Tag Archives: fridge repair

Why Does a Refrigerator Stop Getting Cold?

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A refrigerator that is not cooling has the potential to ruin your food and incur high energy costs. If left untreated, it may cause irreversible damage to your equipment.

According to the FDA, the recommended temperature for a refrigerator is 40°F or below, while a freezer’s temperature should be 0°F.

If you have turned on your appliance but it’s not cooling, this can be due to several issues. Some of the issues that might be causing this problem include:

The condenser coils are dirty

When the condenser coils on the rear of the refrigerator become dusty or coated with spiderwebs, the device cannot cool effectively. According to appliance repair professionals, one of the simplest maintenance tasks you can perform on your refrigerator is to remove it and clean the condenser coils at least once every six months.

To remove the condenser, unlatch the anti-tip brackets on the cabinet’s exterior bottom front. You should then slide the refrigerator out carefully and clean the coils using a hand attachment from a vacuum cleaner.

When doing it, be careful not to bend or damage the coils.

If you have pets, consider pulling out the refrigerator and cleaning the coils more often, as plenty of fur is lying around.

The fridge isn’t plugged in.

While it may appear obvious, one of the most ignored troubleshooting procedures when diagnosing a faulty refrigerator is to ensure it is correctly plugged in, especially if you are returning after a vacation or lengthy absence.

To fix this, you should check the electrical outlet and ensure the refrigerator is properly plugged in.

Replace the damaged power cord with a new one to guarantee a secure and effective connection.

Also, ensure that the circuit breaker linked with the refrigerator is not tripped, as a tripped breaker can disrupt power flow.

Door gaskets are dirty.

The flexible door seals (gaskets) might get dirty over time due to food or fingerprints, preventing the door from properly sealing. To fix this problem, clean the gaskets with a sponge and warm soapy water.

Also, clean off the areas of the fridge where the gaskets meet.

You should avoid using abrasive cleansers, brushes, scouring pads, flammable substances, or window cleaning sprays, as they can harm the appliance, and you don’t want this.

The thermostat is broken.

When you have this problem, the fridge will be reasonably cool and operational but not as cold as you would want.

Your refrigerator has a thermostat that may be turned up or down to suit your preferences.

Check the thermostat to ensure it wasn’t unintentionally turned down, resulting in a tepid fridge that consumes all the electricity. If your thermostat stops working, you should get a replacement.

There is no power getting into the fridge.

When you open the fridge door, and no light comes on, no power is entering your fridge.

This may sound simple, but make sure the refrigerator is plugged in. And if it is, make sure it is receiving power.

Sometimes, the problem is this easy, so don’t ignore it. Perhaps you bumped the fridge while cleaning, and it came unplugged. If it is plugged in, the outlet may have a problem.

You can look at it by yourself or ask a professional to give it a look.

Food items are blocking the air vents.

Most refrigerators receive chilly air from vents in the freezer area, regardless of where the freezer is located.

Unfortunately, food items inside the refrigerator part of the appliance may be preventing the cold air vent from allowing cold air to pass through.

To fix this problem, find the bulky boxes or bags that may have been accidentally placed in front of the vents, preventing cool air from entering the unit.

Pull those items aside or move them to a different shelf.

You also should check if there is any ice blocking the vent. If so, gently chip it away while checking the device’s temperature.

The fridge doesn’t have enough food items.

Mass (food) in the refrigerator contributes to its cooling. Understocked refrigerators can have temperature difficulties and must work harder to maintain cool temperatures. On the other hand, well-stocked (but not overstocked) refrigerators contain enough mass to maintain cool temperatures.

You should keep your refrigerator roughly three-quarters full of food and liquids to ensure proper air circulation.

You should place a couple of water pitchers in the refrigerator’s empty corners to help it stay chilly.

Do not overfill your fridge because products require air movement to remain properly cold.

The evaporator fan is frozen.

When you are having this problem, you may hear a screaming sound that becomes louder when you open the freezer door.

The evaporator fan is normally situated at the back of the freezer, alongside the evaporator coils, and circulates air as the coils work to remove heat.

To access the fan, unplug the refrigerator and remove the cover inside the freezer, just like you did with the evaporator coils. If it is covered in frost, you must remove and defrost it.

You have placed the fridge in a cold area.

Where you place your refrigerator in a warm or cold environment, such as outside or in a garage, you might impact its cooling ability.

A too-cold garage will confuse the fridge and prevent it from cooling its contents. If the garage is too hot, the refrigerator will work overtime to chill the interior.

Even if the fridge is in good working condition, hot appliances near it, such as dishwashers, stoves, or ovens, can interfere with its cooling.

You should put a heat-insulating material on the refrigerator wall to shield the fridge from the stove’s heat.

When cooking, use your kitchen fan to keep the temperature down.

To keep the refrigerator separate from other hot appliances, refrigerator repair Springfield technicians recommend that you surround it with a bespoke enclosure. This is also a solution for a fridge in a garage with high temperatures.

How to Get Rid of Fridge Smells

If you have a smelly fridge, you should work on getting rid of the smells as soon as possible. This is because the smells make storing your food in the refrigerator undesirable. Sometimes, the smells are too strong that your kitchen is unlivable.

To make your kitchen more comfortable and fun, you need to get rid of these smells. To help you out, here is how to go about it:

Wipe down the fridge

To keep the refrigerator odor-free, clean it regularly by wiping all inner surfaces with a moist cloth.

