The dishwasher is one of the least complicated appliances that can be found in the modern home. But like all things both living and metallic, sometimes things go wrong, and before calling in a repairman which could be costly, do some homework and learn how to analyze some of the more obvious malfunctions.

Before attempting anything, check your dishwasher manual and look specifically for a troubleshooting guide, which usually covers the more common problems that occur. These can include: water temperature deviations, poor washing, failed motor, overflows or leaks and door-latch problems.

Do your own troubleshooting and check for those causes that you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to recognize, like a blockage or an extremely dirty situation that can adversely affect the normal flow of the water. If the problem is not addressed in the guide and you find yourself in a puddle that may soon require a paddle to navigate through, you may need the help of an appliance professional to fix the problem.

If there is a puddle in front of your dishwasher, this is usually quite simple to repair. You might have to alleviate the situation by tightening a few fittings or leveling the dishwasher so the water doesn’t spill out when the machine is running. The very worst scenario might mean the replacement of a door gasket.

Some things have obvious causes; others do not. For example, the float switch assembly is usually the culprit when a dishwasher overflows. This cylinder-shaped piece of plastic may be found either on one side along the cabinet front or near the sprayer head in the middle of the machine. If the float is sticking or the on /off electrical water switch is malfunctioning, you will have to unscrew and remove a protective cap to get to the float. Once you clean away any debris or mineral deposits, which may be causing it to stick and jam, the machine will function as normal.

The purpose of the dishwasher’s intake screen is to filter out rust and other debris. If the screen cannot do its job, the washer’s pump and other parts can be subject to damage. A slow flow of water can be an indication that the intake screen is overloaded. Remove and clean the screen and all will be well. If you cannot remove the mineral deposits from the screen, soak it overnight in a bowl of white vinegar.

Do it yourself repairs have their place and they can save you money in the long run. If however, these alterations do not improve the performance of your dishwasher, it is time to call in reinforcements. Call the cavalry also known as Appliance Doctor at: 1 800 339-0353

Saving energy in the home is a formidable goal and one that complements the desire for a greener, more sustainable planet. There are a number of easy ways to save energy with your washing machine, and it is guaranteed that you won’t even feel any difference except in the cost of your energy bill.

The cost of operating a washing machine depends on the amount of water used and the energy consumed. Just by cleaning your laundry with cold instead of hot water, your energy bill will be reduced significantly as quickly as most of us wish weight would come off our bodies. This is due to the fact that 90% of the energy utilized to wash a single load of laundry is the result of heating the water.

Adjust your thermostat to a setting of 120° F, which is adequate for most home needs. Always set the washing machine on cold water rinse. Experiment with different laundry detergents until you find the one that cleans best with cooler water. If you pre-soak heavily soiled clothes, you can use the cooler temperatures more effectively.

Never under-load your washer. Always wait until you have a full load to do. Washing one large load will take less energy than washing two loads on a low or medium setting. Be careful not to overfill your dryer as air must circulate freely around the clothes in order to dry them properly.

Separate clothes and dry similar types together. Bath towels and clothes made from natural fibers dry much more slowly than lightweight synthetics.

By removing clothes from the dryer while they are still slightly damp, you will save energy because this will reduce the need for ironing. You can also avoid wasting energy by using the auto-dry setting on your washer instead of the timer.

Don’t add wet items to a load that is already partially dried and clean out that filter after each use. Dryer performance can be greatly restricted by a clogged filter.

By following these tips you will be saving energy and money; two things we are always very grateful for. If your washing machine doesn’t work for any reason and you can always call in reinforcements. The Appliance Doctor is available for house calls and you can reach him at:

1 800 339-0353

Or Visit Us At

www.appliancedoctorx.com

Almost every dilemma in life poses the issue of should we or shouldn’t we. Many people swear by the efficiency and convenience of microwave ovens, and yet for years these appliances have been banned in Russia.

There are also those who question how on earth the microwave knows exactly what to do when a cup filled with liquid is placed inside. We all know it heats the liquid, but…how does it know not to heat the cup? The answers are not always cut and dried. Here are some of them anyway, untrimmed and soggy, but as honest as can be.

