Author: Francine Oliver

A gas stove is one of the most used appliances in the household and there’s no doubt that it will
need some repairs sooner or later. In fact, when a gas stove needs to be repaired, a
professional is needed for the job most of the time.

The good news about this kind of repair is that they can be easily fixed as long as you’re able to
identify the problem. So, if your gas stove is showing any of these problems, you should contact
repair services right away:

There’s a Faulty or Wet Igniter

If a burner on your gas stove is taking a little longer than usual to light, or the flame coming from
the burner is more orange than blue, it could be the result of a wet or dirty igniter or burner. If
you recently cleaned your stovetop, you may have gotten the igniter wet, which will prevent the
gas from lighting instantly when you turn on the burner.

The Burner Is Clogged by Food Debris

The flame on your gas stove should always burn blue, but a weak flame may appear yellow or
orange. A yellow or orange flame indicates incomplete combustion, which can release carbon
monoxide into your home. This happens when a burner is partially clogged, causing the level of
the gas flowing into the burners to be reduced.

If you haven’t cleaned your stovetop in a while, grease and other cooking residue can build up
and clog the burner and reduce the flow of gas. This can prevent the burner from producing a
blue flame as soon as you turn it on.

A Weak Burner Flame

Over time, your burner flame openings could be clogged with debris which could cause a weak
or lacking flame. A weaker burner flame could also be the result of too little gas or too little air

getting to the burner. We suggest you take out the burner caps and soak them in the sink with
some soap and hot water and use a toothpick to remove food or other debris from the gas
valves. Adjust the air shutter if you think the issue is with the amount of air but call a
professional offering gas stove services if you suspect the problem is inadequate gas
flow.

Unnecessary Clicking of Igniter

When the burner is turned on, the igniter clicks to give a flame to the gas flow. But if the clicking
sound continues even after the burner flame, then this is because of some problem.
A common reason behind the unnecessary clicking of the igniter is the burner blockage or the
loose burner cap.

Noisy Burners

The flames on the burners can become noisy because of the excessive air or gas flow through
the valves. This can be risky because too much gas can result in fire. Moreover, the gas gets
wasted.

A broken oven can be problematic, especially if you have a family to feed. The good news is that most of these issues are a quick fix, and you don’t have to rely on dine-ins or take-outs just to eat food.

You must know what these common oven problems are so that you’ll understand whether you can fix the problem yourself or call up a professional to handle it.

The oven does not heat

If the oven isn’t heating, the most common reason is a damaged igniter that must be replaced. Locate the manufacturer’s manual and follow the instructions to replace the igniter on the oven. Remember to turn the oven power off completely before doing any work to avoid accidents.

The oven light doesn’t turn on

When the oven light doesn’t turn on, the usual culprit is a burned-out bulb. Use the manufacturer’s manual and follow the instructions to replace the bulb. If this doesn’t solve the issue, the problem could be more than an electrical issue, and professional help is likely necessary.

Oven door won’t open or shut

If the door doesn’t open after a self-cleaning cycle, start by unplugging the unit or shutting off the circuit breaker for five minutes. Once you restore power, gently move the door lock lever and see if you can now open the door. If this doesn’t work, reset the self-clean cycle, allow it to work for 15 minutes, and then cancel the cycle. After letting the oven cool for a little while, move the door lock lever and try opening the door again.

If the oven door doesn’t stay shut, you may need to replace the hinge. This requires disassembling the door and possibly removing the side panel as well. If you need help, call an appliance repair technician for assistance.

Oven won’t self-clean

Several common oven issues can prevent an oven from self-cleaning. First, make sure the door switch is locking the oven properly since the self-cleaning cycle won’t begin unless the door is locked.

If that’s not the issue, there could be a problem with the temperature control thermostat, wiring, oven control board, or thermal fuse. Testing and repairing these components requires special skills and tools, so leave the job to an appliance repair specialist.

Oven won’t cook food evenly

Often, an oven that appears to cook unevenly is actually the cook’s error. The placement of food in the oven has a significant effect on cooking. Consider experimenting with the placement of your oven’s racks. You may find the top zone of the oven is hotter than the bottom, or vice versa.

Also pay attention to the placement and shape of your oven’s heating elements. You may need to push food a little farther back in the oven to have it fully beneath your oven’s broiler, for instance.

