Category: washing machine

How to take better care of your washing machine

Posted on by info@techreach.io

Making the effort to take better care of your washing machine can prevent breakdown, water damage, leaks and overall extend its useful period. 

A longer lasting appliance means fewer expenses and more savings for your home. If you haven’t picked one out yet, we recommend doing a bit of research into what the best washing machine options are for your needs. 

So, here are a few simple, easy to follow habits you can apply to take better care of your washing machine:

Placement 

  • Move it. Making sure it has enough space so that it doesn’t get cramped by the walls or other objects.
  • Make it steady. A machine that isn’t leveled can start to rock or vibrate, this can cause damage to it and your floors, so it’s much better to keep it steady in place. 

Keep it clean 

  • Make cleaning it a regular habit. This will help you get rid of residues from old soap or other laundry products, leaving it in there could cause clogs and even stain your clothes! You can easily prevent this by running an empty cycle with washing machine cleaner, or a DIY mix.
  • Don’t forget the lint filter. Clean out the filter regularly so that it creates a clear pass way for the water to run smoothly in laundry cycles, this also helps your clothes come out cleaner.
  • Checking on the water hoses will save you a ton of headaches, a timely changed hose can prevent water damage, a late-night repair, and many more unpleasant occurrences.

Size matters

  • When it comes to both detergent and laundry loads, be sure to follow recommended measures, ou just needs to check on your washing machines manual to see them. This will help to prevent overloads, which can cause the machine to give out and stop working sooner than expected. And because you are sticking to the right volumes, your clothes will get a better wash in the end.

Extra tip!

You can add a water pan under the machine to catch drips or leaks, and prevent water damage. 

In conclusion

The are plenty of easy steps to keeping your washing machines in top form for longer if none of that works…

Don’t forget you can always call on Maydone for installation, emergency repairs, help and more!!

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 Decorate Your Appliances for Halloween

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Everyone knows that the 31st of October is Halloween. If you are having a Halloween party at your house, you might have your costume sorted. But what about your appliances? Here are some ideas on how you can decorate them for the party.

What should be the main goal for a Halloween party? Correct, to get the guests frightened. To reach that goal, it helps to put on a costume and prepare scary food. But all of that will not lead to success if you forget the most important part which is to decorate your home accordingly. So, the question is: How can you transform your lovely home into a haunted house?

Get Your Appliances in Halloween Mood

During October, you can find spooky Halloween decoration in almost every shop. We have collected some ideas on how you can integrate your appliances in the spooky house. 

Before you get started, we advise you to unplug appliances such as the washing machine or the stove for security reasons. In that way, you can make sure that nothing happens to your appliance or the decoration if it accidentally gets turned on.

Spooky Halloween Washing Machine

If you have a washing machine in your apartment, you should include it in your decoration. Our spooky idea is to put dismembered plastic limbs (you can buy them in a costume shop) into the detergent drawer. It looks especially spooky if you decorate them with fake blood or if they are attached to the door of the washing machine.

Blood Stains on the Fridge 

Can you even call it a Halloween party if there is no fake blood involved?! Therefore, fake blood should be one of your essentials when it comes to decorating your apartment. For example, you can use it to give your fridge a frightening look by leaving bloody handprints all over the door. Furthermore, it can be powerful to write something scary on it, such as R.I.P. Not only will your guests be scared, but it will also keep them away from taking too many drinks out of the fridge!

Range Hood Full of Spiders

Do you have a range hood above your stove? Great! To make it part of your spooky Halloween party, you’ll need a few plastic spiders and realistic looking cobwebs. Simply put them on your range hood and make sure the spiders hang down from it.

Frightening Halloween Surprise in the Oven

Your oven is a great place to place a hollow pumpkin with a candle inside. Just make sure to leave the door open so the fire gets enough air. Guests that get curious, where the light comes from, they will never forget the surprise in the oven.

Last but not least: Remember to remove all of the Halloween decoration before you use them the next time.

We know that Halloween parties can be very intense. In case one of your appliances doesn’t make it through the night, Maydone offers quick and reliable repair services. You can get in touch with us at any time of the day or night through our contact form or via the phone (+1 888 513 0052 / +1 289 801 7857) during our extended working hours (8 am to 10 pm). 

