Category: Dishwasher

Top 3 Fixes For A Dishwasher That’s Not Draining

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A dishwasher is one of the best appliances you can have in your kitchen. That’s why it’s such a pain when it breaks down, and if it is nor draining it can be an especially annoying problem, here are the top 3 fixes for a dishwasher that’s not draining. 

Clear Your Air Gap 

A lot of dishwashers use the Air Gap system to prevent the used and dirty water from returning once the cycle is finished, if this system is interrupted the dishwasher can’t drain properly. 

  1. The first thing to fix this dishwasher draining problem is fiding your air gap, it’s usually a small cylinder sitting by your faucet. 
  1. Then check for clogs by removing the top and pulling it up, depending on the design you’ll have to either unscrew or release to clean the debris inside. 
  1. Putting back together and try running your dishwasher! 

Unclog Your Drain Hose

This dishwasher drain fix is very straight forward, in order to drain the water it uses your dishwasher needs a hose, sometimes that mechanism can become clogged with food and other nasty stuff. 

The clog is more likely located at the drain connection under your sink:

  1. Carefully disconnect the hose from the air gap, drain, or garbage disposal. 
  2. Clean thoroughly 
  3. Connect and wash!

If you’d rather keep you hand clean off this dishwasher mess just call Maydone! 

Check Drain Hose Integrity 

Sometimes that water hose used to drain can become bent or damaged in some way. A quick dishwasher solution is to follow the path of the hose and check for those problems. 

You only need to restore the flow and done!

Which Dishwasher Should I Buy?

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Buying a dishwasher does mean mainly one thing: You can finally say goodbye to washing the dishes by hand. Here is how you’ll choose the right appliance for your kitchen.

As the Christmas festivities are coming up, many people are preparing to host a feast or a party at their house. But whilst the preparation is fun to most people, they will also have to face the less-funny part: Cleaning up the mess in the kitchen as soon as the guests are gone. Fortunately, there is one appliance that could save you from most of it: a dishwasher. So, if you consider getting one for your kitchen, we can help you out with some advice on what appliance to buy.

Set Your Budget

Firstly, you should know how much money you want to spend on a dishwasher. Similar to other appliances, the price range usually varies between $ 400 and $ 1500. More expensive appliances will come with a variety of different features. But even if you are on a budget, you can expect your dishes to come out shiny. Anyhow, you will have to accept that you will not get the higher-end features and finishes.

Think About the Size of Your Dishwasher

Secondly, you should figure out what size you would want. Needless to say, the size of your new dishwasher must fit your kitchen or the cabinets. The majority of dishwashers come in a standard size of 35 inches high, 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep. However, there are also other sizes available, such as slime size or compact dishwashers that are about the size of a microwave oven. Furthermore, you can decide if you want to buy a freestanding, integrated or semi-integrated appliance.

Different Cycle Options

Every dishwasher comes with different washing cycle options. While cheaper appliances often just come with the basic cycles, normal, heavy and quick, high-end dishwashers will have more options to choose from. If you need all of them depends on your dishes. Are you just cooking for two people or are you a household of many people? If there are more than two people in your home, you should consider buying an appliance with more cycle options.

Which Features Should Your Dishwasher have?

Finally, there are different features that you could look for:

  • Adjustable upper racks that allow you to raise the rack so bigger items fit into the lower rack
  • An extra tray for cutlery
  • An automatic sensor that measures how dirty the dishes are and adjusts the water temperature accordingly
  • Protection against flooding
  • A safety lock for children so that the washing cycle can’t be changed while the dishwasher is being used

Choose a Dishwasher

Have you found the perfect appliance for your kitchen? We have put together a blog post on how you can install the dishwasher yourself. However, if you don’t want to give it a try, our technicians are always happy to help you with the dishwasher installation. You can find all the contact details here or write them directly through our request form. We hope this article was helpful to you and that you’ll have a good time hosting a party at your home without having to worry about dirty dishes.

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home

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Are you aware of the carbon footprint that comes from using your appliances at home? Here are some tips on how you can decrease your energy consumption in your household.

When we’re talking about climate change, we all have one question lined up: How can we contribute to saving the planet from a climate catastrophe?

As we all know, there are many ways of reducing our carbon footprint. For example, we can try to avoid traveling by plane and take the train as often as possible. Furthermore, we can eat less meat and try to buy regional and seasonal groceries. But how can we decrease our carbon footprint in the household?

