and replace the fuse with one that has the same amperage rating.

Bad Odor Coming

If you notice a bad odor coming from your washer, it is most likely due to mold or mildew. This can happen if you leave the door open after each use to allow it to air out. To get rid of the odor, first thing you need to do is get some hot water and scrub down the entire inside of the washing machine, making sure to break down the scum and grime that has accumulated. Then add 2 cups of bleach and run a cycle on the hottest setting possible. Most of the time, this should clear out that nasty smell.

If the odor persists, it is possible that there is something caught in the washer drain pump. This can usually be cleared by unplugging the power cord and removing the drain plug. Be sure to check for any objects that may have been washed down there as well. Once you've cleared whatever is causing the blockage, reattach the drain plug and again run a cycle with bleach at the hottest setting.

Water is not Draining

If your washer is not draining properly, it could be due to a few different things. First check and make sure that the drain hose isn't kinked or clogged. If it is, straighten it out and try running another cycle. If that doesn't work, then you most likely have something caught in the hose that prevents it from draining. You will need to detach the drain hose from the washer and check for any objects that may be blocking it. If you find something, remove it and then reattach the hose.

The last possibility is that the filter is clogged. The filter is usually located on the back of the machine and can be removed easily by unscrewing it. Clean out any debris that may be caught and screw the filter back on. If none of these tips fix the draining problem, then it would be best to call up your local service for washer repair .

Washer Doesn't Fill up with Water

A washer only has a set amount of time given to fill up with water before it shuts off. If it doesn't seem to be filling up with water, the first thing you will want to check is the water supply valves. These are usually located behind the washer and may need to be turned on all the way. If they are already on, then it's possible that there is a clog in one of the lines, similar to the draining problem above. Detach the water supply hoses and check for any clogs. If you find one, clear it and reattach the hose.

Another possibility again is a clogged filter on the inlet water supply. Do the same thing as with the drain hose and detach it from the washing machine, unscrew the filter and clean it real good to get any particles that may have been preventing the proper flow of water to your washer.

Washer is Loud

If your washer is making a loud noise, it could be due to a few different things. The bearings may need to be lubricated or the belt could be loose. The belt is typically behind the front panel or underneath the washer, which will need to be tipped to access it. To check on the belt, remove the front panel or tip the washing machine and locate the belt. See if it looks tight and in good condition. If not, you will need to replace it. As for the bearings, you can usually find a lubricant at your local hardware store that is made specifically for washing machines. Apply it according to the instructions and then run a cycle on delicate to test it out.

If neither of those solutions work, it could have been that you had some hard object, such as change or a belt, in that certain load that was bouncing off the sides causing a loud noise. Next time you run a load of clothes, make sure all clothes pockets are empty and see if the noise persists. If so, it may be time to call in an appliance repair company to take a look.

Washing Machine is Bouncing Around

If your washer is bouncing around, it could be due to a few different things. The first thing you want to check is the levelness. It should be sitting level on all four legs. If not, then adjust the legs until it is. There usually are some pegs at the bottom of the washer that can be twisted so you can slightly tweak the length of the legs. Another possibility is that something was unbalanced in that certain load, causing the washer to bounce around. Try to keep your loads balanced instead of loading up one side more than the other.

If the washer is level and you've checked the loads, but it's still bouncing, then something might be loose on the internals. At this point, messing around with the insides of the washing machine could cause even more damage if you don't know what you are doing. So this task is best left to a professional repair service.

Washer Door will not Open

If the washer door will not open, the most likely cause is that the washing machine is still full of water so the door lock is still engaged. Run another cycle and see if the water drains afterwards. If not, then see our tips above on why it may not be draining. If water is properly drained and the door still won't open, then the most likely cause is a problem with the door lock mechanism. There are many different issue that could cause this problem and most likely should be handled by an appliance repair company.