You should then dry it well with a soft cloth. Clean the outside using a washing-up liquid solution, wiping down any metal parts with a damp cloth. For the best outcome, use a general-purpose e-cloth.

You can do all the wiping yourself without hiring a refrigerator repair professional.

Get rid of the spoiled food.

Spoiled food is the primary cause of a smelly fridge, so you should eliminate it. And there is no magic to it. You simply need to reach the insides of the refrigerator and remove any spoiled or expired products.

To be safe, remove all the materials and only return what is expired.

Use baking soda

You should place an open box of baking soda or a small cup of baking soda on the refrigerator’s shelf. This will help to remove unpleasant odors by absorbing them. You should replace this box every 1-2 months for optimal results.

Use coffee grounds

Like baking soda, coffee grounds will also absorb the smells. You should place a bowl of freshly ground coffee in the refrigerator. The coffee grinds will absorb and hide odors. To keep your fridge smelling fresh, replace the grounds every several days.

Make use of vanilla.

Here, you need to soak a cotton ball or piece of cloth in vanilla extract and refrigerate. Vanilla has a perfume that will disguise other odors.

Mask the smells using citrus peels.

You need to soak a cotton ball or piece of cloth in vanilla extract and chill. Vanilla has a pleasant aroma that can mask the odors.

Tricks to keep your fridge smelling fresh

Prevention is always better than cure. Instead of working hard to restore your fridge smelling good, you should keep it fresh all the time, negating the need to use smell-killing materials.

Some of the things you need to do to achieve this include:

Make use of the humidity controls

You need to keep your food fresher for longer by storing it in the ‘crisper’ drawer, a dedicated section where you can manage the internal moisture level.

Most of the modern humidity drawers have two settings: you should place farmers’ products, such as fruits and leafy greens, in the high-humidity drawer, while poultry and fish are best stored in a low-moisture environment to avoid condensation and bacteria from forming.

Use airtight containers

The thrifty will be familiar with keeping leftovers to reduce food waste. The rookie mistake you can make is putting leftovers in a bowl with clingfilm or tin foil on top (tin foil is the worst because it makes it difficult to see what food is inside!)

Using airtight containers will keep the food fresher for longer and prevent any unpleasant odors from escaping if you mistakenly leave it in the fridge past its prime.

Be organized

So, you have your airtight containers, but do you recall when you put the leftover lasagne in the fridge? Labeling and dating your leftovers will not only keep you from getting food illness but also keep the food from spoiling.

This is because you can tell when the food will get spoiled and remove it.

When labeling the food, do it in an open area where everyone can see it. You also should write the dates in bold, big letters so that someone doesn’t have to fish for them.

Keep your shelves clean.

You need to clean any movable portions of the refrigerator, such as the shelves and drawers. Thankfully, most modern fridges simplify this by providing easy access to glass shelves and drawers you can easily remove.

All you have to do is soak them in warm, soapy water for a few minutes before using a kitchen sponge to remove stains. Allow the shelves to air-dry completely as you thoroughly clean the refrigerator.

Make it a habit to remove spills immediately.

It’s a good practice to wipe up spills and drips right away. If you don’t do this, you might have to deal with them when they’ve caked up and started to smell. And you don’t want this, do you?

Besides cleaning the spills immediately, you also should line the shelves of your fridge with fridge liners. The liners will absorb unexpected spills and are easy to dispose of. When a mess occurs, just remove and wash the affected liner rather than cleaning the entire fridge.

Watch the temperature of your appliance.

Bad odors are frequently produced by food rotting, which is why fridge temperature is critical. A high temperature causes food spoiling, but a low temperature may cause energy waste. Ideally, adjust your refrigerator to 0 to 4 degrees Celsius and freezer to -18 degrees Celsius.

If your fridge or freezer is still not cold enough after you’ve adjusted the temperature, it could be a sign of a bigger problem.

Call an appliance repair Alexandria professional to inspect your refrigerator for leaks, drip pan issues, or a malfunctioning defrost drain. If not addressed, these concerns can boost refrigerator temperatures and cause food to spoil prematurely. Which, in turn, leads to the bad smells that you don’t want.

When hiring a repair professional, don’t hire just any other. Take your time to find a reputable one that knows what they are doing. The last thing you should do is to hire a contractor who causes more harm than your unit had.

6 Ways to Prevent Ice from Building Up in Your Fridge During Winter

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As winter approaches, many people feel that they will face the regular issue of ice buildup in their refrigerators and freezers.

You should note that ice buildup not only affects the efficiency of your appliance but it can also lead to food spoilage and increased energy consumption. You don’t want this, do you?

Fortunately, there are simple and practical solutions to this freezing issue. In this post, we’ll look at six practical techniques to keep your fridge and freezer ice-free over the winter months, ensuring that you keep off a refrigerator repair professional, have your appliance performing optimally, and your food stays fresh and well-preserved.

These tips might help you have a stress-free winter, whether you’re a culinary aficionado or simply want to keep your equipment operating optimally.

Remove the excess ice buildup.

To begin dealing with excessive frost and ice, empty your fridge and freezer compartments. Set the thermostat to the highest temperature and leave some towels handy to absorb extra water.

Ensure all the compartments are dry before reinstalling your food and altering the temperature.

This simple procedure will guarantee that your refrigerator remains frost-free and performs at peak performance.

Adjust the temperature

You need to regularly check the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer. Keep your refrigerator between 35 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer close to 0 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.