As we are living in the 21st, we all have appliances at home that consume energy. As helpful as they are, these appliances leave a carbon footprint as well. But we have some tips for you on how you can decrease their energy usage easily.

1. Make Your Heater More Efficient

Did you know that the oil and gas industry is the biggest emitter in Canada when it comes to carbon emissions? Of course, you can blame big companies for that and ask them to adapt to more sustainable fuel options. But it might be easier to start at your home first as also small changes in your own household can make a change  We already have put together some tips for you on how you can make your heater more efficient.

If you are noticing that your heating system uses a lot of energy, you can always contact one of our technicians. You’ll find the contact details here.

2. Turn Your Appliances Off to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

To reduce the carbon footprint of your appliances, you should make sure that all your appliances are completely turned off when they are not in use. This goes for TVs, stereos, and computers. It’s also important to unplug your appliances, such as mobile phones or laptops, once they are fully charged as they will otherwise waste energy.

Need help with the installation of a new washing machine? Our technicians are happy to help!

3. Switch to A Renewable Energy Provider

Around 17 % of Canada’s total primary energy supply comes from renewable energy sources. You can support green electricity and natural gas companies by switching the provider in your home. As this might be a bit pricier for your home than it was before, you could start by doing one thing at a time, for example by only purchasing green electricity at first.

4. Replace Old Appliances for a Lower Carbon Footprint

If you are a proud owner of a vintage washing machine, your time to say goodbye to your appliance might have come. Old appliances use a lot of energy and should, therefore, be replaced if you want to reduce your carbon footprint. A new washing machine can use 25 percent less energy up to 75 percent less water compared to your 20-year-old washing machine. Furthermore, by increasing appliance efficiency standards, you’ll not only save energy but also money on your utility bill.

5. Install Smart Home Technology

If your devices and appliances can connect to the internet, they are called smart technology. On the one hand, it can be convenient for you to have such things. On the other hand, they can help you with saving energy at home by monitoring the usage. Click here if you want to know more about it.  

How Long is The Lifespan of Your Appliance?

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What’s the lifespan of each appliance in your household? This article tells you how long you can expect your washer, fridge or dryer should last.

Are you in the process of buying some new appliances for your home? Before spending a lot of money on an appliance, it can be interesting to know how long you can expect it to last. Or maybe you need to replace one of your appliances and you are wondering if it’s worth buying a used appliance such as a washing machine that is almost five years old?

That’s why we have decided to write this article on the lifespan of different appliances. You will find out how many years a dryer should last and after what time you might have to replace the range hood in your kitchen.

Anyhow, if one of your appliances stops working, we encourage you to have it checked up before giving up on it. Our experienced technicians might find a way to repair your stove or the beloved microwave that has never failed you before. You can contact us online or by calling +1 (888) 513-0052 or +1 (289) 801-7857 during our office hours (Mon – Sun from 8 am – 10 pm).

Furthermore, there is one reason why you shouldn’t be too disappointed if you need to replace your appliance. New appliances cost a lot in the beginning, but they have a much lower energy consumption compare to old appliances.

What Factors Influence the Lifespan of Appliances?

Many different factors influence the lifespan of your appliance, such as the brand and the quality or how often you use it. Furthermore, it is important to clean your appliance and maintain it regularly.

Lifespan of Dishwashers

The dishwasher in your kitchen can last up to 12 years. Newer dishwashers have the benefit of using less water and energy. They are also more efficient in the way they are designed.

Lifespan of Washing Machines

On average, a washing machine should be replaced after 11 and 15 years these days. Having that said, older washing machines that were manufactured a few centuries ago might still be working. But as mentioned before, they use a lot more energy than newer models.

Lifespan of Dryers

The average dryer lasts between 10 and 13 years. There are many things that you can do to extend its lifespan, for example by cleaning the lint trap regularly.

Lifespan of Fridges

Your fridge should last about 13 years before it needs to be replaced. Have a look at these tips on how you can expand the lifespan of a fridge as we have collected them in an earlier blog post.

Lifespan of HVAC Appliances

You can expect your heating, ventilation or air conditioning system in your household to last for a lifespan of 15 to 25 years. On average, air conditioning units will last a bit shorter, between 10 and 15 years. Nevertheless, all of these appliances require regular maintenance to keep working efficiently and to expand their lifespan.

Lifespan of Stoves / Ovens

The stove and oven in your kitchen should last around 10 to 15 years. After that time, you might experience problems with the bake element or the control board.

