Tag: dishwasher

How to take care of your appliances in the summer?

Posted on by info@techreach.io

Summer is here and with it rising temperatures which can cause damages to your everyday appliances. So, how can you care for your appliances to make sure they survive and last long after the summer ends. 

Appliances make everyday life easier to manage and cut chore time so you can spend more hours enjoying your holidays and staying cool in the heat. That’s why it’s important to observe a few suggestions in order to care for your appliances in this season. 

Let’s focus on taking care of the most used and common appliances:

Refrigerator and freezers 

This is the basis of summer comfort in any home, having a cold drink or ice cream at hand is going to be a lifesaver during the hottest months of the years, so keep this appliance ready and working with the tips below.

  • Keep the door gaskets clean, so it shuts properly and seals the cools airs inside.
  • Avoid opening the door too often.
  • Don’t overload the appliance, check your model’s manual for an approximate amount you should keep in there.
  • Cleanth refrigerator coils to maximize power.
  • Clear out old food to avoid bad smells and wasted space.

Washing machine 

Washing machines get a lot of work during the summer. Since we sweat more, we swim, we run and we go out a lot more. Meaning there are more clothes to wash, more changes something might break and need repairing. Here what you can do to keep your running smoothly. 

  • Leave the door open after washing so the inside dries, preventing bad smells from appearing. 
  • Wash smaller loads, especially if you are washing items with lots of first or sand in them.
  • Clean your filters and drum. 
  • Use the right amount of detergent.

Televisions

This is another one of those appliances that get a lot of attention during the summer, whether it’s the kids watching their shows or family movie night, you’ll only need to keep an eye on a couple of things to take care of your TV in the summer.

  • Try to place your TV in the shade so it doesn’t get heated up by direct sunlight.
  • Securely mount it and place it away from children to avoid accidents.  

Dishwasher 

Having family over, a BBQ, or just don’t feel like washing the dishes after dinner, here comes the dishwasher to save the day. Just like the other appliances on the list, dishwashers have their work cut out for them in the summer. Avoid the disaster of a broken dishwasher and follow these simple tips. 

  1. Keep your door gaskets clean 
  2. Clean your filters.
  3. Run the dishwasher with hot water, vinegar or dishwasher cleaner at least once a month. 

Happy summer! 

What are the best dishwasher brands?

Posted on by info@techreach.io

A dishwasher can be a total game changer for your home. Those 30 plus minutes you can spend washing dishes after a dinner party or being more conscious with your water use. All of this is achievable with just one appliance: a dishwasher! 

Remember than added to choosing the brand, you also have to consider:

  • Space
  • Style matching the rest of your appliances 
  • Installation 
  • Durability 
  • Price 
  • Warranty 
  • Capacity 

Get your features and durability with Miele 

German brand Miele is behind some of the best appliances in the market, with all the bells and shitle you desire from Wifi connectivity to their own app Miele@Mobile, you won’t be missing out on the latest trends with this choice. But what makes Miele stand out amongst  its competition is the promise to bring the best to all their products. Because no matter the price or size range you buy from, with Miele, you will get some cool new features like ergonomic baskets and water softeners from budget to luxury, this brand doesn’t miss the assignment.

Reliable and impressive – Bosch

This brand lives up to every bit of its reputation as a manufacturer of reliable, useful and well designed appliances. These dishwasher’s tend to have a large capacity, great engineering and high quality standard, all you’ve come to expect from the German brand. Do you want more Bosch selling points? They have one of the higher energy star ratings and most of their dishwashers come with EcoSilence Drive motors for more boost at a lower noise level. You want a dishwasher that can stand heavy use, reliable and quiet? This one’s for you!

A classic that doesn’t disappoint – GE 

General electric has been the biggest name in appliances for decades, they are one of the most recognizable and trusted brands out there, for a reason. One of the biggest advantages of GE dishwashers is their huge variety of models, going all the way from portable to professional grade. What they all deliver is on quality and efficiency. A big plus od GE dishwasher is the Piranha™, a food disposer which helps you say goodbye to the pre-rinse. If you can’t device or want a ton of choices then look around the GE catalog and maybe you’ll find your match. 