If positioning isn’t the cause of your cooking troubles, check your oven’s temperature sensor or consider recalibrating your oven.

Having a coffee maker that has been working for many years means that it will require regular maintenance and care. This is a way to ensure its performance and longevity, especially if you want your coffee to continue to taste good.

To help you with this process, we have listed some ways on how you can clean your coffee maker at home using easy methods.

Descaling your coffee maker is important

The water you run through your coffee maker daily can leave behind small deposits of limescale. As time goes by, these limescale deposits will grow and can cause problems. This is why descaling your coffee machine is so important. Modern coffee makers have a descaling cycle that makes removing limescale much easier. By descaling your coffee maker regularly, you can make it last longer and perform better.

Rinse all removable components in warm and soapy water

One simple yet essential practice is to thoroughly rinse all removable components in warm, soapy water.

• Utilising warm water, combined with a mild detergent, helps to effectively break down grease, grime, and any germs that may have accumulated over time.
• By diligently washing these removable parts, you not only safeguard the functionality and longevity of your appliances, but you also contribute to a more hygienic and enjoyable cooking experience.

Don’t underestimate the power of warm, soapy water in keeping your kitchen spick and span!

Run a solution of white vinegar through when cleaning a coffee maker.

Unless you are consistently using bottled purified or spring water, your coffee machine will get a buildup from hard minerals. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and put the solution in the water reservoir. Run half through, then turn off the coffee maker and let the solution sit for at least 30 minutes before brewing the rest through.

For example, if you make 8 cups of vinegar and water solution, run four cups through, let the machine rest, and then run the other four cups through. This is a great way to clean out the inner parts of the coffee machine with very little effort. When the solution is done brewing, you can dump it out and move on to a thorough cleaning of your coffee pot.

After the vinegar solution, thoroughly clean your coffee pot.

Like the filter, this cleaning is more than just a simple rinse. The vinegar solution is a good starting point, but if you want to give your coffee pot a little extra TLC, add warm water and a little bit of uncooked rice to the empty pot and give it a swirl! This loosens up any debris, and a final swipe of a sponge will get your coffee pot sparkling.

The phrase “you learn something new every day” is applicable to everyone – even seasoned home cooks. This is because cooks aren’t exempt from learning a thing or two in the kitchen. There are certainly some things that some people don’t know about, especially around what NOT to put in the oven.

If you’re ever doubtful about including something in the oven other than food, then here’s some information to help clear your mind.

Wax Paper

Given its association with baking, you might be surprised to learn that wax paper is not an oven-safe material. The heat of your oven can melt the wax coating from the paper, leaving it prone to catching fire. Accordingly, you should never line your baking sheets or cake pans with wax paper; save it for food packaging purposes instead.

Other Paper Products

As a general rule, paper does not belong in the oven. This is because (as most are likely aware), paper is incredibly flammable. If a paper product comes into contact with the oven’s heating elements, it will combust; and even if the paper does not directly touch a heating element, the high temperature alone can set it aflame.

Plastic Containers or Utensils

Plastic melts quickly at high temperatures, creating a sticky, toxic mess in your oven and releasing harmful fumes. Even plastic items labeled as “heat-resistant” have limits and shouldn’t be exposed to oven-level heat.

Non-Oven-Safe Glassware

Not all glassware is oven-friendly. Ordinary glass dishes and mixing bowls can shatter when exposed to sudden temperature changes or prolonged heat, creating a hazardous mess. Only use glassware that is clearly marked as “oven-safe.”

Frozen Foods That Need Thawing

Frozen thick cuts of protein, like chicken or steak, need to be thawed before they are placed in the oven. If they aren’t properly thawed beforehand, you risk uneven cooking and possibly even leaving a frozen center. Spending hours working on your highly seasoned steak only to have it ruined by an uneven middle is something that can easily be avoided.

You can thaw in multiple, different ways. It’s important to keep your meat below a certain temperature zone because if left out for longer periods, you risk harmful bacterial growth. The best way is to leave the frozen meat in the fridge, but that can take a couple of days. For a faster thaw, submerge an air-tight package under cold water, replacing the water frequently. You can place something heavy on top to keep it submerged.

