Energy Saving Tips In Regards To Kitchen Appliances

From Appliance Zone

Kitchen appliances in the modern modular kitchens have become an integral part of food preparation and preservation. Besides, the multipurpose air conditioners and gas burners have added more levels of comfort to the kitchen. All these appliances use energy. Inefficient usage could lead to huge bills on the energy consumption. Besides, malfunctioning or poorly maintained and under repaired equipment can add some extra dollars to the energy bill. However there is a solution to this problem.

Energy saving can be done in many ways. Just go into your kitchen with a pen and a paper and list out the electrical and gas appliances you have. You could find Lighting bulbs and Tubes: - Kitchen lighting is one of the fundamental elements that need energy. Try replacing your existing lighting with energy saving LED bulbs. They use less power compared to traditional bulbs. Switch off the lighting when not needed. Avoid too much of lighting ornamentation in the kitchen. In case any plug point or cabling is malfunctioning or has a loose contact make it a point to get your appliance repair done quickly. Open cables are a source of energy loss and safety hazard.

Air conditioners and heaters: - They consume more energy compared to your lighting system. Preventive maintenance and frequent appliance repair of malfunctioning parts helps in saving energy. Use these appliances only when you are physically present in the kitchen.

Ovens and food heaters: - They are the key elements of the kitchen and hence need to be maintained with maximum care. They are more prone to wear and tear and frequency of fail is more in these appliances. There are many appliance repair companies in your neighborhood regions. You can browse online to find a reliable service provider and get these kitchen appliances repaired that help you in more energy saving.

The kitchen hearth (Stove) is a complex appliance that gets gas supply from cylinders or pipelines. Poorly maintained hearth could result in almost double the energy consumption than normal. Frequent maintenance services are undertaken by many online companies who also undertake appliance repair services.

You could do energy saving in many other ways also. Do keep any food directly from the refrigerator into the over or hearth for heating. It takes additional amount of energy. Keep the food in room temperature for 5-10 minutes before heating it. Always keeps your refrigerator door closed for better energy saving. Do not over stuff the refrigerator and leave some space for air circulation. If you are using room heaters in the kitchen, make it a point to get it serviced from a reliable appliance repair and servicing company.  There are many service providers who take care of periodical appliances maintenance in your region. You could obtain their services and keep your kitchen appliances running in good condition

Doing Any Holiday Traveling?

 

 

Travel in comfort...

 ApplianceZone has what you need to make sure you can get your gobble-gobble on wherever you go this holiday season.

Appliance Parts and More!

• We not only carry parts for you RV appliances, but for awnings, steps and more.
• Browse through our RV part categories to find what you need.

RV Awning RV Air Conditioner RV Washer / Dryer RV Furnace RV Microwave

RV Refrigerator RV Steps RV Stove/Oven/Range RV Toilet RV Water Heater

Home Insurance and Dryer Lint Fires

Dryer Fires

 

 

Washers and dryers are part of almost every household. They are appliances vital to most families and serve their purpose for years and years. Unfortunately these wonderful household contraptions also cause injuries, property damage and even deaths when they catch fire.

 

The National Fire Protection Association reports that dryers and washing machines were involved in one out of every 22 home structure fires reported to fire departments in 2006 through 2010. In 2010 there were over 16,000 home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines resulting in 51 deaths, 380 injuries and over $236 million in direct property damage. Dryers accounted for a whopping 92% of these fires.

 

The insurance industry is reporting that over 2,900 dryer fires occurred in residential buildings

in 2012. This translates into an estimated $35 million in property losses. Losses appear to peak in the fall and winter months. Failure to clean was the leading factor contributing to the ignition

of clothes dryer fires in residential buildings. Dust, fiber, lint and clothing were by far the leading items first ignited in clothes dryer fires.

 

For those dryer fire victims who had a homeowners or renters insurance policy, the policy would provide coverage subject to the deductible. Insurance companies are continuously working to educate their home insurance customers about the need to clean lint screens and make certain that vent hoses remain unblocked. Keeping these simple steps in mind could greatly reduce the damage, injuries and deaths from dryer fires each year, yet the number of claims paid continues at about the same pace. Dryer fires are more likely to cause a fire in your home that any other appliance including toasters and ovens. The most prevalent symptom that a fire may be on its way is when you take your clothes from the dryer and they are very hot or they are still damp at the end of the drying cycle.

RV Appliance Parts, We've Got You Covered

RV and Camper Appliance Parts

After years on the open road touring the quaint cities and towns of the world, a growing number of expensive repairs to your RV or camper appliances might lead you to choose selling the vehicle as it can be challenging to find replacement parts. Over the years, there some rv camper appliance parts stay the same, while others change with each new model. If you need to replace a part before heading out on your next vacation trip, forget about paying for expensive repairs.