Conclusion

These are some of the most common washer problems and their solutions. Many of these problems than can occur are simple fixes that you can easily do yourself, even without any technical knowledge, while others are a little more complicated. Hopefully this was helpful and your washer is back up and running again in no time. But if not, don't hesitate to call in a professional appliance repair company to take a look. They will be able to fix the problem in no time so you can get back to doing your laundry as usual.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Refrigerator? The Most Common Issues and How Much They Cost

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 23:14:26 GMT

Your refrigerator is easily the most used appliance that you have in your home. It runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It never stops. Which means problems will eventually occur. Refrigerator repairs can be a costly expense. Depending on the issue, it can cost anywhere from $100 to $1000 to get it fixed, with the average price coming in around $300. In this blog post, we will take a look at the most common refrigerator issues and how much they cost to repair.

Compressor

One of the most common refrigerator issues is a compressor that has gone bad. The compressor is what helps to keep your refrigerator cool by moving refrigerant throughout your fridge. When it goes out, you will start to experience problems with cooling and your refrigerator will become increasingly louder. Another sign is if the light does not turn on when you open the fridge. A new compressor can cost anywhere from $300 to $500, depending on the brand and model of refrigerator. Typically this is one of the most costly fixes of a faulty refrigerator and consideration may need to be given on whether just getting a new refrigerator is a better option.

Control Board

Another common refrigerator issue is a bad control board. The control board is responsible for regulating the compressor, fans and other electrical components in your refrigerator. When it goes out, your refrigerator will completely stop working, which makes for a pretty easy diagnosis of what the problem is. Unfortunately a bad control board means that it will need to be completely replaced. A new control board for a high end refrigerator can cost upwards of $700 dollars. A lower end refrigerator will run around $200 to replace.

Thermostat

The thermostat is the part of your refrigerator that tells it how cold to make the fridge. When this goes out, the temperature of the refrigerator will not be as what you have set the thermostat to. It could be way cooler or hotter than what you want it to be. You may also experience problems with ice buildup on the inside of the freezer and frost on the outside of the refrigerator. A new thermostat for a refrigerator can cost anywhere from $100 to $300.

Coils

The refrigerator coils are responsible for transferring the heat from the refrigerator to the air outside. When they become dirty or clogged, it will cause your refrigerator to work harder and use more energy. This will result in a higher electric bill and could eventually lead to your refrigerator breaking down. Just cleaning the coils will cost around $50 or replacing the coils can cost around $400.

Door Seals

The door seals on your refrigerator are what keep the cold air in and the warm air out. When these start to wear down, it will cause the refrigerator to become less efficient which can cause an increase in your electric bill. You may also find that your food is not staying as cold as it should be. Replacing the door seals can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 plus the cost of labor if an appliance repair company does the replacement.

Ice Maker

The ice maker is the part of your refrigerator responsible for making ice. When it goes out, the most likely result is water leakage from the ice maker and obviously you will not be able to make any ice. The most likely cause of an ice maker not working is the water inlet valve but many time the ice maker is just old and needs to be replaced. For both of these fixes, it will typically cost around $250.

Biggest Factors That Affect the Price of Refrigerator Repair

The biggest factors that affect the price of refrigerator repair are the brand and model of refrigerator, complexity of the issues, cost of parts, and labor charges. Generally speaking, if you have a newer refrigerator with more complex electronics, it will cost more to fix than an older refrigerator with fewer electronic components. The cost of parts will be much higher for newer, higher end refrigerators, but if you have an older model, then the parts may be difficult to find and you might end up having to buy a new appliance anyway.

Labor charges are are also a factor, as many appliance repair service have a typical labor cost depending on appliance and complexity of the issue, where as other companies will charge an hourly rate.

Can I Repair some of these Problems Myself?

In some cases, you may be able to repair refrigerator issues yourself. For example, cleaning the coils or replacing the door seals are tasks that can be completed without any special tools or training. You would just need to pay for the cost of the parts. However, if you are not comfortable working with electricity or have never worked on a refrigerator before, it is best to call in a professional.

Problems such as those with the compressor, control board, and thermostat are best left for your local repair company. Trying to fix something that you don't know how to fix could end up costing more money in the long run or could even damage your refrigerator beyond repair. It is possible you could replace the refrigerator coils yourself or the water inlet valve for your ice maker, and this would definitely save you some money.