You should note that frost or ice may form if temperatures dip below these temperatures. To ensure the fridge is at the proper temperature, you must place the fridge thermometer in the right place.

Position the thermometer at the center of the refrigerator for the most accurate reading. Some fridge thermometers stand alone, while others can be hung on a shelf. You should place your fridge based on its design.

If you have a stick-shaped thermometer in your fridge, submerge it in water.

Because the warmest position in your fridge is usually near the door, it can be a suitable alternative location for your thermometer.

For peace of mind that your fridge is at the proper temperatures, you must regularly monitor the temperatures.

Your thermometer will need some time to calibrate to the correct reading. So keep the door closed as much as possible to maintain a steady temperature.

To tell the accurate temperature,  check the thermometer the next day to see if anything has changed.

If there are changes, adjust the unit.

Place the fridge correctly.

How you place your fridge can have a significant impact on ice formation. 

You should be cautious and place your fridge in the right place. As a rule of thumb, do not put the refrigerator in your kitchen if it doesn’t have an exhaust system.

Instead, select a location that offers enough clearance from the wall to ensure appropriate cooling for the refrigerator’s compressor.

Reduce the frequency at which you open the fridge and freezer doors

Frequent opening of the door raises the humidity levels inside your fridge and freezer, which can lead to ice buildup and frost.

With this in mind, avoid leaving your fridge or freezer doors open while determining what to eat or which ingredients to pull out.

Instead, prepare a fast mental list of what you’ll need and get everything out at once.

If you have a two-door fridge, open only one door at a time. You should close the doors as quickly as possible in under one minute to prevent as much humidity from getting in as possible. 

For example, combine the eggs, butter, and milk if you’re baking. You only have to open the door once this way.

If you have trouble remembering what’s in your fridge, keep a list of what’s inside posted on the fridge door. This way, you don’t waste time figuring out what is there and what isn’t.

Ensure you have a tight seal.

You should regularly inspect the seals on your refrigerator and freezer doors for air leakage symptoms, such as damp or frozen areas.

If a problem arises, you can use a simple process to replace the gasket.

The door seals are the long rubber strips that run around the edges of your door to keep cold air out.

If you notice cold air around the exterior of your fridge door or any visible damage, repair the seal to prevent your fridge from constantly running or warming up.

Close the door on a dollar bill to see if the fridge door seal is tight. Your seal remains intact if you encounter resistance when removing the dollar note. If it readily falls out, it’s time to replace them.

You can do the replacement if you have the skills, but if you have never done it before, let an expert help you.

You should note that the seals lining your fridge or freezer doors will not close correctly if they are caked with food residue or ice crystals.

Working on one door at a time, quickly scrape the inside of the seal with a damp cleaning cloth and mild dish soap.

Clean the frame of the refrigerator opening so the seal may sit flush against it. Wipe away any lingering wetness with a dry cloth before closing the door.

Ensure no moisture remains, as this could form an ice crystal.

Keep your fridge clean.

For the best fridge efficiency and ice frosting reduction, regularly clean your refrigerator’s cooling fan, vents, and condenser coils. You can remove the ice buildup with a hot, soapy cloth, pressing against frost and repeating until entirely melted.

You can do the cleaning without the help of an appliance repair Springfield professional, but if you notice a significant problem, such as the fridge giving off odors after cleaning, let an expert help you.

It can be tempting to deep clean a refrigerator using bleach and other chemical cleansers, but you should avoid it because bleach can damage surface materials and possibly release harmful toxins into your food.

To stay safe, use gentle dish soap and food-grade pantry staples like white vinegar and baking soda. This way, you can clean the interior of the fridge without risking chemical contamination or structural damage.

Refrigerator Best Practises

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There are correct and incorrect methods of storing food in the fridge. Some fruits and vegetables, for example, must be refrigerated, while others must be stored at room temperature.

You can store some cooking oils on the counter, while you should store others in the refrigerator. Some expired items may not be genuinely expired, and you may use incorrect containers.

What should you do, and what shouldn’t you do?

We’ve done the legwork to determine the best ways to keep your refrigerated food taste great and last as long as possible. To help you out, here are tips you should follow:

Not every food is supposed to be refrigerated

You might think you should refrigerate every leftover food, but appliance repair professionals observe that this shouldn’t be the case.

There are plenty of food items that you shouldn’t allow in your fridge.

Refrigeration actively deteriorates some items, including onions, potatoes, garlic, avocado, tomatoes, bananas, stone fruit, bread, pastries, melons, spices, honey, peanut butter, apples, coffee, eggs, butter, sauces, dressings, soy sauce, and hot sauce.

This means that you shouldn’t store these items in the fridge. Instead, store them at room temperature.

Properly store the cooking oils.

Cooking oils derived from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds require different storage conditions. This is because oil oxidizes when exposed to oxygen, light, or heat, eventually turning it rancid.

While certain cooking oils can be stored at room temperature, some perform best in the refrigerator.

To help shed more light on the issue, here are ways to store the different oils:

Corn and canola oils: Store them in a cool, dark cupboard, or refrigerate them if it takes over a year to finish a bottle.

Olive oil: Leaving olive oil out on the counter or table, especially if the bottle is exposed to direct sunlight, or storing it on or near a stove are proven ways to turn it rancid. To avoid this, put it in the coolest, darkest corner of your house or use a smaller glass container in the kitchen.