How to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Washing Machine

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Home appliances like washing machines or dryers are expensive investments. Therefore, you want to make sure they last as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to prolong the lifespan of your washing machine.

Isn’t it just the best feeling to have a washing machine that allows you to do your laundry at home instead of going to a laundromat?! Washing machines used to be appliances that were made to serve you some decades but unfortunately, the lifespan of modern washers is shorter. Luckily, there are quite a few things you can do to prolong their life span and that will make sure, your appliance will last as long as possible.

1. Prevent your washing machine from getting moldy

You might think that a washing machine might be able to stay clean themselves since it manages to clean everything inside. But often detergent or fabric softeners remain in the machine and that, together with water, can serve mold as a food source. Therefore, you should clean the appliance regularly and use a disinfectant for glass and gasket. Furthermore, it is important to remove clothes from the washing machine as soon as the appliance is done and keep the door of the washing machine or dryer open when they are not in use.

2. Make sure to keep your appliances level

During the spinning cycle, the drum of your washing machine has to spin at a high speed. If the machine is unsteady, it can lead to excessive vibration that will cause damage to the appliance. Therefore, make sure that the appliance has all feet firmly on the floor and use a level to check it’s correctly adjusted on each side.

3. Do not use too much detergent

Especially newer washing machines don’t need a lot of detergents to get your clothes clean. By using too much detergent, your washer has to work harder. It could even cause an extra rinse cycle, which uses extra energy and will shorten the lifespan of your washer.

4. Don’t wash too many clothes at once

You might think, that it’s a good idea to stuff all your clothes into the washer to get them cleaned in just one washing cycle. But as a matter of fact, that is not the best idea – and we will tell you why. Firstly, clothes need enough room to move around in the drum. Secondly, too much weight in the washing machine means that the motor has to work harder. Thirdly, it could mean that your clothes are not getting cleaned properly which would result in another washing cycle. All of that will rather shorten the lifespan of your washing machine instead of prolonging it.

5. Get your washing machine checked-up regularly

Once in a while, it also makes sense to have your appliances checked from a professional. We would love to assist you with that! Our experienced technicians work every day from 8 am to 10 pm all over the GTA. To schedule an appointment, you can contact us online or call us: +1 (888) 513-0052 or +1 (289) 801-7857. They are also to help you installing a new washing machine – if you don’t feel confident installing it yourself.

How to Unclog the Drain of a Washing Machine

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Is your washing machine not doing its job anymore because of a clogged drain? Here is how you diagnose and fix the problem!

Every time we use our washing machine, we put dirty clothes into the appliance and expect them to come out clean. And as long as your appliance is working properly, this will be true.

Unfortunately, with every washing cycle, dirt and soap can get stuck in the trap or the drain of the appliance. After some time this can cause a blockage which could mean that your machine won’t be able to drain the water. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to call a plumber or a technician to get the washing machine fixed. By reading our tips, you can also unclog the drain of your washing machine yourself.

Disconnect the Drain Hose from the Washing Machine

Before you start doing that, make sure to unplug your appliance from the mains. Furthermore, you want to get the water out of the drum. To bail the water out, you’ll need to find the drain hose and disconnect it from the appliance. Don’t forget to hold a bucket underneath the hose unless you want your bathroom to be flooded.

Clean the Drain Hose and the Washing Machine Trap

Next, you want to see if there is a piece of cloth or dirt stuck in the drain. If that is the case and you can remove it, this might already solve the problem. Also, the trap can be dirty or clogged, so you want to have a look at that too. You can unscrew the trap completely and rinse it with warm water to clean it.

Use a Plumber’s Snake

If the drain hose looks clean, the problem might lay a bit deeper. To reach the clog there and to clean it, you can use a plumber’s snake. After that, it’s time to try if the washing machine can drain again. If it still doesn’t work, you will have to use chemicals.

Chemicals to Prevent a Clogged Drain

The use of chemicals is recommended if you tried all the other tips and couldn’t find the solution to the clogged drain yet or if you want to make sure to keep it working and unclogged. Therefore, you should use chemicals that includes enzymes, alkaline or sulfuric acid every other month (or every month, depending on how often you use your appliance) to clean the drain from dirt.

