Category: Appliance Care

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.