Peanut oil can be stored for up to two years if well-sealed and kept away from heat and light. Refrigerating peanut oil may increase its shelf life even further, so go ahead and do it.

Coconut oil is relatively stable and has a two-year shelf life or more when stored at room temperature.

Avocado, grapeseed, hazelnut, sesame, truffle, walnut, safflower, and sunflower oils are delicate oils especially susceptible to rancidity when exposed to excessive light or heat.

You can go ahead and refrigerate it after opening. These oils will last six months or longer if you keep them cold.

Don’t throw away food items just because they are expired

Did you realize that no national regulation defines expiration dates? Expiration dates simply indicate quality control rather than safety or nutritional worth. This means that you can still go ahead and store and eat the food items even if they are past their expiry dates.

How can you know if your food is safe to eat? Read up on USDA recommendations, utilize your eyes and nose, and trust your instincts.

Some of the things that you can use to tell whether you can eat the food items include:

Smell: If it smells good and is properly preserved, it’s probably safe to eat.

Sight: Don’t let your eyes trick you when it comes to fresh foods like produce. Bumps and bruises do not indicate that something is destroyed.

Don’t can the cans: Canned foods have a long shelf life. Even rusted cans should be fine as long as they are not bulging and the seal is intact.

In conclusion, check the packaging, utilize your senses, thoroughly cook food, and don’t let the perfect become the enemy of the good.

A thorough awareness of “expiration” dates could significantly reduce food waste—not to mention money out of your pocket.

Don’t wrap the leftovers using plastic.

Many people wrap their foods in plastic before placing them in their fridges, which isn’t a good thing to do as it leads to food getting spoilt.

The right way to go about it is to wrap the food in safer food wrap.

If you’re tired of tossing away disposable food wrap but still want to keep your food fresh, Bee’s Wrap could be the solution.

It’s supposed to be built on top of your kitchen and then unwrapped to serve as a placemat. Bee’s wrap is also great for storing food.

It’s also useful for wrapping cheese, half an avocado, half a lemon, and covering jars and bowls (squeeze some Bee’s Wrap onto the top of a container, and the warmth of your hand will soften the wax just enough to form a seal).

When buying the bees wrap, buy a high-quality one that will give you excellent results.

Use the proper storage containers.

Besides being cautious of the type of wrap you use to cover your food before storage, you must also be careful of your storage containers.

Two of the best containers to use are glass and plastic containers.

The food will not leak into the glass container, and the glass will not shatter. For the best outcome, go with a container with a silicone lid.

While the silicone on the lid will discolor, it will be clean following a dishwasher cycle.

Plastic containers will not leak until severely shaken, and drops aren’t a concern unless the container falls on its side or a corner.

Although no plastic container is oven-safe, the set is dishwasher- and microwave-safe and comes with a lifetime warranty.

You should avoid freezing this set since expanding food may cause the top to pop off.

Always ensure that the fridge door closes fully at all times

For peace of mind that your fridge is functioning optimally and you aren’t wasting a lot of power, ensure your fridge door is always closed.

If your refrigerator door won’t close, it’s most likely due to a worn-out gasket, the rubber seal that runs down its edge. Fortunately, the solution is simple: clean the gasket and apply petroleum jelly to the rubber to revive it.

You don’t need a refrigerator repair Alexandria professional to help you fix it unless the problem is too exaggerated.

Signs Its Time to Hire a Refrigerator Repair Professional

Without the fridge, you wouldn’t freeze quick and simple meals, wouldn’t be able to store perishable items for an extended period of time without canning, and would have to consume everything at once because you couldn’t save leftovers. This is a hard life, right?

All of these advantages will disappear if your refrigerator breaks down. To ensure this doesn’t happen, you should pay extra attention to how the fridge works.

When you do this, you can catch your fridge before it breaks down and schedule refrigerator repair service before it completely breaks down.

To catch your fridge, you’ll need to be alert for warning indications that your refrigerator is nearing its end and take prompt action when you see them.

Some of the signs you should look out for include:

The fridge failing to cool the food

The sole function of your refrigerator is to cool food items, so if it’s not doing that, you have a problem you should fix as soon as possible.

Feel the refrigerator’s internal temperature by putting your hand inside and waving it around a little. Opening a refrigerator door should feel immediately cold; if not, there may be an issue.

To determine how much cooling is occurring, try prodding the food or other items in your refrigerator.

A great item you can use is butter. If a stick of butter is not kept at the ideal cold temperature, it will soften rapidly.

If the fridge isn’t cooling as well as it should, contact a professional to fix it.

The food is getting spoilt.

Food is refrigerated only for long-term preservation. Any food in the refrigerator should last for at least a few days.

Of course, this depends much on what it is and how long you can keep it there.

If the food expires within a day of being placed in the refrigerator, it indicates that there may be one or more issues with the fridge.

While inadequate cooling is typically to blame, there are other possible reasons. In addition to insufficient cooling air, the fridge’s motor, door seal, or other components could be the source of the issue.

It just takes a slight temperature decrease to push your leftovers into the danger zone, even though the fridge appears cold and the motor appears to be working.

High condensation

There might occasionally be some condensation on the inside of the refrigerator due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside.

This is normal as long as it’s limited to the fridge’s solid surfaces, such as the shelves and compartment doors.

While this is the case, you should be concerned if you notice condensation on your food or outside the refrigerator door.

Only in temperature-contrasting situations, such as the windows of your car or house, should condensation occur.

