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1. Problem: Vibrating washing machine.

Fix: It's likely that your washing machine's legs are not properly adjusted. Most top-loading machines have self-adjusting rear legs. With the aid of a helper, tilt the entire machine to rest on its front legs so that the rear legs are about three to four inches off the floor. When you set the machine back down to rest on all four legs, the legs should level automatically. If they don't, you may need to tilt the machine forward and loosen the legs by tapping with a hammer.

If this doesn't improve the vibration problem, you may need to adjust the front leveling legs. After adjusting, be sure to tighten the lock nut against the body of the machine to prevent the leg from rotating. Some machines have back leveling legs, too, that are adjustable in the same way. Keep the machine as close to the floor as possible to lower the center of gravity. Vibration may be reduced by simply lowering the legs.

For other causes of and fixes for washer vibration, click here.

Related video:  

How It Works: Top Load Washer

2. Problem: Freezer-burned food.  

Fix: It's not your freezer at fault, despite the name. It's your food's packaging! Food dehydrates due to exposure to the air in the freezer and the result is the snowy fuzz and discoloration we've come to know as a freezer burn. Standard supermarket packaging for many foods is not designed to prevent dehydration. If you intend to store food in your freezer for more than a few days, you should place the food in airtight containers or zippered plastic bags specifically made for food preservation and freezer storage.

It is normally safe to cook or eat freezer-burned food. However, most people find that the dehydration process destroys the food's taste and texture. Dehydrated meat is said to be tough and tasteless after cooking. It's best to stock up on containers and plastic bags specifically designed for freezers.

3. Problem: Etching (a.k.a. fogging) on glassware.

Fix: Dishwashers are often mistakenly blamed for etching - the permanent fogginess that appears on glassware after cleaning in dishwashers - but it's actually caused by excessive detergent. Follow your dishwasher manufacturer's guidelines carefully for the correct amount of powder or liquid detergent in your model. Unfortunately, there's no remedy for removing etching damage on glassware.

4. Problem: Washing machine won't start.

Fix: One of the most common causes of a washing machine's failure to start is a faulty lid switch, which can fail mechanically or electrically. You can use an Ohm meter to check the switch for electrical continuity and determine if replacement is needed. Replacement of this part is easier than many other repairs and RepairClinic.com has how-to information here.

5. Problem: Humidifier's blower fan stops working.

Fix: If your humidifier's blower fan has stopped working, spin the blower fan blade by hand. If it's stiff, the blower motor will need to be replaced. If the motor spins freely, check it for electrical continuity using an Ohm meter. If you find that the blower motor has continuity and spins freely, check to be certain it is getting voltage from the humidistat or motor speed switch. You can learn more about humidifiers here.   

Related video:  

How It Works: Humidifier

6. Problem: Oven isn't heating.

Fix: Check the oven igniter. Even though the oven igniter may be glowing, it may be too weak to allow the gas valve to open. If the oven won't heat and the oven igniter glows for more than two minutes without igniting the gas, the oven igniter should be replaced. Click here for more information related to oven repair.

Related video:  

How to test an Oven Igniter

7. Problem: Smelly garbage disposal (a.k.a. garbage disposer)

Fix: While running the disposer and the faucet, pour in a solution of one gallon of water and one half cup of bleach. This will destroy odor-causing bacteria. We use these biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning pellets to eliminate disposer odors naturally.

8. Problem: Refrigerator door swings open & stays there.

Fix: Refrigerators are designed with door closing cams that guide the doors to closed position after being opened. Over time, the door closing cam wears down, causing the door to stay wide open. It's inconvenient to close it manually when you have an armful of food so the door often stays open until you place the food elsewhere and have a chance to return to the refrigerator. The result is increased energy consumption because the refrigerator has to work harder to remove the heat and return the interior to its set temperature. Replacing the closing cam is easy. You can find replacement closing cams for your refrigerator. Click here.

Related video:   

How It Works: Refrigerators

9. Problem: Dryer takes a long time to dry clothing.

Fix: A noticeable increase in the amount of time required to dry loads is a major warning sign that there's an air flow problem in your dryer's venting. A clogged or partially-clogged vent will reduce the air flow through the dryer and greatly increase the drying time. This is also a fire hazard, as lint is extremely flammable and results in thousands of fires every year. Check and clean the lint filter after every drying cycle. If the lint filter has any rips or tears, replace it.

A venting system should be cleaned out from inside of the dryer to the outside vent cap at least once per year. Professionals can be hired for this or you can purchase a long brush to do it on your own and save money. We also recommend Lint Alert, which monitors for lint build-up and blockage in gas dryers and alerts homeowners if there is a fire risk.  

How It Works: Gas Dryer

How It Works: Electric Dryer

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