Now that you know the top 3 dishwasher brands of 2021, here are 6 tips to take care of your new dishwasher:

  1. Get it installed by professionals 
  2. Use the appropriate products for washing 
  3. Read the manual 
  4. Clean the door seals regularly 
  5. Use the self-cleaning setting to clean the appliance 
  6. Call the pro’s when you need repairs

Enjoy your new dishwasher!

A quick guide to fixing common appliance problems: washing machine, dryer, and more!

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Everyone needs help sometimes, especially when it comes to household problems. Having a bad appliance day can really put you in a tight spot so it always helps to have this knowledge in order to handle the small stuff yourself. If it’s a bigger issue, one that you don’t feel confident fixing yourself, you’ll notice pretty fans and the best thing is you already know who to call. 

First, here are some basic tips when approaching any appliance issue:

  • Try to run a cycle of work for washing machines, etc to see or hear what the issue is. 
  • Only take this on when you have time, doing repairs in a rush or leaving them halfway done is not a good idea. 
  • Have all your tools ready to go. 
  • Clear the space where you are going to work, things might get messy. 
  • Unplug the appliance, always.

Ok, with those ground rules you’ll be good to start. 

Dryers 

A dryer that is not drying properly, meaning it’s leaving your clothes wet or moist because it’s not generating enough heat or maybe not starting, can be fairly simple to repair. Here are three things that could be happening. 

  1. If the appliance is not starting you should check your circuit breaker, it could just be that the breaker for this outlet flipped. Dryers require a lot of power so breakers are more likely to flip when you are using them regularly. 
  2. Your door actuator may need to be replaced, this spring loaded rod is situated to push against the door switch, keeping it closed and trapping the hot air inside. This piece is easy to replace and not expensive. 
  3. A clogged air filter could be obstructing hot air from reaching the inside of the dryer so clean or replace it, same with the vent. 

Dishwasher

Dishwashers are one of the most used and helpful home appliances, so having it out of service can be a drag. Here are some things you can try to fix the most common dishwasher problem. 

  • If your dishwasher is leaking regularly. Try cleaning the debris and obstructions around the door to fix this. Remember, to include the door gasket and recheck to see if the seals are intact, if they are broken change them. 
  • One of the top causes of problems with dishwashers is a clogged filter, it can cause the appliance to pool with dirty water, not wash properly and leak out into your kitchen. To fix this appliance issue, first locate the filter, usually at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, remove, soak in soap or vinegar, clean and put it back. 

Refrigerator

The fridge is at the center of the kitchen proper functioning so it a really important piece of your home, take a look at some quick fixes for the most common refrigerator problem:

  • Noisy fridge, get it leveled or place it on a special, a type of dense soundproofing mat. 
  • Not cool enough or leaking, check, clean or replace the door seal to help trap in cold air and prevent leaks. 
  • Still not cold enough or leaking, check the drainage tube at the bottom of the refrigerator, you can clean this with a mix of baking soda and vinegar, with the help of some warm water. 

Washing Machine

Washing machines have made the heaviest task at home as easy as pressing a few buttons and waiting, so it’s a real bummer when yours isn’t working properly. 

  • If your front loading washing machine wont turn on, try checking the lid strike switch on the door, this needs to be able to move freely to let the appliance switch on. Turn a washing cycle on and then push the blunt end of a pen into the receiving hole on the appliance. This should loosen any obstruction and allow it to fill with water and wash. 
  • If your washing machine is just not moving you can check your directional cogs in the plastic agitator and replace them, you can also try a factory reset using your owner’s manual. 
  • For an issue with draining, you can clean the pump that helps drain the unit to free it from debris that could be causing the obstruction. 
  • Other things that can help is not overloading the washing machine and using less detergent. 

A guide to the best appliance brands

Posted on by info@techreach.io

When looking for a new appliance you want to do your research on the brand behind the machine, in order to get the best for your investment and be sure it will last. The names on this list you have probably heard of but it doesn’t hurt to see where that brand you like actually stands. 

Appliance brands have a lot of competitiveness to deal with, something which only helps customers more. Because they have to improve and be better than each other in order to get your dollar. Another fact you’ll be happy to hear is that Maydone works and know all these brands well, so we are still the top choice for repairs and installation. 