Your refrigerator may have a breach in the body or door seal, allowing warmer air to enter if there is excessive condensation inside.

The same is true for the door’s exterior; if there is a gap in the door seal, cool air escapes and drips onto the door.

This condensation can cause the refrigerator to get wet on the inside and outside, and the motor will start overworking to compensate for the lost cooling, which could result in high power consumption.

To prevent this problem, have it checked by a professional and fixed immediately.

Excess frost

Despite popular belief, the freezer section of your refrigerator should be covered only partially in ice. Your freezer should be at a constant temperature that prevents water vapor from entering, known as a dry cold.

If you start to notice a lot of ice in your unit, it indicates that your freezer needs to be properly regulated.

You should keep your freezer at a constant temperature that prevents water vapor from entering, known as a dry cold.

Therefore, it indicates that your freezer needs to be properly regulated if you start noticing a lot of ice.

A malfunctioning freezer door seal or an issue with the refrigerator’s internal temperature control mechanism could cause this.

Food in your freezer risks freezing into an ice prison if it is icing over. It might not indicate impending danger, but it’s something to watch out for.

Depending on your fridge’s make, model, and year of manufacture, you can physically defrost it with an ice scraper or run an internal defrosting program.

Hot or loud motor

Your refrigerator’s motor does all of the cooling work. The motor drives the evaporator coils, which distribute the cool air that keeps everything nice and frosty. The motor in your refrigerator may get a little warm, like any motor, but this is normal.

The motor is most likely going to fail when it becomes scorching hot. The motor operates above its recommended capacity when it produces high heat, which might lead to unexpected shutdowns.

Your fridge’s motor can make weird, loud noises and be hot. The motor normally makes a quiet humming noise whether the door is open or closed.

If the noise becomes louder and begins to splutter, buzz, or hiss, it may indicate that the motor is being overworked.

Feel around the engine by reaching the rear of the refrigerator if you can. It’s on its last legs if it’s hot and/or making a lot of abrupt rumbling.

Hiring a repair professional

When hiring an appliance repair Springfield professional, ensure that the professional you hire is experienced and knows what they are doing.

The last thing you want is to hire someone who causes more problems than they are there.

While fixing a faulty appliance is good, sometimes it might not be a solution. If your unit is old, you should get a new one.

Tips to Keeping Your Appliances in Tip Top Shape

With everyone looking for ways to save money and make the most of their appliances, having an appliance breakdown is something you don’t want.

Fortunately, you can do several things to ensure your appliance is always in tip-top shape. To help you out, here are ways to ensure that your washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, and other appliances are in great working order.

Washing machine

When you don’t clean your laundry efficiently, it results in stains and stinky garments.

This is likely due to overloading the appliance, which makes it harder for the water and detergent to work effectively. Using too much detergent can also cause the machine to clog, reducing lifespan.

To ensure that your appliance is in tip-top shape, fill it to around 80% capacity; your hand should be able to fit in the drum on top of your garments.

To avoid the washing machine from becoming unbalanced during the spin cycle, washer repair experts recommend that you distribute the clothes evenly in the drum. Remember that an imbalanced load might cause the machine to shake excessively, causing damage to the machine.

You also should reduce the quantity of detergent you use and clean your washing machine deep every few months to remove any residue from detergent or garments.

You should follow the detergent manufacturer’s instructions. Too much detergent might result in excessive suds and residue buildup, while using too little may leave your clothes unclean.

A “cleaning” or “maintenance” cycle is available on many washing machines. Run this cycle according to your machine’s directions, using hot water, a washing machine cleanser, or a vinegar and baking soda mixture. This aids in the removal of deposits and odors from the machine’s drum and other components.

Dishwasher

If your dishwasher isn’t washing pots and pans properly, it may be tempting to hand-wash them first – but this might waste a lot of water, which can be expensive.

Instead, keep your dishwasher in good working order to guarantee that your dishes come out shining. You also should be on the lookout for foul odors and gurgling noises that could signal a clogged filter.

To clean the filter, take it from the appliance, empty it, rinse it out, and scrape it with an old toothbrush. This will help it capture food residue and clean your plates all the time.

Oven

Most of us use our ovens daily, so seeing smoke billowing from them is frightening. Most of the time, this is due to food and grease residue, which has to be cleaned.

If you recently cleaned the oven, the smoke could be from excess cleaner left in the oven. In this scenario, the best thing to do is to remove the extra cleaner using a vinegar and water solution.

After fully cleaning your oven and stopping smoking, leave at least 3 inches of distance between food and heating elements.

Also, don’t put food directly on the oven racks because it shortens the time between deep cleans.

Microwave

Despite their small size, microwaves require more frequent cleaning than other appliances due to the possibility of tenacious stains and foul odors.

After using your microwave, wipe it clean with a microfibre towel to avoid any splashes or spillages from drying and becoming more difficult to remove

You can also use small amounts of vinegar to assist in removing food spills.

Using baking soda to remove odors from your microwave is also an excellent way to go about it. Combine water and baking soda in a big microwave-safe basin and heat on high for 5 minutes, being careful not to boil the solution.

Tumble dryer

Tumble dryers sometimes struggle to get hot enough or fail to heat up over time. This may not always imply that it needs to be repaired but rather that it needs to be cleaned out.

Poor circulation can lead tumble dryers not to heat up effectively. This is commonly caused by a buildup of soggy lint from fluff and fibers that fall off your clothing when flung around inside the appliance’s drum.