Conclusion

Refrigerator repair can be expensive, but there are ways to minimize the cost. Knowing what some of the most common refrigerator problems are and how much they typically cost to fix is a good start. Being proactive about cleaning the coils and checking the seals on a regular basis can help keep your refrigerator running smoothly and may prevent more costly repairs down the road.

A very important decision that homeowners will need to make is whether the repair costs are worth it, or if purchasing a new refrigerator is the better choice. A refrigerator will typically last around 10 to 15 years, so the age of your refrigerator should definitely be considered before getting it repaired.

If you do experience a problem with your refrigerator, don't hesitate to call in a professional for assistance. They will be able to diagnose the issue and provide an estimate for repairing it.

Refrigerator Repair! Fixes for a Refrigerator that is not Cooling

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 03:44:20 GMT

A refrigerator is arguably the most important appliance in your home. It is responsible for keeping all your food and drinks cool so that they do not spoil quickly. It is also one of the most used appliances and therefore tends to have the most issues with it as well. The average refrigerator will last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, and maybe longer if proper care is taken and yearly maintenance is performed. Regardless of how well you take care of your appliance, problems will eventually start to occur, with one main issue being your refrigerator stops cooling. Although this is major problem, before you grab your phone and call you local appliance repair service for your refrigerator repair , take a look at a few typical checks and fixes below that you can do yourself that may be able to solve the problem.

1. Check the Thermostat

Checking the settings on your thermostat should be the first thing you do. This is a very simple fix that not many homeowners think about. When your refrigerator stops cooling, most believe it is something major, but as you remove and put items back up, you can easily hit the thermostat especially if it is the knob type, and set it to a higher temperature. Just check the setting on your thermostat and ensure it is at the temperature you want your appliance to be at.

2. Check the Door Seals

Another cause for your refrigerator not cooling off is the door seal. This gasket is responsible for sealing the door to the body of the refrigerator to trap the cold air inside. Overtime this seal can shift causing it not to seal perfectly, and thus letting cold air escape. It can also collect dirt and grime, or can even become moldy that prevents a good seal. Cleaning it every year or so with bleach and a rag should help maintain a proper seal. If the gasket has any kind of damage to it, then you will need to order a new seal. Still, this is a much cheaper option than an appliance repair company.

3. Check the Door Switch

Similar to the seals, if you have a faulty door switch then your refrigerator will continue to leak cold air and may not cool entirely to the set temperature, or may not cool at all since many refrigerators are designed to stop cooling when it gets a signal the door is open. A quick check to make sure your door switch is working properly is to open the door and push the switch to make sure the light inside the appliance turns off. If it does, then it is working properly. If not then something is wrong with the switch and you may need to call your local appliance repair service .

4. Lack of Space / Clogged Vents

This next check deals with the circulation through your refrigerator. Proper circulation throughout the entire appliance is key to keeping the entire refrigerator cool. If there is something blocking or restricting the air flow, then it may not be cooling properly. First you can check how full your appliance is. Overstuffing your refrigerator can restrict air flow. So if you feel like you have too many items in your fridge, try to clear out some space to see if that helps. Another reason you may not be getting proper airflow is a clogged or blocked vent. If there are items that are completely blocking air from efficiently moving through the vents, then move them. The vents can also be blocked by spilt food and other particles, so it is a good habit to clean these out every 6 months to a year to ensure proper air flow for better cooling.

5. Clean the Coils

One final item you can check is the coils and other parts located below your appliance. The coils and compressor are the engine that allows your

refrigerator to stay cool, and when there is a problem with them, your appliance will definitely not cool efficiently, if at all. Since these are typically located underneath the refrigerator or on the back, dust and other particles will easily build up over time and can prevent them from properly releasing stored up heat. To prevent this, vacuum underneath your refrigerator to remove the dust and it may be a good idea to slide it out from time to time and do a good cleaning of the area below and behind where the fridge sits.

