Tag: appliance installation

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!

 

Three Common Microwave Problems

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Is your microwave not working properly? Have a look at these three common problems and how to fix them – maybe that will help you out.

Do you know the feeling when you’re coming home from a long day at work and all you want to do is to sit in front of the TV, eating a warm dinner?

If you don’t feel like cooking, you can just use your microwave oven to warm up a delicious dish. Since microwaves were invented in the 1940s the appliances have changed a lot and got more sophisticated so you can use it easily to cook a whole meal.

Microwaves heat food by exposing it to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range. If your appliance is not working, it can be hard to detect the problem. This is why we summarized some of the most common microwave problems for you in this article!

If you are not sure if your appliance can be repaired or if you need to buy a new microwave oven, get in touch with our experienced technicians. We work with genuine appliance parts and offer up to one year warranty. Furthermore, we can help you with microwave installation if you need to purchase a new appliance.

Problem 1: The light doesn’t work properly

Is the light in your microwave very dim or not working at all? Even though this doesn’t affect the way your food is being heated, it can be annoying if you can’t see what’s going on inside of the appliance.

The light can be dim whilst defrosting or heating a dish at low power. To find out if that’s the reason, you can heat a cup filled with water at maximum power and see if the light gets brighter.

If the light isn’t working at all, the light bulb might have burnt out. To replace the bulb, you should find out where it is located. If it’s easy to reach, you can replace it yourself. Be careful if it is close to the capacitor as you could damage the parts connected to it. It might be necessary to get professional help to replace it.

Problem 2: The microwave isn’t heating

A very common reason for this problem is magnetron failure. The magnetron is a part of your appliance that generates the microwave energy. If the microwave appliance is turned on whilst being empty, the magnetron might burn out. Unfortunately, once broken, the magnetron cannot be repaired but must be replaced.

Since you can get electrical shocks even if the appliance is unplugged, we recommend that only experienced people replace the magnetron themselves. If you need the help of a professional, you can schedule an appointment with our technicians online or via phone (+1 (289) 801-7857 / +1 (888) 513-0052).

Problem 3: The turntable doesn’t rotate

When the turntable of the microwave doesn’t rotate, it is impossible to heat food. Therefore, it is important to fix this problem, which mostly involves a broken motor. The good news is: A worn-out motor can be replaced.

If it’s not the motor, then a non-working turntable might be an indicator for a fault in the main control board, the touchpad or the control panel. Check these parts to find out if they are working properly.

Anyhow, these are only three problems out of many others that can affect your appliance. As microwaves are sophisticated appliances, we highly recommend that you call a technician to figure out what’s wrong with yours instead of getting frustrated.

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 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.

Should I Buy a Dryer?

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Are you torn between the decision if you need a dryer or if it’s the better solution for you to keep hanging your clothes up on a line? Maybe this article can help you to make up your mind.

When you are moving into an unfurnished apartment or a new house, you’ll sooner or later face the question of what appliances you want to buy. 

Why Would I Want to Buy a Dryer?

Well, there are some pros and cons. As we want you to be able to make up your mind yourself, we have listed some of them for you.

Let’s start with the pros:

  • A dryer allows you to wash clothes whenever you want without having to worry if there will be enough time for them to dry.
  • Say goodbye to the clothesline in your apartment.
  • When drying your clothes with a dryer, it is easier and quicker to iron them.
  • It saves you time and effort, especially if you are washing for the whole family.
  • Especially in winter, it can take a long time until your clothes dry on a clothesline.

And of course, there are some cons:

  • A new dryer can be quite expensive as they cost between $200 and $1,750.
  • Using a dryer will also add up to your electricity bill.
  • When you have limited space, there might not be enough space for another appliance.

Is There Enough Space for a Dryer?

Nowadays, a lot of appliances are smaller than they used to be while their features have expanded. So, if you have limited space, a compact machine that is built into a corner of the kitchen could be the ideal solution for you.

You could also decide to go for a washing machine that has a dryer included. If you are unsure, which appliance would fit your needs, keep on reading, as we will give you some advice in the next chapter.

Which Dryer Should I Buy?

If you decide to buy a dryer, you will need to decide which kind of appliance you want to buy.

Depending on how many people are living in your household, you might want to go for a bigger or smaller appliance. The capacity for the dryer refers to the weight of dry clothes, and not when they come out wet from the washing machine.  Keep that in mind when choosing a size.

Furthermore, you can choose between a gas or an electric dryer. This decision can be easy if you don’t have a gas supply to your house – then you’ll have to go for an electric dryer. But gas dryers can be handy as they heat up faster and can, therefore, dry your clothes quicker. Also, depending on your local rates, gas is often cheaper.

Do You Need Help with the Dryer Installation?

Have you decided that a dryer would be a useful addition to your household? Well done! 

And the good news is that dryers have a lifespan of between 10 to 13 years, so you probably won’t have to buy a new one any time soon. So, if you are deciding to purchase a dryer, you can contact us if you need help with the dryer installation. Our licensed technicians work late and have experience with installing and repairing appliances such as vented dryer, condensing dryer, heat pumped dryer and washer-dryers.

Contact us online or call +1 (888) 513 0052 or +1 (289) 801 7857 to schedule an appointment!

 

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 Find the Best Microwave

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Do you want to buy a new microwave? As there is a lot of choices out there, this guide will help you to make the right choice for your kitchen!