To keep your appliance in top working shape, make sure that you clean your filter after each cycle to allow the air to circulate properly within the dryer and effectively dry your clothes.

You also must clean the condenser box if you have a condenser dryer. You remove the box and empty the water into your sink.

Fridge freezer

Fridge freezers have a lengthy lifespan, but if yours is suddenly warmer than it should be, there could be an issue.

This could be due to something preventing the door from closing correctly, such as food lodged in the seal or a fridge freezer that is too full.

To keep your appliance in top working shape, avoid overfilling the device, as this can limit circulation in the fridge freezer, resulting in temperature changes.

You also should 0rganize your food products properly. Keep the necessary products together in labeled containers. This lowers the time the door is open, which helps keep the temperature stable.

Also, defrost the appliance twice yearly to maintain routine maintenance and eliminate the need for repairs.

If possible, have an appliance repair Springfield professional perform an annual maintenance check. They may find problems you overlooked and do more in-depth maintenance activities.

When hiring repair professionals, don’t hire just any professional. Hire an experienced one that knows what they are doing.

As a rule of thumb, you should interview the various technicians and ensure they have the necessary experience to diagnose and fix the appliance.

Many homeowners try to save money by hiring the cheapest contractors. This is wrong because most cheap contractors are inexperienced and often end up causing more problems than were there.

The best way to do it is to take your time and find a moderately priced contractor who will give your appliance the service it deserves.

How to Get Better Cooling from Your Refrigerator

The purpose of the fridge is to keep the food cool so that they last for a long time. Unfortunately, you can’t keep the food cool if the refrigerator isn’t cool. The good thing is that you can do several things to keep the appliance functioning at its best. Some of these things, as given by appliance repair professionals, include: 

Ensure the rubber seals are in top working condition

Although this vital plastic lining is essential for ensuring your appliance performs smoothly and efficiently, it is occasionally disregarded.

This seal, also known as a gasket, keeps undesired heated air out of your refrigerator. As the doors are repeatedly opened and closed, it is normal for gaskets to wear and lose some of their suction. While your refrigerator can run smoothly for years, your gasket will likely degrade or tear after only a few years.

As this critical sealer wears out, your unit must work harder to keep your food refrigerated, resulting in increased energy bills and a shorter lifespan.

You should regularly check the seals and ensure they are always in good working condition. To do this, insert a dollar note between the fridge door and the door seal. You should do this at several spots around the door edge.

If the dollar bill rolls easily, it’s time to change your seals. Of course, you should install high-quality seals that will keep as much air in and last for a long time. 

Keep the fridge door closed.

This is the most obvious—and cheapest—way to lower your energy consumption, regardless of your refrigerator type. Standing in front of an open fridge may increase your energy bill significantly.

As cold air escapes from your appliance, more energy is required to return it to its original temperature. Decide what you want from the fridge before opening your refrigerator or freezer doors. 

Making decisions before opening your fridge allows you to limit the number of times you open it daily, which saves a significant amount of electricity and keep the refrigerator cool. 

To decrease energy usage and maintain optimal temperature levels within the fridge, keep the fridge door open for the shortest time feasible. The longer the fridge door is left open, the warmer air enters the refrigerator, raising the temperature and potentially spoiling perishable products.

As mentioned, you should only open the fridge door when necessary and grab products as quickly as possible. This calls for you to have a clear idea of what you need before opening the door and organizing your fridge’s contents in a way that allows simple access. 

When collecting or placing goods inside the fridge, keeping the door open for 30 seconds to a minute is best. Remember that optimal refrigerator use can contribute to energy savings while preserving the quality and safety of your stored food.

Make use of indoor water and ice.

Rather than opening the freezer door to obtain some fresh ice cubes or a bottle of water, utilize the in-door feature to limit the number of times the doors are opened. This easy procedure can quickly enhance the efficiency of your appliance, saving you money and prolonging the unit’s lifespan.

If your refrigerator lacks an ice dispenser, consider purchasing a countertop portable ice maker. This useful device allows you to obtain ice without opening your freezer door.

Always cool off your leftovers.

Even minor details can save you significant money on your next energy bill. Allowing leftovers to cool after a meal helps to reduce the amount of heat added to the interior of your appliance. 

You should also store your food correctly in a protective wrapping or Tupperware before placing it in the refrigerator to prevent residual heat from escaping into your unit. While this is a good move, remember to be careful not to leave your food to chill for too long, or it will spoil.

Set the temperatures at optimum levels.

You should set the refrigerator to 37 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything cooler causes your fridge to work harder, consuming more energy. 

Many refrigerators do not allow you to control the temperatures precisely—and even with digital screens, temperature settings are not always accurate. 

For peace of mind that you have set the right temperature, purchase a fridge thermometer to help you determine the true temperature of your refrigerator.

Keep your fridge full.

Some people think a full fridge is warmer, but this isn’t true. A full refrigerator requires less air to keep cool and hence does not have to work as hard as an empty one.  

When your fridge is full, the items help keep each other cool when adequately loaded. 

For the best outcome, keep your fridge at least two-thirds full. 

If your refrigerator is too large, place water jugs in each compartment. 

While you should keep your fridge full, take care to fill it sparingly. Remember that good airflow is essential for effective refrigerator performance. Also, keep an eye out for air vents and make sure nothing is blocking them.

