How to take care of your appliances in the summer?

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 basic appliances a new home needs?

Congratulations on your new home! Now, that you are the proud owner of a home there are some things you’ll need to get to make sure all that live there are comfortable and can enjoy the space, plus get their needs meet. One of the things every new home needs is appliances, and with so many options, brands, and styles it can be hard to settle on the right ones to get for your home. Don’t worry, Maydone is here to help! 

Equipping a new home with the things that you need can be a daunting and intimidating task, so let’s set a few ground rules to get you started, here are the most important factors to consider:

  1. Your habits, what is it that you like to do, eat and how do you usually do it.
  2. Your budget, how much can you spend and where should the money go. 
  3. Your style, what do you want your home to look like. 
  4. Your space, what can you get and where will it go. 
  5. Your number, how many people will this appliance serve. 

These five factors will help you in determining which of the appliances on the list make sense to you, what size should you get them in, and the brand, plus model features you want them to have. 

A good refrigerator 

Refrigerators are one of the most used and needed appliances in any home, just think of surviving the summer months without a cold drink or keeping food safe and fresh. So, picking one of these is all about needs vs wants. You can go high-end, smart features, glass door or you can get a mini-fridge to satisfy your needs and safe space, it’s all up to you. 

Best brands for refrigerators:

  • Samsung 
  • Whirlpool 
  • Bosch 

Washing machine and dryer 

Having clean laundry is one of the best feelings once you are a full adult, so a washer dryer should definitely be on your priority list. When it comes to these appliances the most important factor is space. How much you have available will determine if you get a side-by-side set or some other model. You can even get a one in all appliance. 

Another really important aspect when it comes to washing machines and dryers is installation. You will need to set up water supply, electricity and make sure they are stable and well places, so be sure you know what you are doing if you decide to DIY, or just call Maydone. 

A full kitchen 

Besides the refrigerator, there are tons of kitchen appliances that you need and some you are just going to crave. From cooking tops to ovens and air firers, you can really let your imagination fly here. 

The kitchen basics

  • Cooktop or stove 
  • Microwave 
  • Coffee maker 
  • Oven 
  • Dishwasher 
  • Smaller appliances like toaster, air frier, etc. 

9 reasons why your refrigerator stops cooling

If you find your food is going bad before time or that it’s not keeping as well, then you might have a cooling problem with your refrigerator. This appliance is one of the most powerful and necessary in any home, so having issues with it can be a real headache for anyone. 

The good news when you are having a refrigerator problem is that you don’t need to get a new fridge right away, there are solutions and tricks for getting your cooling power back. Some of these you can even try yourself, for the rest just call your local best appliance repair service. 

1. Your coils might need a cleaning 

Coils, the part of the cooling system located in the back plays an important role in cooling down the inside of your fridge. When your refrigerator coils are covered in dust and dirty they may not function at full capacity, causing a reduction in cooling. Carefully move the refrigerator so you can clean these, use a vacuum and be gentle so you don’t damage or bend the coils. 

2. Problems with your electric setup 

Your appliance may not be getting enough juice to run properly. So, check that the refrigerator is properly plugged and that your outlet is solid on the wall. If you find an issue here it’s best to call professional appliance repair services

3. Dirty door gaskets

Dirty door gaskets can be preventing your refrigerator from closing properly, causing the cool air to slip out and reducing your fridge’s capabilities. Use a wet cloth with a cleaning product to remove food or other debris that could be accusing this. 

4. Your temperature settings need changing

Your refrigerator might have reset setting on its own or changes in temperature could be affecting the fridges cooling capabilities. Once it gets hotter you might need to increase power, lower the temperature settings to get the same results. Check your settings and try a new combination to see what works. 

5. Cool airflow is blocked 

Sometimes items in the refrigerator can get in the way of the cold airflow. Look inside to sew where your cold output is located and if there is any food or drink standing in its way. 

6. Bad fridge location 

This one is quite a hassle, you might have placed your refrigerator in a place that is too hot, too exposed to the elements or other heat sources causing it to lose its cooling power 

7. You need to stock up your refrigerator 

Having your refrigerator stocked up can help it maintain the temperature inside, with items holding their own cooling power. So, remember the rule for fridges is not too full, not too empty. 

8. The fridge is not leveled 

For a perfectly functioning refrigerator, it should be close to even levels. The general rule is from side to side it should be leveled completely, but from front to back a tilt of  1000 mm or ¼ inch toward the back allows the doors to shut properly. 

9. The refrigerator doesn’t have enough space 

Refrigerators have a clearance space to work properly, this allows for the appliance to be properly isolated from other appliances and have ventilation. The exact clearance measures depend on the brand and model you have. A good general clearance is 3/8-inch for the sides and 1-inch behind. 

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

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

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. 

The Ultimate Guide for Fixing Common Refrigerator Problems

Refrigerators are amazing tools for keeping food fresh, they are one of the most used appliances in any home and fundamental to modern comforts. When your refrigerator breaks down you could be looking at a serious problem for your day-to-day routine, and while you can always call experts, there are some solutions to the most common refrigerator problems you can try on your own first. 

The refrigerator is over freezing 

A refrigerator that cools too much is also an issue that can affect the quality of your food so its important to address it fast, here how you can do that: 

Take a look at your damper 

The damper, which is controlled by the thermostat, is a compartment that allowed or prevents the flow of cold air, so one stuck in open could be the cause of your cold problem. 