Pros
• Microwave ovens cook food faster than conventional ovens. For example, a filet of fish in the microwave takes only 2-3 minutes. Generally speaking, most foods cook in one-quarter to one-half the time that other basic cooking methods require because the food cooks from within.

• Microwave ovens save on energy bills because they only heat the food and don’t utilize as much energy as do other ovens.

• Food retains its nutrients when cooked in a microwave oven. Due to the fact that the process does not “brown” protein foods, oxidation is reduced and nutrients such as vitamin A and E remain undisturbed.

Cons
Much (but not all) of the criticism surrounding the ownership and operation of a microwave oven concerns both incorrect use of the appliance and the belief in certain persistent misconceptions. Two common ones are: that microwave energy changes the chemical composition of food and that eating food cooked in the microwave causes exposure to radiation.

While the jury may still be officially out on these allegations, belief that they are true and/or false is powerful on both sides of the pro-and-con fence. Below are some cons that are universally accepted.

• Frozen foods can take a long time to cook in a microwave oven.

• Often meats become dry and mushy in texture when cooked in a microwave oven. It’s also harder to predict the proper cooking time, especially for a large cut of meat.

• Although baked goods rise higher in a microwave oven, meat, bread, rolls, and other baked goods often do not brown as well.

• Microwaves require special cook wear. Conventional metal pots and pans and even aluminum foil cannot ever be used.

• There is always a chance of radiation leakage, although it is not as likely with the way microwaves are made today.

If after reading this you have decided to either buy a microwave or keep your current one and something should go wrong, remember that the specialists at Appliance Doctor are always there to help you and can be reached at:
800 339-0353.

Sources:

http://www.greenprophet.com/2008/08/microwave-ovens-health/

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/microwave_ovens_safety_issues

While cleaning out your dryer vents and supporting a project for wounded warriors may seem at odds with each other, they are two topics that are very much connected for the specialists at Appliance Doctor. The proper maintenance of dryer vents is essential if your dryer is to run efficiently and taking care of our veterans who have served our country by putting their lives on the line is essential to running our nation efficiently and with pride, dignity and respect.

Dryer vents may not seem to be an exciting topic for discussion until you consider that in the in the United States last year more than 15,600 fires were caused by faulty dryer vents. If the top of the dryer gets very hot while operating, a red flag should wave boldly in your mind. While that hilarious movie of bygone days may proclaim that Some like It Hot, a dryer doesn’t know this and isn’t impressed.

Conversely, if your dryer doesn’t heat up at all or if clothes take an unusually long time to dry (one-and-one-half to two hours), the dryer vent may be clogged. To prevent this, the inside of the dryer vent should be cleaned and inspected regularly. In one case, the specialists at Appliance Doctors, while answering a distress call about a dryer that wasn’t operating properly, cleaned inside the vent and pushed a bird’s nest out of the back of the machine and onto the woman’s porch.

For safety’s sake, you should never start your dryer and leave the house or go to sleep.
Appliance Doctor cares about the disabled veterans who have served their country well, especially (but not exclusively) those who reside in Westchester County, New York. They have donated $500 to Bill Edwards and his wounded warrior project (http://www.westchesterallstarschristmas.com) to honor the military services of 19-year-old Nick Perazzio who has just returned from Afghanistan, and they are asking others to do the same.

The wounded warrior project uses the funds for job placement, prosthetics and many other helpful benefits to those who have been disabled in the line of duty. The project is centered on a Christmas CD comprised of 13 Westchester artists. Slated for release later this year, each artist/band, volunteered to write, record, and contribute a brand new original Christmas song.

Helping the disabled veterans of Westchester New York is near and dear to the hearts of the caring specialists at Appliance Doctor.

Don’t forget too that if your dryer isn’t working properly, call them at: 1 800 339-0353
Or visit at:
www.appliancedoctorx.com.

Expensive appliance repairs can sometimes be avoided. The first thing is not to panic and to do some troubleshooting before calling in costly appliance repair specialists.