Organize your fridge

Refrigerator repair Alexandria professionals recommend using your inner neat freak and arranging your refrigerator’s and freezer’s interior. When your things are easy to find inside your refrigerator, you may spend less time with the door open looking for them, minimizing the energy you use.

You should also consider limiting the number of goods on your refrigerator’s top shelf, particularly large bread products, food boxes, or serving dishes.

This prime area in your refrigerator should be reserved for your most frequently used items. The easier it is to grab them, the faster the door closes.

Furthermore, heavier objects on top of your appliance may trap heat inside your unit, forcing your compressor to work harder to overcome and ultimately costing you more money in the long run.

A good rule of thumb is to always place what you regularly use closest to the door. This way, you can be sure you will easily reach it when needed.

 

Tips to Keep Your Refrigerator Clean and Organised

Virginia Refrigerators Repair

Refrigerator organization is critical for preserving freshness, reducing waste, and optimizing storage space. Thankfully, you can easily organize your fridge. To help you out, here are tips given by refrigerator repair professionals that you can use to turn your fridge into a well-organized environment that keeps your food fresh and conveniently accessible:

Use clear containers

Clear containers and clever storage solutions increase fridge organization and visibility:

You should invest in transparent containers that allow you to see what’s inside without opening them. They also help to keep odors at bay and improve the shelf life of stored food.

You also should consider using stackable containers to conserve space and keep your fridge organized. Stack containers of similar sizes together to increase vertical storage space.

It’s also a good idea to go with drawer dividers or organizers that help you separate fruits, vegetables, and deli goods. They reduce cross-contamination and make specific things more accessible.

Pay attention to the temperature zones.

Temperature zones differ in different parts of the fridge. For an optimally functioning fridge, you must understand and use these zones properly.

Due to frequent temperature variations, the door shelves are the warmest portion of the fridge. This area should be reserved for condiments, beverages, and goods with longer shelf life, such as pickles or sauces.

Temperatures are stable on the top and middle shelves. This is the best place to keep leftovers, ready-to-eat foods, and goods that require easy access.

The bottom shelves and drawers are colder and have more consistent temperatures. Store perishable things such as dairy, raw meats, and fish here.

Store just what is enough.

Overcrowding the refrigerator is a typical mistake resulting in poor air circulation and uneven cooling. To avoid this, follow these guidelines:

Maintain a suitable capacity: You should leave enough space between the various products for proper ventilation. Avoid stuffing too much food into the fridge.

Organize comparable items: Organize your refrigerator by food types, such as dairy, vegetables, fruits, and meats. This arrangement makes it easy to find products and prevents overpopulation in specific places.

Improve shelf height: If your fridge allows, adjust the shelves to fit food products of varying sizes. An excellent way to go about it is to use adjustable shelves or remove a shelf to generate more vertical space if you have taller products such as bottles or pitchers.

Observe the first in, first out rule.

Follow the “first in, first out” rule to reduce food waste and ensure freshness. If this is the first time doing it, here is how to go about it:

Prioritize older things: When unpacking groceries or keeping leftovers, store older products near the top of the shelves or in easily accessible areas.

Label containers and shelves appropriately: You should mark the date you prepared or purchased food. The best way to mark the foods is by using detachable labels or masking tape. Doing this lets you track the food products and readily identify foods that should be consumed sooner.

Store the fruits and vegetables properly.

Improper fruit and vegetable storage can hasten rotting. Follow the following guidelines:

Separate fruits and vegetables: Some fruits emit ethylene gas, accelerating ripening and causing surrounding veggies to decay faster. Separate them or use ethylene-absorbing materials like produce storage bags or containers.

Make use of humidity drawers: Most refrigerators contain humidity-controlled drawers. Adjust the settings accordingly to maintain the optimal humidity levels for fruits and vegetables. Leafy greens want high humidity, while fruits prefer low humidity.

Properly use the fridge door.

Because the fridge door is prone to temperature swings, it is not ideal for storing perishable foods. Here’s how to make the most of your refrigerator door:

Keep products on the door shelves: Store frequent items, dressings, and sauces on the entryway shelves. These have a longer shelf life and are more temperature resistant.

Place clear, stackable containers or caddies on the door shelves to keep little objects tidy. You can store individual yogurt cups, cheese sticks, or miniature bottles here.

Keep dairy and eggs away from the door. The temperature on the door swings greater than in the rest of the fridge, which might lead to spoiling. Place dairy items and eggs on the interior shelves for optimal temperature control.

Regularly clean the fridge.

Cleaning and maintaining your refrigerator regularly is essential for both hygiene and organization. For a clean and properly maintained fridge, consider these tips:

Regularly inspect your refrigerator for expired products or food that has gone bad. Dispose of them as soon as possible to avoid unpleasant odors and cross-contamination.

Spills or leaks should be cleaned up right away. Wipe out shelves, drawers, and interior surfaces with a moderate vinegar-water solution or a light all-purpose cleaner.

Every few months, empty the fridge completely and properly clean all surfaces. To wash shelves and drawers individually, remove them. This technique aids in the preservation of a clean and sanitary atmosphere.

Other tips to have your fridge clean and organized

Use refrigerator bins: You must invest in various-sized bins to create distinct storage sections within your refrigerator. These bins allow you to store snacks, deli meats, and already-prepared meals. Placing the food items in bins also makes them easy to access.