Be careful when using chemicals and follow the instructions given on the on their back. Try to pour a little drop first to see how the drain hose reacts to it. Usually, it should bubble or slide the dirt away. We also recommend that you protect your hands with rubber gloves while doing that. Please don’t mix the chemicals with other liquids as this can cause a reaction that can be quite dangerous for you.

If a clogged drain is not the problem you are facing with your appliance, you might want to look at the blog post where we have listed three common washing machine problems and how to fix them. If you can’t locate the problem, you can also call us or contact us online to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians. It is helpful if you provide as much information as possible when calling us, such as the brand of the washing machine and the potential problem to make sure our technicians bring the right pieces for your washing machine.

Which Washing Machine Is the Right Choice for You?

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Choosing the right washing machine can
be a tough choice. As these appliances are not cheap it is important that they
fulfill your needs and live as long as possible. Here are some tips before you
make your buying decision.

Different life events will require that you
decide on a washing machine. For example, if you have just moved into your first
apartment and there is no washer in your building. Or maybe your washing
machine has just broken down and you need to replace it with a newer model.

Whatever your reasons are, we understand
that there are many washing machine appliances out there and it’s hard to decide
on one.

Here are the most important things to consider when buying a washing machine.

Decide on a type of washing machine that you want to buy.

As there are different types of washing
machines that you could purchase, you should decide which one fits into your
home. The most common type is the freestanding washing machine that can be
placed anywhere near a plug socket and a connection to a drain.

If you want your washing machine to be part
of the kitchen, you should go for an integrated washing machine that is designed
to stand behind a cupboard door. Compared to the freestanding model they can be
much quieter as the noise gets buffered by the door of the cupboard.

You can also decide between getting a front-loader
and a top-loader washing machine. It can depend if you have enough space to open
a front-loader door in the room where you want to put your washer or if a
top-loader would fit better.

Another option is to buy a washer-dryer
machine that you can use for both, washing and drying. This can be useful if
you don’t have a lot of space in your home and you need to dry your clothes in
the same appliance.

Some of these appliances need to be installed by a professional
as they will be built-in your kitchen. Contact
us if you want the help of our experienced technicians that can help you on
the same day.

Decide how much you want to spend

There are a lot of different price ranges
when it comes to washing machines. You can buy decent appliances for under $400.
Keep in mind when buying a washer that they when also each produce different
running costs (which are also influenced by the temperature that you’re
choosing when doing your laundry). These costs can be reduced if you choose a
more energy-efficient appliance. The energy ratings on new models usually go
from A+++ to A. This can be different when you decide to buy a used product.

Decide on a drum size

The sizes of washing machine drums range
from capacities of 3 – 12 kg. Most common washing machines have a capacity between
9 and 11 kg. When it comes to the size of the drum, you should keep in mind
that this also affects the cost of each run. The bigger it is – the more energy
and water will be used in each running cycle. It should be easy for you to fill
the drum up for each cycle.

And last but not least, don’t forget to
measure the space where you want to put the washer in and make sure you order
an appliance that fits. Since washing machines are heavy and bulky, you don’t
want to drag them into your house and then find out that they are too big.

If you have any questions, you can always
call us during our working hours (every day from 8 am to 10 pm) under the
number: +1 (289) 801-7857 or +1 (888) 513-0052.

How to Install a Washer or Dryer

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You finally saved up in enough to buy a washer or dryer for yourself? Great! Soon you will see that doing your laundry becomes a lot less stressful than before. But before you can actually take advantage of your new appliance, you’ll need to install it.
We created this step-by-step guide to make it easy for you to install your electric dryer or washer. Anyhow, we do not recommend installing a gas dryer if you are not familiar with gas. It can be very dangerous for a rookie who doesn’t know how to detect and fix a leak. Also, keep in mind that you will be working with high-voltage when installing an electric dryer.

If you are not sure if you should really do the installation yourself, you can always call us (+1 (289) 801-7857) or contact us online to book an appointment with one of our experienced technicians on the same day.