Make sure that the appliance in question is plugged in. As silly as this sounds, many times people don’t, and they often end up having to pay a fee just to have an expert come to the house and plug it in. (The fee also covers the promise not to tell anyone they know.)

Many appliance problems you can either fix yourself or prevent. For example, a refrigerator that won’t cool could involve the simple adjustment of the cold-control setting. Keep the coils in the bottom or back of your refrigerator clean from dust and pet hair by using a coil brush or the crevice tool on your vacuum.

For a dishwasher that isn’t cleaning, make sure there is a rinse agent. Also, use powder rather than liquid soap, as the latter tends to clog the machinery. If your dishwasher has a screen or filter on the bottom, wash off all the food particles, since they can become as one with your dishes.

If your clothes dryer isn’t working properly, make sure the lint screen is clean after every load and that the vent to the outside isn’t blocked. Check to insure that you didn’t accidentally set the controls on “fluff” or “no heat.”

If you own a high efficiency, front-loading washing machine, make sure you use the soap marked HE. Repeated use of regular soap often damages the main bearings, resulting in an expensive appliance repair. Do not overload your washer or under any circumstances (even if you pass go and collect $200) put rubber-backed throw rugs into either your washer or dryer. The backing unravels into small pieces and wreaks havoc with the washer’s pump.

Check your power before calling for help about electrical dryers that run but do not heat. Electric dryers use 220-volt electrical supply and the motor will run without the heat functioning if one leg of the power supply is disrupted. If you don’t check the power, you may need an electrician and not an appliance repair specialist and may end up paying for both.

So look before you leap and check plugs and troubleshoot BEFORE you call for help.

The check you will not have to write may well be your own.

If you’ve checked for trouble spots and you appliance is still not working, give us a call at:

1-800-339-0353 or www.appliancedoctorx.com

Rusting on stainless steel is an issue that we are very familiar with here at the Appliance Doctor. No matter what the product and/or make of the product may be, rusting is a problem that is seen all the time.

Although many of us may attribute these rust issues to the machines location or outside factors, the main dilemma can be blamed on the products that you are using to clean your machines. Certain cleaners, especially those containing bleach, are harmful to your machine and its beautiful décor. In fact, although many cleaners state on the bottle that they can be used on stainless steel, this is not true.

Chlorine, which is found in most of your household cleaning products, forms a chemical reaction when used on stainless steel. The product is actually causing oxidation on your metal surface which is then creating that stubborn rust that you can’t get rid of.

Our suggestion to you would be to use a little soap and water and to purchase a stainless steel polish. Stainless steel polishes are made from Mineral Oil, making them light yet effective. A gentle cleaning with the soap and water, followed by a smooth polish will leave your appliance shiny, clean, and more importantly, rust free!

1. Do not use abrasive cleaners that will scratch the surface- Depending on the surface finish of your stainless steel, abrasive cleaners can cause scratching. Duller finishes probably won’t show scratching as much as mirror or highly polished finishes. When in doubt, test in a hidden spot, and also work from the least risky type of cleaning, (ie water) to the heavy duty stuff.

2. Do not forget to rinse—Gritty or dirty water, or residue from cleaning solutions left on a stainless steel surface can stain or damage the finish.

3. Do not use cleaners containing chlorine.—While it may be second nature to bleach everything, stainless steel and chlorine don’t mix. Stay away from the bleach when you clean stainless steel.

4. Do not use steel wool or steel brushes—These products leave little particles in the surface of the steel and inevitably these particles begin rusting and staining the surface of the steel. They also can excessively scratch the surface of your stainless steel.

5. Do not assume it’s the cleaner.—If you do have some spotting or staining, and you’ve followed all the rules, it may not be the cleaner. Water, especially hard water, can leave spotting and staining on stainless steel surfaces. Towel dry after rinsing can end the problem.

Appliance repair companies may be a dime a dozen, but if you need such services for GE products in the New York area, a general rule of thumb is to select a company that has been in business for years, and the longer the merrier, as that old saying sort of goes.

Appliance Doctor has a passion for serving customers in Manhattan, Westchester and the Bronx, and their commitment is as compelling today as it was when they began offering high-end repair and services to customers more than three decades ago.