Freezer issues are very common no matter what generation of refrigerator you’ve bought. These issues make themselves known when the ice cubes aren’t freezing properly, there’s ice and frost build up, or it makes too much noise that you can barely hear the sound coming from another room. Once this happens, your refrigerator is due for repair/maintenance to ensure it continues to work and won’t spoil the foods you’ve stored in there.

For starters, here are the common reasons why your freezers may not be working properly.

Overpacking

If your freezer is not working, the first thing to check is if the shelves are packed too tightly. Overstuffed freezers can cause an airflow blockage, especially when the evaporator fan is blocked. If your freezer is not cold enough, try clearing off your freezer shelves. By clearing and reorganizing food and getting rid of items possibly forgotten in the back of the freezer, you can make sure the evaporator fan has proper airflow.

Frost Buildup

Excess frost buildup on the walls of your freezer can congest the vents and coils that keep your freezer functioning. If it’s not working, you can defrost your freezer to melt buildup to help your freezer maintain its proper temperature. Keep in mind that most modern freezers have auto defrost, so if you have frost buildup, it may indicate a bigger issue. You might need to consult a service professional for further evaluation.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Dirty coils won’t cool down refrigerant before it enters the evaporator, resulting in poor cooling performance. Clean the condenser coils if they’re caked with lint and dust. You may need to have a service technician clean the condenser coils if they’re not easily accessible.

Broken Evaporator Fan Motor

A failed evaporator fan can cause freezer cooling problems because it won’t circulate air through the freezer cabinet. You’ll need to have a service technician replace the evaporator fan if it doesn’t run when activated.

Bad Start Relay

Finally, a freezer that isn’t freezing might mean that your start relay is not working as it should, meaning that it isn’t giving power to your compressor. You can conduct a physical test on your start relay by unplugging your refrigerator, opening up the compartment at the back of your freezer, unplugging the start relay from the compressor, and then shaking the start relay. If you hear a rattling noise that sounds like dice in a can, your start relay will have to be replaced. If it does not rattle, that might mean that you have a compressor issue, which will require professional repair assistance.

The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances to have in our home because it prevents food from getting spoiled and reduces frequent trips to the grocery store. Just like any other appliance, they are still prone to wear and tear, which could result in long term damage if left unattended. Here are the common problems that could be the reason for your refrigerator breakdown:

Faulty motors

A few different things can cause a refrigerator motor to fail. One is simply age. Over time, the motor can wear out and stop working properly. Another is dirt and debris build-up, preventing the motor from running smoothly.

Sometimes, a refrigerator motor can also be damaged by a power surge. If there’s a sudden spike in electricity, it can fry the motor, causing it to stop working.

If your refrigerator has stopped working, it’s important to figure out what’s causing the problem. If it’s a faulty motor, you’ll need to replace it.

Lack of coolant

If your refrigerator isn’t cooling properly, one of the first things you should check is the coolant level. The coolant is what keeps your fridge cold, so if it’s low, your fridge will struggle to maintain a proper temperature.

There are a few possible reasons for low coolant levels.

First, if you have a leak in your fridge’s coolant system, the coolant will slowly escape and need to be replenished. Second, the coolant may have degraded and lost some of its effectiveness if your fridge is older. Finally, if your fridge has been turned off for an extended period, the coolant may have settled and needs to be stirred up.

Adding coolant to your fridge is a relatively simple process. You can buy coolant at most hardware stores, and it usually comes in a can with a nozzle that fits into the sight glass. Open the can and squeeze the coolant into the sight glass until the level rises above the line.

Once you’ve added coolant, turn your fridge back on and let it run for a few hours to ensure the coolant is circulated correctly.

Defective compressor

Out of all the components, the compressor is considered the most important and regarded as the heart of a refrigerator. The refrigeration cycle starts from the compressor; if it’s defective, the machine cannot produce enough cooling. Sometimes, there is a gas leakage problem from the compressor side. Keeping the compressor cool, clean, and lubricated is the solution to this problem.

Untidy condenser tubes

There are condenser tubes at the back of the refrigerator. The condenser’s function is to convert the pressurized gas into liquid, and heat dissipates into the atmosphere via the condenser tubes. If the tubes are dirty, the tubes cannot dissipate enough heat, and the refrigerator’s efficiency decreases.

No regular cleaning

No one likes a messy fridge. It’s not just because it is sticky or dirty, bacteria and viruses can live inside your refrigerator if you don’t clean it regularly. These will be harder to get rid of the longer the spill stays inside. We recommend cleaning your fridge every 2 weeks.