When you’re about to buy a microwave for your kitchen, there are some things you’ll need to consider before purchasing one. Usually, microwaves have a life-span of about ten years, so it’s not something you’ll have to think about every other year.

These days, microwaves come with a lot of different features ranging from defrosting to pre-programmed settings and sensors that will automatically know how long your food has to be cooked. So, the level of sophistication you should choose depends on what you want to cook with your appliance. Buying a fancy microwave oven with features that you’ll never use will cost you more than an appliance with simple features that can heat, melt or make popcorn.

Which Microwave Type to Choose

First of all, you’ll need to know which type of microwave you want to buy for your kitchen.
There are different types of microwaves: Built-in, over-the-range microwaves and countertop appliances.

Countertop microwaves are the most popular ones. They come in different sizes and with different features. Furthermore, they are easy to install by simply unpacking them and plugging them in. Just make sure that there is a plug close to where you want to put your appliance. Another benefit is that if you ever need to move out of your apartment, you can take the microwave with you.

If you want to go for a built-in or over-the-range microwave, things are getting a bit more complicated. You’ll probably the help of a technician to install your microwave. But don’t worry too much about that, as you can schedule an appointment with one of our experienced professionals here.  

Built-in microwaves often have benefits, for example, if they are over the range hood. They often come with a great ventilation system that can filter smoke and odors before blowing it outdoors or back into the kitchen.

How Much wattage Do I Need?

Most microwaves have power outputs between 600 and 1200 watts. More power will ensure that the food cooks faster. Most recipes that are designed for microwaves require a power of at least 800 watts. This will make sure that the food cooks evenly and it will be enough power for most households. The more often you use the microwave, the higher the wattage should be.

Which Microwave Size Should I Buy?

Next, you’ll have to decide how big you want your new microwave to be. The size of your appliance should be defined by how many people are living in your household. You’ll probably need a bigger microwave if you are a family of four and a smaller one if you are a single person. If you want a built-in microwave, the space in your kitchen will define how big your appliance can be. There is more choice if it comes to countertop microwaves.

Capacities range from 0.5 cubic feet to 2.2 cubic feet. While smaller microwaves should fit most dinner plates, bigger appliances can be used to cook casseroles and larger dishes.

Every household has different needs when it comes to microwaves and what they should be able to cook. So, before you make a decision, which appliance to buy, think carefully about what you need and how much money you want to spend on it. Furthermore, you can compare different brands and types of microwaves here.

Which Range Hood Should I Buy?

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Do you need to buy a new range hood? This article will help you to make the right choice for your kitchen! 

Isn’t it best to prepare your own food and enjoy it at home? You can make sure that you know exactly which ingredients are in your food and it’s fun to try new recipes. But there is a downside to it: if you don’t have a range hood the smell of your food will not leave the kitchen for a long time. 

 

Maybe you are sick of smelling food hours later on your clothes or in your kitchen. Or your old range hood is broken and cannot be repaired anymore. But for whatever reason why you want to buy a range hood, there are some things to consider. Therefore, we wrote down some tips for you that will help you to make the right decision for your kitchen. And as soon as you receive the range hood, we would be happy to assist you with the range hood installation, as this can be a bit tricky.

 

1. Which Ventilation to Choose

When it comes to ventilation, you have two choices. You can go for a vented hood or a non-vented hood. The difference between these two is that the air from a vented hood will be forced outside of your kitchen while the non-vented hood works with a filter that circulates the air back into the room. Whilst the vented hood is the best option to get smells completely out of your house, the non-vented hood requires no ductwork.  

2. Which Type to Choose

If you are buying a whole new kitchen, you can decide on any of the types while you are less flexible with an existing kitchen. Here is an overview of the most common types of range hoods.  

Under Cabinet Range Hood

These range hoods are very popular as they are easy to install and cheaper than other types. Most of these range hoods can be bought as vented or non-vented range hoods. If you decide to go for a vented hood, the installation will be a bit more complicated and the appliance usually is more expensive than a non-vented hood.

under cabinet range hood repair and installation service maydone gta
Under Cabinet Range Hood

 

Island Range Hood

If your stove is located on an island in the kitchen, this will be the right choice for you. This range hood doesn’t need a wall next to it but can be installed directly to the ceiling, to where it will force out the air from your kitchen. These range hoods are usually more expensive but can add an extraordinary look to your house.  

island range hood repair and installation service maydone gta
Island Range Hood

Wall Chimney Range Hood

If you don’t have any cabinets above your stove, you might want to choose a wall chimney range hood. These types come in the shape of a chimney and are wider on the bottom. They are a bit pricier than under cabinet hoods but usually, they are very efficient. Ideally, they should be covering the full length of the stove and therefore they can capture all the smells that rise from the cooktop or the oven.  

wall chimney range hood repair and installation service maydone gta
Wall Chimney Range Hood

   

Down Draft Range Hood

Downdraft hoods are almost invisible as they are located next to the stove. They stay out of the way and are connected to ducts beneath the floor. So, instead of blowing the air up, they force the air out in a downward direction. As this type can be quite complicated to install, you should contact our technicians to help you with it.

downdraft range hood repair and installation service maydone gta
Downdraft Range Hood

3. Compare the Price

Of course, the range hood should not only fit into your kitchen but also in your budget. Therefore, you should compare the different types and brands to each other to make sure you get the best deal!

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!