Murphy’s Law promises that if anything can go wrong, it will. Appliances can break down at any time and usually do at the most inopportune moments. This often dictates the need for same day service. For the most effective appliance repair in New York, it’s best to have a name to call, rather than to have to forage for one at a time when your clothes may be doing their rinse cycle on the ceiling or the food in your GE refrigerator has started to turn a color that no one has ever seen before (or even wishes to see again).

Choosing a company that offers appliance repair in NYC requires some research, since you as an educated consumer want to make sure that the company you select is one you can trust and turn to whenever your GE and other brand appliances need servicing.

Word of mouth is the best reference for any company that deals in the repair of home appliances. Finding the best company for appliance repair in Manhattan is best achieved by asking those you know who is the best in town and whom they would never call again, even if all their appliances were running amok at the same time. A reputable company will always be transparent when it comes to displaying their service record. Appliance Doctor is all about consumer satisfaction, and they go that extra mile for their customers by offering a free consumer special report about appliance repair in New York that tells you what you should know before you make that important call. It is available at www.appliancedoctorx.com.

New York City appliance repair companies often employ technicians who have a high school diploma but generally have little or no training in repairing appliances. Appliance Doctor makes 60 service calls per day, and each technician has to complete 35 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of hands on training a year.

Richard Sedlack, an ex GE regional trainer, is one of the most respected technicians in the field, and for the last seven months he has been a part of the Appliance Doctor repair staff. Three times a year technicians attend his training sessions in order to keep abreast of the latest techniques in New York appliance repair.

Need GE appliance repair in New York City?

Check out available resources before appliance trouble begins and not while things are in a state of flux so that Murphy’s Law will at least have a little trouble making its way up your driveway or to your apartment door.

Microwave repair is one of the most dangerous appliance repair jobs, despite their small size and functionality as a countertop appliance. Issues with your microwave that could require repair include a broken revolving tray, uneven cooking, lack of heat, sparking and unresponsive buttons.

These issues can be a tough fix. Therefore, it is important that if you need microwave repair, it is best not to attempt to fix it on your own. Microwaves are high voltage appliances that can deliver a fatal shock, even when unplugged. An Appliance Doctor Technician is the best solution to identify the exact problem with your microwave.

There are however some things that don’t involve disassembling your device that could fix your problems.

Repairing your microwave

A sparking microwave is a serious but common problem. If your microwave is sparking it could be due to grease and food build up. Wash out your microwave with a warm sponge and detergent to clean out any grease that may have accumulated. Also, if your microwave includes a cooking rack, sparks may be signs that it is loose.
If you have a chip inside your microwave, it could be a much bigger problem than just aesthetics. The crack could be leaking radiation. Call the Appliance Doctor to have it tested. Most problems that result in the microwave ceasing to work can be easily fixed by replacing a part. A technician can easily replace a fan motor, or internal switch and have your microwave running like new!

Even if your washing machine isn’t getting your clothes as clean as it used to, it may not be time to call for professional appliance repair just yet. The problem could be as simple as giving your washer a proper cleaning!
Oftentimes what is mistaken as a broken washing machine is really just a dirty machine. Follow these easy cleaning steps before calling for washing machine repair.
1. Make sure that the inlet hose filter is not clogged. This filter is responsible for keeping minerals and other particles in your water from getting into the washing machine. When the filter isn’t clear, you’ll get poor water flow into the machine and therefore, dirty clothes!

2. To get a clean washer tub without using harsh chemicals, pour two cups of vinegar in the washer and run a complete washing cycle using the hottest temperature. The vinegar and hot water will break down any buildup from detergents, softeners, and dirt.

3. Soak all detergent, bleach and fabric softener dispensers in warm water and scrub off any excess build up if necessary. Dry them thoroughly before putting them back in the machine.

Repairing your washing machine

After trying these cleaning tips, your washing machine should be producing loads of clean, fresh smelling clothes. If it’s still not getting your clothes as clean as it used to, there may be another problem. In the event that a freshly cleaned washing machine still isn’t working, call the Appliance Doctor to diagnose and fix the problem!