The machines we use at home undergo regular maintenance to ensure that their performance remains in a peak state. Dishwashers, on the other hand, often get neglected and they deserve some love too. Once they break down and you must wash your dishes by hand, only then you’ll realize its importance in making your life easy.

If you want to prevent your dishwasher from breaking down, it’s important not to forget its regular maintenance when you have the time. You can follow our advice on how to do so:

Properly load your dishes

This might not seem as important, but properly loading your dishwasher can make a difference in your dishwasher’s cleaning ability. Here are some ways you can correctly load your dishwasher:

• Look through your owner’s manual to select the right cycle for the items you are cleaning. Heavy cycles are for pots and pans, and lighter cycles are for more fragile items.
• If there is a lot of grease on your plates and dishes, take a few seconds to dump the grease and gunk out to prevent a clogged drain.
• Don’t overload your dishwasher by putting all your dishes, pots, and pans in every corner of the appliance. Be strategic and load it correctly by putting items in the right places.

Reduce buildup with vinegar

White vinegar is considered a great DIY cleaning agent for household maintenance. You can use vinegar to clean out your dishwasher to remove any stuck food particles or residual detergent left behind. To do this, place a dishwasher-safe container on the center of the top or bottom rack and pour a cup of vinegar into it — then run your dishwasher on a hot water cycle. The vinegar will disinfect the dishwasher and break down any residue stuck inside.

Use your dishwasher regularly

Running your appliance often is actually an excellent way to keep in good shape. It prevents any food debris from settling at the bottom of the dishwasher or in the filter, and you’ll have to go through any deep cleaning process less regularly.

Keep the spray arms clean

Those spinning spray arms are what give your dishwasher its debris-blasting power, so making sure they’re clean and working properly is key to maintaining this appliance. Food debris or limescale can build up in the nozzles and block them, reducing their cleaning power. Inspect them regularly and use a pin to unblock any blocked nozzle. You should also take them out of the dishwasher and give them a thorough clean every few months.

Clean and dry the machine after the last cycle of the day

You may have bought a piece of restaurant equipment that has a self-cleaning program but the various sieves, filters, wash arms, seals, corners, etc. in your commercial dishwasher still need to be washed or rinsed properly.

Besides, it’s important that your dishwashing machine is cleaned, and water is drained out of it because dirty water can harbor bacteria which could potentially cause health hazards to those operating the machine.

Having dryer problems can become a hindrance to your laundry routine. This can range from having strange noises to damp clothes, which are all indications that there’s something up with your dryer.

We’ll list down all these common reasons so that you’ll have a reference on which one fits your scenario. Depending on the severity, these dryer problems can be DIY-fixed or may require the assistance of a professional.

Thermostat or thermal fuse is broken

The thermostat and the thermal fuse ensure your dryer heats safely and efficiently. A malfunction in either could be the reason for the cool air. These safety components monitor and regulate temperature, preventing potential fire hazards. Many modern dryers won’t heat if these components aren’t working. If you suspect this to be the issue, contacting an appliance technician is best.

Heating element is broken

Your dryer’s heating element is the real star of the show. Without it, there’s no heat. It’s as simple as that. This component isn’t about safety; it’s purely for heating. If it fails, you’ll likely need a replacement to get things warmed up again.

Power supply or gas supply

For an electric dryer, be sure you’re using a 240-volt power supply. For gas dryers, make sure the dryer is connected to the gas supply and the shut-off valve is open.

Lint screen

A dirty lint screen can cause problems, which is why it should be cleaned after every load. Look for yours on the top of the dryer or in the door opening, and pull it out to swipe away lint with your finger. If there’s detergent residue on your lint screen, you’ll need to scrub it away with hot water, liquid detergent, and a nylon brush.

Assess the motor and belt

If the motor is damaged or the drum belt is broken, the dryer won’t start or spin. Open the dryer and inspect the belt for wear and tear. A professional may be required to diagnose and repair motor issues, but belts can often be replaced as a DIY fix.

Look for error codes

Many modern dryers display error codes when something is wrong. Consult your dryer’s user manual to decode any messages or symbols on the control panel. These codes can point you toward specific issues, such as a malfunctioning control board or motor.