At the top is Whirlpool

Whirpools quality and durability make it a stand-out brand for those looking for new appliances. The company came out as a leader in surveys as the most reliable brand, just trailing behind LG in a few consumer reports in 2019. But it still maintains its spot at the top of the list. 

Keep in mind that the bigger Whirpool Company is also behind other smaller brands like KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, and Consul.

The brand is especially known for its washing machines and large kitchen appliances. Whirlpool is not your flashy, with lots of buttons and extras appliance brand, but lasting and sturdy. 

Second, on the list is LG

LG is better to know for technology and other electronics, but its appliances have earned a lot of high rankings. It places at the top of the ratings in all of these markets: washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, oven ranges, refrigerators (french door and top mount). According to the J.D Power appliance report.  

Two things to remember when choosing LG. 

  1. Higher tag prices, this is the bell and whistles appliances so the price will be higher than more modest models. 
  2. They have a ton of bad reviews online, but at a closer look, most of them have more to do with issues other than the product. 

Number three is Samsung

Samsung is at the top of luxury appliance brands so they will give what you are looking for with a big price tag. If you want to go extra, this is the brand for you. Because Samsung does extra space, extra features, and extra design better than most. They get a lot of hype for the refrigerators especially. 

Four is Bosch 

In that same J.D Power rankings, Bosch was right in second place behind LG for a lot of the categories. Good quality appliances, with great perks. The German brand has a great reputations with cooktops and wall ovens in particular, also with noting is the oven range microwaves too. They sure are hot stuff in the kitchen. 

Bosh provides appliances that look good, with useful extras and solid warranties. 

Get the right team for any appliance

One of the most important parts of choosing an appliance is to make sure it’s compatible with the technicians you trust, to get the right installation crew, and keep an eye on the details. 

How to Perfectly Install a New Dishwasher?

Posted on by info@techreach.io

Dishwashers have been around for decades making life at home easier and speeding up the process of dealing with dirty dishes and big dinners. That’s why dishwashers are one of the preferred appliances of most homeowners, and why you should take all the care in installing yours correctly. 

If you decide to go at this yourself because remember you can always trust a professional crew to handle your new dishwasher installation with just one call, then you need to be fully prepared to get the job done right! 

Here are some tools you’ll need to install a dishwasher: 

  • Multiple screwdrivers 
  • A wrench that can be adjusted 
  • A level
  • Some pliers
  • A voltage tester

Plus, a few extra that can come in handy:

  • Wiring materials that match what you have 
  • Tape 

Measure everything to start installing or replacing the dishwasher

While most dishwashers are 24 inches wide you still need to measure to be sure the space that you have is right for the appliance you are installing. So take out the measuring tape and write things down. 

If you are changing sizes in appliances you might need to alter your cabinets and kitchen layout, this will require additional work, so keep this in mind when choosing a new dishwasher. 

Sometimes the extra layers of flooring can raise the floor heigh directly in front of the old dishwasher which can cause difficulties in removing it, for this, we recommend losing the counter or even removing the flooring. If this seems like a step above what you wanted to go, consult a professional installation team. 

If you don’t find any of these issues, then get something to cover and protect your floor while you remove the old dishwasher and get started! 

You’ll also need the other tools mentioned before, plus a bucket and rags to collect any discarded water from the drain lines after you disconnect them. 

Fully turn off your old dishwasher and unplug it, cut off the water to the appliance by shutting the nearest valve. 

Completely disconnect the old dishwasher 

 You will need to remove the front panel from the old appliance, then disconnect the wires and pull the cable box out. Both water and electrical connections are underneath the dishwasher behind the first panel that you will unscrew. 

Always check with your voltage detector in order to make sure the power is completely cut off and it’s safe to work on. Now the water supply usually comes from a copper or stainless steel line, you will need to remove a nut that secures it at a 90-degree angle and you can keep the parts if they look to be in good condition. Make sure to remove with care, slowly and in the same direction the new dishwasher will need ti to be so you don’t damage the waterline. Clean any water residue and you are good to go. Now. you can remove the old dishwasher. 