Make use of lazy Susans or turntables: you need to place a lazy Susan or turntable on shelves to make it easier to reach stuff at the rear. To reach items, simply rotate the turntable without upsetting the arrangement.

Use door-mounted racks: To maximize vertical space, install door-mounted racks or organizers. These can store spices, small jars, or beverage cans.

Freeze the herbs: freezing the fresh herbs extends their life. All you need to do is cut them into small sizes and freeze them in ice cube trays with water or oil.

Label shelves and sections: Think of labeling shelves and sections with specific categories like “Snacks,” “Leftovers,” or “Meal Prep.” According to appliance repair Fairfax professionals, doing this makes it easy for family members to know where to place different items. It also helps to keep things organized.

Tips On How To Take Care Of Fridge Freezer

fridge freezer repair

Freezers are very useful in a fridge as this is where you keep beef, chicken, cream and other foods that require very low temperatures to remain fresh. For you food to remain fresh for long you need to take good care of your freezer. Here are tips on how to take care of the freezer:

Clean regularly

Cleaning the freezer regularly not only maintains its elegant look for long, it also improves its functioning. To clean the freezer you should first empty it and remove any food debris that might be there.

In addition to cleaning, it’s also wise to disinfect the freezer at least once a month. For ideal results you should use a 50:50 mix of warm water and white vinegar. This mix will not only disinfect your freezer, it will also aid in cleaning stains and removing frost.

Maintain the coils

Coils are the prime causes of refrigerator problems. They are usually located at the back of the fridge and transfer the coolant. When they are covered with a lot of dust and pet hair they tend to overheat.

Although, most of the fridges require that you check and clean the coils once a year, side-by-side models require that you maintain them twice a year. When they stop working you should contact a freezer repair expert to take a look at them.

Never overstock

This is a no brainer, but many people tend to overstock their freezers when they have many things that they need to be frozen. You should note that overstocking the freezer prevents the food from getting cooled adequately which often results to food spoilage.

An overstocked freezer is also a great threat to the vents. When food is too full in the freezer, it packs itself against the vents. This not only prevents adequate air flow, it also puts the freezer vents at the risk of damage.

Maintain the door seal

Door seals are prone to mould. When a lot of mould accumulates on the seal, it results to distortion which brings about leakage of cold air. You should regularly clean the seals and if you notice a flaw, you should replace them as soon as you can.

Conclusion

These are tips on how to take care of the fridge freezer. If you need to repair the freezer, always ensure that the work is handled by a qualified freezer repair professional.

Mistakes You Are Making Storing Food In The Refrigerator

appliance repiar

The refrigerator has made life easier for decades, and it’s up to you to take care of it and correctly put food away. This is because not doing so will increase your chances of getting sick and shorten the refrigerator’s life. You don’t want this, do you?

There is also the risk of the fridge breaking down regularly. You have to keep hiring appliance repair professionals to fix it. 

 There are many things you need to be cautious of, like putting food in the right container and ensuring the fridge stays at the right temperature.

To help you out, here are five mistakes you shouldn’t make when putting food in the fridge:

Failing to cover the food

The most common reason people will fail to cover the food as they put it in the fridge is that they are in a hurry. They will also fail to do it because they don’t want or they have the impression that covering it will get it spoilt. 

To stay safe, you should always cover your food as you put it in the fridge because open food is more likely to get bacteria and can also get contaminated by raw meat or other uncooked foods in the refrigerator. As you can guess, when you eat contaminated food, you will most likely suffer from food poisoning. And you don’t want this, do you?

The good thing is that you don’t have to do much to cover the food. Simply put the food in a container that won’t let air in or wrap it in plastic.

Putting more food than the fridge can carry

The other mistake many people make is storing more food than the fridge is designed to carry. Yes, there is the temptation to stock all the supplies you get from the grocery store in the refrigerator, but it’s not a good idea to pack the shelves too full. 

When you overstock your fridge, you shorten the time your food will last and reduce the refrigerator’s efficiency. Remember that to keep your food cool, your fridge needs to distribute the cool air throughout the appliance. 

When you fill all the shelves, you even block the air vents, which prevent the cool air from circulation, and as a consequence, the food gets spoilt. 

Just store the right amount of food inside to protect your appliance and avoid overstocking. Regularly cleaning your appliance is a great way to ensure that you don’t overstock it. At least once a week or before you head to the grocery store, remove all the items from the fridge and only put back what hasn’t expired. 

Washing fruits and vegetables before storing them

You might think you are being tidy and hygienic when you wash your fruits and vegetables before putting them in the fridge, but this isn’t the right thing to do. This is because when you wash these items, you introduce water to the food. 

This can lead to the growth of bacteria, which is bad for your health.

Instead of washing the fruits and vegetables before you store them in the fridge, you should wash them right before you cook or eat them. 

If you want to rinse them before putting them away, ensure they are completely dry.

Using the wrong storage containers

As mentioned above, you should always store leftover food in a container that keeps air out. If you don’t, the food will go bad, and your fridge will smell funny. Don’t keep your leftovers for too long, either. 

One of the biggest mistakes people make is to store the food in their original packaging. This is wrong. The right way to go about it is to use the above-mentioned containers. If you are using the original packaging, ensure it’s airtight so that moisture doesn’t get in.

Parting shot

These are some of the mistakes you should avoid making to protect your appliance from breaking down too often, and you are forced to hire a refrigerator repair Northern VA expert. Avoid these mistakes, and you will have a long-lasting appliance and a highly efficient unit.