Conclusion

After checking and following all the fixes that are listed above, and your refrigerator still will not cool off, then it is time to call your local appliance repair company. Here at Waco Appliance Repairs, we will do a full checkup of your appliances to make sure that everything is in proper working order. We have the experience to diagnose and pin point the exact issue your appliance has and will get it back to working efficiently as if it were brand new. If you are uncomfortable with trying to work out the problem yourself after checking out these tips, then do no hesitate to call in the professionals.

10 Winter Tasks for Your Handyman

Sun, 02 Jan 2022 16:51:50 GMT

With the winter coming, it’s time to prepare! Here are some tasks that you can ask your handyman to work on so that you can have peace of mind in the colder months.

Ensure your heating unit is prepared for the cold winter. You don’t want to try and start it up when you need it, only for it not to be working as you’d like. Early service can prevent you from encountering a big problem.
Check and replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s easy to forget about these warning signals. But remember, house fires are severe problems because of heating, fireplaces, and more. Having your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors working to the best of their ability can keep you and your family safe.
Check your pipes. If you live in an area where cold weather can get pretty severe, you want to be sure you check your pipes before the weather shifts. Water can freeze within your pipes, expand, and cause a significant burst.
Prep your home for a storm. Storms can be severe and cause significant damage to your home. Have your handyman check and repair window sills, doors, your roof, and any other place susceptible to damage from a storm.
Consider weather stripping. Ask your handyman if they can check your windows and doors for air leaks. Air leaks can let the cold in and your hot air out, causing you to use your heater more often and work harder. Weather stripping and caulking are good fixes!
Be sure your roof is free of holes. As it rains, you may experience leaks that can cause more damage than you’re prepared for. Many leaks lead to water damage, mold, and several more problems.
Repair gutters and clear them. If you need your gutters repaired, now is a good time to do so. Broken or clogged gutters can cause water to back up onto your property and cause significant water damage.
Check your insulation. Insulation can keep your home nice and comfortable throughout the winter, so be sure to ask your handyman to give it a look and ensure there are no worn or missing areas.
Check the ceiling fans. If you have ceiling fans, you may not have known this: you can reverse the direction they spin. Have your handyman change it so that it runs clockwise and pushes heat down towards you.
Repair any broken decks, stairwells, or steps. Anything that can break further with a storm should be repaired to prevent further damage and keep you and your family safe.

Call Our Expert Handyman Today

Our team is here and ready to help you. If you need handyman services, you can rely on our experts to be there for you. We care about your home and safety, so we’ll work hard to ensure everything is up to the highest standard possible.

Appliance Repair Blog

A Guide to Cleaning a Dirty Oven: Tips and Tricks for a Spotless Kitchen Oven

How To Properly Clean Your Oven

Preparing for Cleaning

Cleaning the Inside of the Oven

Cleaning the Oven Racks

Cleaning the Exterior of the Oven

Preventing Future Buildup

Conclusion

How to Repair the Ice Maker in Your Refrigerator

How to Repair the Ice Maker in Your Refrigerator ﻿

Ice Maker is Turned Off

Clogged Water Fill Tubes

Old Water Filter

Ice Ejector Issues

Conclusion

Washing Machine Problems: The Most Common Issues and How to Repair Them

Washer Repair: Common Problems and Solutions

Washer Doesn't have Power

Bad Odor Coming

Water is not Draining

Washer Doesn't Fill up with Water

Washer is Loud

Washing Machine is Bouncing Around

Washer Door will not Open

Conclusion

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Refrigerator? The Most Common Issues and How Much They Cost

Compressor

Control Board

Thermostat

Coils

Door Seals

Ice Maker

Biggest Factors That Affect the Price of Refrigerator Repair

Can I Repair some of these Problems Myself?

Conclusion

Refrigerator Repair! Fixes for a Refrigerator that is not Cooling

10 Winter Tasks for Your Handyman

Call Our Expert Handyman Today

How to Repair the Ice Maker in Your Refrigerator