Get your new dishwasher ready and installed 

Unbox your new appliance according to instructions and get started. Inside you will find additional manuals and more instructions, read those before carrying on. Remember to use the new drain hose that comes with the new dishwasher. 

Lean the dishwasher on its back and connect the 90-degree fitting. To prevent any clog issues look the flexible drain line up to the countertop. You might need to check your own plumbing codes since some require a special air gap fitting in the drain line.  

Connect and go! 

Now all that’s left is connecting the power and water supply. This needs to be done carefully, especially the copper line so it doesn’t leak. Align it so it goes in straight at the threaded part of the elbow. Then connect the appliance to electric power. 

Once, you are done connecting turn both power and water on, check for leaks or issues. Make sure the position is good, when satisfies, screw the dishwasher or secure it to the countertop and done! 

Best Kitchen Appliances For Smaller Homes

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New living preferences and a changing world, have resulted in a change with housing options, with homes and apartments getting smaller in order to accommodate for new demands whether being able to fit more people in a city at a smaller price or being environmentally conscious about space. Even with all the new specs having a small kitchen doesn’t mean you can’t have the cooking power you want, discover how to have the chef’s appliances you want without overcrowding your space with Maydone. 

Companies and appliance manufactures have always been working towards making appliances more convenient, even with their size, so there should be no shortage of options to fit your kitchen space. 

Plus, there are so many benefits to smaller appliances:

  • Less heavy, so its easier to get out and put away 
  • Easy to move around
  • Facilitates packing when moving
  • Less stuff to clean when you are done 

Now, let’s get to that list of appliances

Mini Fridges

This one is a super space saver! Having a conventional refrigerator can take up so much of your kitchen space and it might not make sense for your lifestyle. Choosing a mini-fridge instead saves space and can even make you more eco-friendly sense you will have to shop only for what you absolutely need. This is great for mini homes and one-person living. 

Keep this in mind when shopping for one:

Size: yes it’s small, but there are options here to make sure it fits your home and your appetite. 

Doors: for more flexibility and freedom get one with a reversible door. 

Freezer: some mini-fridges have this option. 

Check out: Haier HC27SF22RB 2.7 Cubic Feet Refrigerator/Freezer, Black

Compact Cooktops 

Most kitchen appliances brands now carry a small or compact cooktop line. These appliances come in many formats: gas, electric, or induction, your choice. The best way to go here is to ask yourself what you truly need vs what you think you need. If you are a foodie and love to cook maybe go with the bigger version or the small cooktop, but for the less culinary inclined there are super tiny options that can free a lot of space. Take your time making this decision so you can meet your needs. 

Check out: Search for small cooktops online and discover your options. 

Compact Dishwasher 

Having a smaller space does not mean saying goodbye to the assistance of a dishwasher. This time and water saving appliance can find a place in your tiny home if you know which one to pick. 

Check out: Any dishwasher under 24 inches is considered compact so there are plenty of options to choose from. 

What to do when your dishwasher stops cleaning?

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A dishwasher is one of the most useful appliances in any household, up there with your refrigerator and stove. It completes the set of wonderful tools to have when cooking. Cutting the time and labor you have to do after preparing a meal. The dishwasher also helps save water from being wasted and keep your cutlery, plates, and glasses looking good and proper. 

The history of the dishwasher begins way back in 1850 when the first device of its kind was registered as a patent. These first attempts at what dishwasher eventually because were slow and unreliable. A breakthrough came in 1940, and it only became a popular household appliance by the 1970s. Currently, you can find the dishwasher all over the world and most homes in Canada.  

So, with all this reliance homes have on this amazing appliance what can you do if your dishwasher stops working or is not cleaning your dishes and cutlery enough. 

Switch detergents 

Using the wrong kind of detergent can be behind the issue of your dishwasher not working properly. It could be causing debris to build up in the filter diminishing power. Not dissolving properly therefore not cleaning enough. Look up the best kind of dishwasher detergent for our specific model and switch it up for better results. 

Don’t rinse dishes, scrape them 

You might not believe us but leaving some food scraps on your plates can help the dishwasher clean more efficiently. Those bits of food work to clean off more stubborn messes on your dishes and leave them cleaner than before.