Lifespan of a Microwave

Nowadays, microwaves last for around seven years, depend on the usage. If used a lot without being cleaned and maintained properly, a microwave might need to be replaced after around five years already.

Our Tip: Save Up Before your Appliance Break

It is always good to be prepared if you know that your appliance comes towards the end of their lifespan. Therefore, you should make sure to have some money on the side so you can afford a new appliance immediately after the old one gave up!

How to Clean Your Kitchen Appliances

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Are you waiting for the perfect time to clean your kitchen appliances?! Not only do we have the best advice when you should clean them, but also some good tips on how to clean your appliances quickly and effectively.  

When was the last time you cleaned your kitchen appliances? As winter is approaching, you’ll probably spend more of your weekends inside than during the summer months. So, this makes it the perfect time to give your kitchen a good scrub. If you clean your appliances regularly, you can also expand their lifespan. And: It makes it more fun to use them and prevents them from needing repair.

Anyway, if you need to get a broken appliance repaired or need help with the installation of a new appliance, you can contact us online or give us a call: 1 (289) 801-7857 or +1 (888) 513-0052. Our technicians are available from 8 am to 10 pm in the Greater Toronto Area and we offer $30 off for first-time customers.

How to Remove Grease from Your Appliances

What do you need? One lemon, kitchen towel

How to do it: To remove grease stains from your appliances, you can simply use a lemon. Cut it in half and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then you can start rubbing it on all kitchen appliances that have grease on them. Repeat this with the other half of the lemon if necessary. Finally, wipe the lemon away with a kitchen towel – you’ll see how easily you can clean the grease stains.   

How to Clean a Burnt Stove

What do you need? Salt / White vinegar, baking soda, newspaper

How to do it: If you’ve spilled some food on your stove while cooking, it works best to sprinkle salt on it before it cools down as that will make it easy to peel it off. In case you want to clean other stains on the cooktop, you should cover them with white vinegar and sprinkle some baking soda on it. Give it some time to set before you start scrubbing it away with a newspaper. Furthermore, you can use a dry towel to clean the stove from the vinegar and baking soda.

How to Remove Bad Smells from Your Fridge

What do you need? Baking soda, vinegar, vanilla

How to do it: Everyone knows that feeling: You’re opening the fridge and it just smells horrible. Honestly, that can ruin your appetite. So, if you want to get rid of these smells, you should make sure to throw all the old food away. Then, scrub the surfaces with baking soda and warm water. After cleaning it, mix some baking soda with a tablespoon of vanilla and put it in the fridge. From now on, your fridge will smell fresh and clean!

How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

What do you need? Vinegar, microfiber cloth, oil, paper towel

How to do it: Are there some fingerprints on your stainless steel appliances? Well, don’t worry. Nothing is easier than to wipe them away and make them look shiny and new. Firstly, spray vinegar on the appliances. Wipe it down in the direction of the grain by using paper towels. Finally, dip a microfiber cloth in a bit of oil and use that cloth to polish the appliance.

 

If you want to know how you can clean your dishwasher, you’ll find some good tips in this previous blog post. You can find more tips on our Facebook page and our Instagram account. Follow us so you’ll never miss a new tip!

 

The Best Way to Load Your Dishwasher

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Did you know that it matters how you load your dishwasher? Yes, it does. By loading it correctly you can prevent your dishes from breaking and it will keep your appliance clean.

Did you know that on average, dishwashers last around 12 years before you have to replace them? But it is the same as with other household appliances: When taking good care of it and treating it right, it can last a few years longer. One way to extend the lifespan of your dishwasher is by keeping the appliance clean. In a previous blog post, we explained why you should clean your dishwasher regularly and how to do it correctly.

Furthermore, it is also important to fix small problems, so they don’t turn into major troubles that are costly. In case your dishwasher needs the help of an expert, don’t hesitate to call us (+1 (289) 801-7857 or +1 (888) 513-0052) or schedule an appointment online.

Another way to keep your dishwasher clean and working properly is to load it correctly. By doing that you will also make sure that your dishes and glasses won’t break during the wash cycle. Find out how to load your dishwasher by reading the tips from our Maydone experts.

Bottom Rack: Plates, Platters, and Pans

You have probably figured out already that the slots in the bottom are just perfect for your plates. Put them in a direction where they face the water sprays, which is usually in the center of the dishwasher. Make sure that they lean inwards and downward in case they lean, as the water is being spayed from down and outward from the top.

Pans and platters should be placed on the sides of the bottom rack or in the back. If you place them in the front they’ll stop the detergent from reaching all the other dishes.