Get a new thermostat 

The thermostat is a central piece of your refrigerator, they control and set the temperature as you want it, before replacing it make sure is set at an appropriate temperature. If you need to replace and install a new one, check the model on the instructions manual, back, or inside the door of the fridge to get the correct one. 

Here’s how that replacement can be done:

  • Unplug the fridge first, for safety. 
  • Locate the cooling compartment and open it. 
  • Remove the cover, you might need a screwdriver for this, then also remove the plastic control assembly cover. 
  • Once you are there proceed to gently lift the other cover, You will see the thermostat, it should be a bronze metal device with copper wired attached and a plastic tube. 
  • Take a picture o the arrangement in order to help you put it together again after. 
  • Extract the old thermostat from the wired and the tube, replace and reassemble. 
  • Follow any special instructions pertaining to your model. 
  • Put the cover back in place. 
  • Done! 

The refrigerator is not cooling 

What good is a refrigerator that won’t refrigerate?

Thankfully there is more than one suggestion to fix this problem, so don’t lose hope.

Check your thermostat 

It may seem too obvious to be the solution, but in homes of 2 or more people, one of them could have changed the temperature setting and just forgotten, easy and fast fix. 

Go over the doors 

Check the door seal are forming a perfect seal that can maintain the temperature inside is key. IF you notice the seals are dirty, damaged, or faulty you can try:

  1. Clean the seal
  2. All some petroleum jelly for better sealing 
  3. Replace the door seals

Clean blockages and condenser coils

There could be items inside the fridge blocking the flow of cold air from passing, clean the fridge out and inspect to make sure. 

Cleaning the condenser coils can also help with cold airflow.

Leaky fridge 

A leaky fridge can be a very bothersome problem and it could even be dangerous, as water can cause people to slip on your kitchen floor. Here what you can do:

Proper sealing 

Check the refrigerator doors to see that the seals are working as they should, to keep liquid and food inside the appliance. 

Empty and clean the drain pan 

The drain pan that is located at the bottom of your fridge could overcapacity and causing a mess. Take a minute to remove and clean it. 

Freezer drain 

Your freezer’s drain could be frozen and causing leaks as it thaws. Defrost it completely and clean it out

The top 3 refrigerators for big family’s

Having a large family can be one of the most rewarding ways of living but it does come with its challenges. Like having enough space to cover everyone’s needs or wants. This dilemma also applies to refrigerators, if your family needs more room for all the snacks, meals, and treats, then you need to check out this list of the best refrigerators for big families. It’s also a good idea for families with athletes, meal prep enthusiasts, and big appetites, plus the “more space in the fridge the better” people. 

Once you are set on your choice for a new fridge go check the 3 top things to look for when getting your new appliance and call the expert at Maydone for installation services. 

Here’s a clarification before getting to the list, to be considered large a refrigerator must have at least a width of 35 inches or 88.9 centimeters. So take that as your basis for measuring the space you’ll need in your kitchen to install one of these.  

At number 3 the Samsung RF28T5001SR

This Samsung appliance is super impressive. It is the refrigerators with the most capacity on the ranking coming in at 19.6 cu. Ft including gallon door boxes, an ice maker with storage for about   2.2 Kilos of ice, and plenty more space.

The freezer on the Samsung RF28T5001SR refrigerators is, unfortunately, the smallest on the list with only 8.6 cu. Ft. But it very comfortable and accessible thanks to its custom-made EZ-Open Handle.

How much will it cost you? Around $1,705.00*

Top perks: 

  • It is fingerprint resistant, minimizing blemishes on its surface for a better look. 
  • The massive ice maker.
  • Huge gallon bins for your drinks. 
  • Comfortable food handles unique and top quality.
  • It has Energy Star certification, saving you money and more eco-friendly.

Coming in second place the Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ

You’ll get the most bang for your money with this one. One of the coolest features of this appliance is the FreshFlow Air Filter which is super effective at keeping odors at bay in your fridge. Another great feature you will enjoy with this model is the Adaptive Defrost that allows you to defrost items as you wish. Plus the Accu-Chill system that measures and regulates the internal temperature, chilling your food quickly if it needs it. 

How much will it cost you? Around $1,614.10*

Top perks: 

  • The ice bin is placed in the doot giving you more indoor space. 
  • The Adaptive defrost capabilities. 
  • Acci-Chill internal temperature system that cools food with a cold flash. 
  • The water system is also external.
  • Better food preservation thanks to humidity control bins
  • Reduced odors thanks to the FreshFlow Air Filter

Presenting the king of large fridges at number 1 The Sub-Zero

Make room for the biggest refrigerator for large families. The Sub-Zero is the largest in this list both in overall capacity and freezer space. It comes with an impressive 11.7 cu. Ft freezer equipped with Dial Refrigeration that helps avoid freezer burns and frost. This mammoth refrigerator does not skimp on the class either with a UV resistant glass door, glass shelves, and high-quality finish. 

How much will it cost you? $15,200*

Top Perks:

  • It’s smart capable, so you can connect with an app and monitor from your phone 
  • The dual refrigeration system 
  • The UV resistant glass door, make sit great for storing wine 
  • Less noisy and kid-friendly soft-close doors 
  • Quality ice thanks to the automatic icemaker
  • Sabbath feature, a star K Kosher certification for use during Sabbat and other religious holidays. 
  • Two-year full warranty, 5-year limited warranty plus a 12 year sealed system warranty.

*Prices may vary