Before installing your new washer or dryer

  • Install cold and hot water-lines if you are installing the appliance at a new place in your house.
  • Find the right place in your house and get help when placing the washer or dryer to their position. Be careful that you don’t hurt yourself when doing it. The appliance can be quite heavy.
  • Turn the electricity off before you start installing your appliances.

 

How to Install a Washer

Step 1: Connect the hoses

Firstly, you need to attach the hoses of the washer to the outlets. Make sure that you assign the hoses to the correct hot and cold connection. A lot of modern washers have some water-suppression valves. Read how to connect them in the manual of the appliance.

Step 2: Install the pipes

Connect the pipe to your laundry sink, in case you have one. Otherwise, you will have to use a standpipe (you can either get from a store or build it yourself) that you then attach to your drain system. In case you use a standpipe, you will also have to install a p-trap that protects you from dangerous gases.

Step 3: Turn on the washing machine

The last step is to turn your washer on to test if there are any leaks. Plug the appliance and look out for water on the floor. Well done, if you can’t find any – that means you have done a great job!

 

How to Install an Electric Dryer

Step 1: Reassure that the Power is Turned Off

Once again, make sure the electricity is turned off for the area that you’re working in.

Step 2: Install the Prong Cord

You should either have a three- or four-prong cord in your house. In case you have a four-prong cord, connect each wire with the matching color. The green ground wire should be attached to the dryer’s green screw. As the last step, look out that no copper strap or green wire is running from the ground to the white wire.

In case you have a three-prong cord, you have to connect the red wire from the dryer with one of the wires that are outside. The other wire from the outside has to get connected to the black wire. Last but not least you connect the wire in the center to the white wire from the dryer as well as to the ground strap.

Step 3: Hook up the vent hose & test the appliance

As a last step of the installation, you need to attach the vent hose to the duct and the port of the dryer. To do that, use the hose clamps.
The dryer is now installed. Turn the power back on and test if the appliance actually works.

How to Fix 3 Common Washing Machine Problems

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A Washing machine is one of the most essential appliances in the household. Therefore, it will give you a sleepless night if something is not working correctly. 

A few years ago, back in the 1980s, a washing machine was an expensive household appliance that lasted forever – or at least, it felt like it. But things have changed since then. Washers are a lot cheaper now but come with a lower quality and less longevity. Nowadays, a new-bought washing machine has a life expectancy from only eleven years on average, less than thirty years ago. 

But the good news is: you can extend the life span of your washing machine by taking good care of it and fixing problems immediately after they appear. Here is a guide how you can fix three common  laundry washing machine problems yourself. 

But safety first! Before you get started, please make sure your washing machine is disconnected from the mains.

The Washing Machine won’t drain

One possible reason that the water won’t drain can be a clogged drain pump or hose. You can fix this yourself by removing the drain hose from the machine to clean it. Usually, the entry point is located at the back of your machine and you might need a screwdriver to get it out. To clean the clogged drain, run some hot water through it or use a stick or long object to push the blocking items out. Please ne careful so the drain hose does not get kinked or bent while doing that.

In case a clogged drain pump is not the problem, you should schedule an appointment to get professional advice.

The Washer Is too Loud

A lot of times the cause of the noise can come from objects that are trapped in between the outer seal and the inner drum. It can be a bra wire that got stuck or a small object that you forgot to take out of your pockets. First, you have to locate the object and see if you can get it out with your hands. If not you can use a flathead screwdriver, and wedge it between the inner drum and the door seal. Lever it back carefully to get more space for your hand to grab the trapped item. Once you got the item, give the drum a spin to make sure the gap between the drum and the seal is even.


You can also watch this video to see how it is done:

The Washing Machine Moves Around

A washing machine that likes to take a walk around in the laundry room can harm itself as well as the floor. And that’s why you want avoid it. Firstly, you have to make sure that your washing machine is level, for example by using a bubble level. Secondly, you can add some non-slip pads to the bottom of your machine to give it some extra grip. That will also reduce the shake. Last but not least, make sure you balance the load when doing your laundry. Instead of putting just one bulky item in the machine, add a second one to make it even. 

Learn how to fix small washing machine problems to extend the life span