The Top Rack is for Bowls, Glasses, Cups, and Tupperware

Since the water and the detergent are coming from the bottom, you should make sure that cups, glasses and bowl face that side when you put them into the top rack. Be careful when it comes to wine glasses and make sure they can’t bump against each other.

Tupperware should always be placed in the top rack as it could otherwise fall into the heating element and melt.

Cutlery Basket

Put the cutlery into the basket with the handle down. Try to mix it up as much as possible to avoid nesting. Additionally, you should leave some space between the cutlery. Don’t load the basket with long cutlery as they could block the water spray. These should rather be laid into the upper rack.

General Dishwasher Rules

It’s not only important to load your dishwasher correctly but also that you don’t overload it. If you have an older appliance you want to make sure to rinse your dishes before putting them in. Furthermore, don’t use too much dishwasher detergent.

Things that Shouldn’t Go into the Dishwasher

Not all dishes are made for the dishwasher. Here is a quick list of things that you’ll have to wash in the sink:

  • wood handled or wood utensils
  • non-stick pans
  • anything that contains bronze
  • china with gold leaf
  • sharp knives

How to Fix your Dishwasher

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A dishwasher is essential in your kitchen. If it’s not working, you will realize how much time it takes to wash all your dishes yourself instead of just putting them into the appliance. Here’s how you can get it fixed quickly, so you can spend your time on more important things.

It is always annoying when an appliance makes troubles as you’ve probably spent a lot of money on it. If you want to save some money, there are some common problems with dishwashers that you could easily fix yourself. Other problems will require the help of a professional. 

If you can’t find out what’s the problem with your dishwasher or you don’t feel like you can handle it yourself, our experienced technicians are happy to help you. Just call +1 (289) 801-7857 or +1 (888) 513-0052 or schedule an appointment online and get $20 off as a first-time customer. But first – let’s hope for the best and let us tell you how you can fix common problems with your dishwasher yourself.

What to do…

…if the Dishes Come Out Dirty

If you are getting frustrated because your dishes come out dirty of your appliance, you should first ask yourself when you cleaned your dishwasher for the last time? You might assume that an appliance that cleans stuff would also clean itself, but – unfortunately – that is not true. So, if your dishwasher is not working properly, the problem might be that it needs a good clean. To prevent this from happening, you should clean your dishwasher every once in a while – you can read here, how to do it. This will also help to deodorize the dishwasher if it doesn’t smell good when you’re opening it.

…if Water Leaks from the Dishwasher Onto the Floor

Before you’re assuming the worst, check if there are any cracks, damage or dirt in the dishwasher door gasket. Clean the gasket with disinfectant to remove dirt and debris. If you find a big crack, you might need to replace the door gasket.

It could also be that the appliance’s float switch got stuck. As this can lead to overfilling the dishwasher with water, this could be the reason for leaking. If that seems to be the problem, you can clean the switch and remove any foreign objects that could stop it from working properly. 

…if the Dishwasher Doesn’t Fill with Water

In case your appliance seems to run normally but it doesn’t fill with water, there might be a problem with the water supply. Firstly, you should check if the hot water supply is turned on. Usually, you find the water supply stop valve underneath the sink.

If your water supply is turned on, the problem could be a malfunctioning float. It usually prevents the appliance from overfilling and is therefore located at the bottom of the dishwasher. Usually, the float rises with the water level and triggers the float switch to turn off the water inlet valve when there’s enough water in the appliance. Look out for debris or other objects as they might be the reason that the float is not working properly.

Of course, these are only a few solutions to many possible problems with your dishwasher. Remember that it can always help to clean all parts of the appliance to keep them working properly. We hope that you were able to find a solution to your problem with our tips!

How to Install a Dishwasher

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Are you wondering how you could install a dishwasher yourself? These tips could be helpful for you!

Buying new kitchen appliances is always very exciting but even more, if it’s the first time for you to get your very own dishwasher. Anyhow, before you can say goodbye to dirty dishes in your sink, you’ll have to figure out how to install the new appliance. Here are some tips that will make it easier for you!

If you don’t feel like doing the installation of your dishwasher yourself, you can get help from our experienced technicians. We work late to make the appointment more convenient for you and we offer $30 off for first-time customers. Give us a call (+1 (289) 801-7857 or +1 (888) 513-0052) or contact us here.