Clean the filter of your dishwasher 

Cleaning all those dirty dishes leaves some nasty stuff behind and your dishwasher filter eats it all up. So, cleaning or clearing the filter of the appliance can give it an extra boost to get it back to top washing form. Remember to do this periodically. 

Do a temperature check

You might not be choosing the right temperature to wash your dishes in, adjust it for better results. You can check if the water is getting hot enough by running your sink’s hot water and checking the temperature there. 

Extra tip

Run the hot water in your skin for a few minutes before starting the dishwasher to help it warm up. 

Take a look at your dishwasher’s spray tubes or arms 

Your dishwasher is likely to have two spray hoses that deliver the water used for cleaning. If these are clogged or dirty it makes the dishwasher a lot less effective. Here’s what you need to do: 

  1. Unplug or cut off power to the appliance. 
  2. Get the lower rack of the dishwasher out and place it aside.
  3. Get your instruction manual and look for how to access the spray arms. Every model is different. 
  4. Once the spry arms are out, use a wire or other long cleaning utensil to free up any debris in there. 
  5. You can soak the tubes in vinegar or soap for a more thorough cleaning. 
  6. If there is too much dirt just replace them. 
  7. Install the arm again. 

There you go! You are now armed with some of the best dishwasher tips and knowledge to get you started when your appliance won’t do the job.

Common Appliance Issues and How to Fix Them

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There are a ton of things that can go wrong with appliances, so why not get some inside knowledge on the best quick fixes for appliance problem that you can do yourself before calling the experts 

Washing Machines 

Washing machines are one of the most essential appliances ins any home, also one of the most expensive to replace, so before sounding the alarm try these tricks yo get yours going again.

No draining, there could be a clog in your draining pump, check your manual, and once you know where it is you can detach and clean. 

Washing machine not cleaning properly, do light loads with fewer clothes and try using less detergent that can cause particles to not wash away properly. 

Dryers 

A dryer is the washing machine’ss best companion, especially as the weather gets colder, and having warm clothes feels like a blessing, thankfully there are some very simple fixes for when things go a little wrong with your dryer.

One quick tip is to always we extra careful when fixing a dryer these appliances are high in voltage so keep that in ming

If it won’t turn on, check your electricity switch first and then move on to check the appliance with expert help. 

Not heating enough, clean your lint filter that could be clogging the hot airflow.

Dishwasher

A dishwasher saves so much time that having your run into trouble can really put a crack in your schedule, one of the most used appliances for all households, take a look into Maydones tricks for this wonderful machine.  

Leaking, clean the seal as debris could be preventing it from closing completely or replace them with new rubbers.

Water pooling inside, clean your filter a clogged filter could be the reason. 

Don’t hesitate to call for help 

If none of these tips help or you feel like your appliance issue is bigger than any of these tricks can fix, don’t hesitate to call the professional for help, avoid getting in over your head, and potentially putting your appliances at risk.

When to Replace your Top Appliances

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All good things come to an end, it’s no different with your home appliances. Once you can trust it or the trouble isn’t really worth it, you must go to the market for a new one. To help you gauge that time frame here are some guidelines. 

Refrigerator 

Your fridge is one of the most essential appliances in your home, you need it to be reliable, sturdy and up to par.

How do you know when to replace it?

  • If it’s older than 10-15 years; just based on energy consumption levels and basic appliance lifetimes, it’s probably time to get a new refrigerator. 
  • If you’ve had to fix it more than 5 times in the years, unless it’s accident-prone, you need to get a new one. 

Dishwasher 

These home appliances usually have good decades worth of use time. Remember to take care of and clean your dishwasher regularly. Plus only use experts when you need repairs. 

Washer & Dryer 

If you take care of these properly they can last up to 12 years, while it’s in your home you’ll probably need to replace some part and give it some professional services, but it’s worth it. 

When you call a trusted repair company, like Maydone, speak freely with your repair person and ask them if it’s better to replace altogether. 

Air Conditioner & Furnaces 

These two don’t go hot and cold, a comfortable 10, to even 12 years is a good approximate durable life for an AC unit or a furnace, again hire quality service and clean your units periodically. 

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!