 

Install Your New Dishwasher: Step-by-Step

 

Step 1: Read the Instructions & Prepare the Space

 Have a look at the manufacturer’s instructions and check if all the parts and connections are there. If this is your first dishwasher, you’ll need to cut a hole in the wall of the cabinet for the supply and the discharge.

If you are replacing an old dishwasher with a new one, you’ll need to pull the old appliance out of the space. You should use a towel or a rug to protect the floor. Furthermore, you’ll need a bucket to collect water that could run out the lines when you disconnect them.

Turn off the power and the water that is connected to the dishwasher at the shutoff valve, which is usually underneath the sink. Disconnect the drain from your old dishwasher, as well as the cables and the water supply. 

Step 2: Prepare the New Dishwasher for Installation

Firstly, you’ll have to screw the 90-degree fitting into the new water valve. Secondly, you’ll need to attach the drain line into the sink base cabinet. Make sure that it’s looped up to the bottom of the counterpart to avoid flooding because of sink clogs. Once it’s slipped on, you’ll have to tighten the clamp.

Your next step should be adjusting the feet or wheels of the appliance, so it fits into the assigned space in your kitchen. It’s easier to do that before you’re sliding it in.

Step 3: Connect the dishwasher

Now it’s time to slide the dishwasher in. Don’t forget to use a towel again to protect the floor. Once it’s in the right position, you should make sure to adjust the feet a bit more, so it doesn’t shake when it’s running.

After doing that, you simply need to attach the dishwasher supply line into the 90-degree fitting. Pay attention that it slides straight into the threaded part, so it doesn’t leak water later on.


As a next step, you’ll need to clamp the hose to the dishwasher, followed by the electrical wires. Turn the water and the electricity back on and do a test run to find out if there are any leaks or if the appliance needs more adjustments.

If everything works well, you can screw the dishwasher to the countertop bottom – and you’re done! Congratulations, you’ve now successfully installed a dishwasher yourself! 

How to Clean your Dishwasher

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Does a dishwasher clean itself while cleaning the dishes? No. Here is why that assumption is wrong and why you really should start cleaning your dishwasher now.

Your dishwasher does its best to provide you with clean dishes every day. But while doing that, grease, soap scum, water minerals and food debris are getting stuck in the filter or the interior walls and leaving the dishwasher dirtier after every washing cycle. Just remember: If the appliance isn’t clean, your dishes won’t be either.

A dirty dishwasher is a perfect breeding ground for germs but it also reduces the life span and the efficiency of the appliance. Soon, your dishwasher might need to get repaired or it can even turn into a threat to your health:

Studies are showing that germs from dishwashers, such as the black yeast-like fungi ,can lead to serious diseases and breathing problems.

Do you need more reasons to start cleaning your dishwasher regularly?! No? Well, then read our instructions carefully to find out how it works!

How should I clean the dishwasher?

 You need:

  • distilled white vinegar
  • baking soda

First of all, pull out the bottom rack of your appliance. Remove the drainage strainer from the bottom of the dishwasher. Have a look if there is anything clogging the holes such as food debris or paper labels that came off a jar while washing. Pull out the bottom rack and remove leftover food that may have fallen into the well with paper towels. You should do this not only once  a month but after every dishwasher-cycle if possible.

In the next step, you’ll have to clean the area around the drain. To scrub stuck items away use a soft-bristled brush that you dip into vinegar to clean. Don’t put the vinegar away yet, as you will also need it for the next step:

Fill a bowl with vinegar and put it into the dishwasher – don’t fill it directly into the rinse-aid dispenser. Why not? Vinegar is a strong acid and could easily melt the rubber gaskets in the rinse-aid dispenser. Close the door and run a complete cycle on the hottest setting but without the drying cycle. The vinegar will make sure there is no grease left in your dishwasher.

When the first washing cycle is done, you’ll need to get the baking soda out. Sprinkle it on the inside floor of the dishwasher before you run a quick wash cycle on the hottest setting again. Skip the drying cycle and open the door of your appliance when the rinsing is done so the inside of your appliance can dry properly. Not only will your dishwasher look shiny after that, the baking soda will also take away all the bad odors.

How often should I clean my dishwasher?

An average household uses a dishwasher up to 110 times a year – that is more than twice a week. To make sure you keep bacteria out of it, you should clean the dishwasher once a month as explained above. If you stick to this routine, thorough cleaning is only needed once or twice a year.

By following this easy routine, you’ll make sure that your dishwasher will work properly, and it will extend the life span of the appliance. Who knew that a bit of baking soda and vinegar could save you a lot of money, time and troubles!