ApplianceZone is now branching out into carrying a full product line of replacement parts for RV's and campers. On this site, you will be able to find a wide variety of parts for almost any rv or camper appliance, no matter the make or model. To browse through and search for your part, check out the part search section above. This will allow you to find the parts for the appliance you are looking into fixing. Once you find what you are looking for, you will be able to place an order on the site. This will allow you to quickly be on your way to fixing your appliance.

DIY Tip: Fixing a Leaky Refrigerator

Refrigerator Is Leaking Water

Troubleshoot
A pool of water spreading from under your refrigerator or cabinets is never a good thing. Refrigerators use a significant amount of water to conduct their business. Occasionally, problems pop up that cause this water to start leaking. Repairing the situation of a leaking refrigerator first requires a little troubleshooting to determine the exact cause. Once you find out what the cause is, the solution to your wet floor is relatively easy to figure out.

Water Inlet ValveIf the refrigerator is leaking water the water valve may be cracked or have a loose fitting. If the water inlet valve does not shut off properly and the water pressure is good, replace the water inlet valve.

Water Tank Assembly
The tank can sometimes be made up of coiled tubing and is usually located behind the crisper drawers, behind a panel in the refrigerator section. If a leak is discovered, replace it.
Drain Pan
Your leaking refrigerator may just have a cracked or damaged drain pan. Your fridge regularly drains water into this pan to prevent water pooling in the fridge itself. Evaporation takes care of the rest. Look underneath your fridge where the drain pan sits and pull it out for inspection.
Water Filter
If the refrigerator is leaking water the water filter housing, head, or filter itself may be the issue. The filter itself might not be installed correctly. Be sure it is installed properly. As for the filter housing and head be sure to inspect them thoroughly and replace it if any cracks or defects are found.
Clogged or Freezing Defrost Drain
If your leaking refrigerator is draining inside as opposed to onto your floor, you're probably dealing with a clogged defrost drain. This defrost drain can become clogged with debris or, more often, it freezes shut. Look in your refrigerator manual to locate your defrost drain, and take the appropriate steps to unclog it (inundating your drain with warm water will often do the trick).

Something BIG is Coming Soon

Something BIG is Coming Soon

 

Here at Appliance Zone there has been a huge development underway that will change this industry. We value all of our customers and we want to show our appreciation for their loyalty. It is Appliance Zone's goal to empower individuals with a Do-It-Yourself attitude and provide all the necessary tools to accomplish any task! With the economy we understand the meaning of "pinching every penny". This new feature will not only reward our customers for their loyalty but will also give benefits and additional discounts that are out of this world! So stay tuned for the upcoming newsletters that will reveal more about this new feature and the launching date.

 

 

Appliance Zone New and Improved Repair Forum

If you are one of the over 15,000 registered users of the Appliance Zone Repair Forum then you know what the benefits are. Repair tips from qualified technicians on everything from refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher repair to general technical support are what you'll find. The help is still the same but with a new look and many state of the art user controls and sharing options.

 



 Technicians Kelly, Sam and Barry are on the forum to answer your repair questions. Not sure what part you need? These guys will get you set up with links to the actual parts. Having trouble getting the part installed? Kelly, Sam and Barry will walk you through it and even share diagrams of your machine if needed. What more could you ask for?

Interactive polls, numerous ways to log in and the ability to share your post across social media are a few more additions to the Appliance Repair Forum. Stop by and register today. It's quick, easy and will save you a ton of money on repair costs!

Dishwasher Magic Cleaner & Disinfectant - 18001059 from Appliance Zone

A Clean Dishwasher Equals Clean Dishes
Dishwasher Magic - Because your dishwasher doesnt clean itself. Dishwasher Magic safely and effectively removes lime scale, iron and food stains that can build-up inside the dishwasher with every use. By using Dishwasher Magic regularly you will extend the life of your dishwasher and improve its cleaning performance. Purchasing it from ApplianceZone.com will save you some $$$ as well.
Dishwasher Magic is the only dishwasher cleaner that kills 99.9% of bacteria like e-coli and salmonella! (gram-negative) bacteria
Recommended usage: once a month to ensure optimal cleaning and prevent buildup.

 

 

Why Use Dishwasher Magic?:
1. Dishwasher Magic removes mineral build-up and disinfects your dishwasher
2. The only EPA approved dishwasher cleaner and disinfectant proven to kill 99.9% of germs in the dishwasher.
3. Dishwasher Magic also removes rust & calcium build-up that can clog water jets.
4. Safe for all dishwasher model interiors and plumbing and septic systems.

Buy This Product

Cleaning Tips:
1. Remove cap. DO NOT REMOVE WAX PLUG. Wax plug will dissolve when the water temperature reaches 125 F (dispensing the cleaner .
2. Place bottle upside down inside the silverware basket or in secure position in the bottom rack.
3. Do not use with any soap or dishwasher detergent in an empty dishwasher.
4. Close dishwasher door, set to normal wash cycle and start dishwasher.
5. After full cycle is complete and dishwasher is off, remove and discard bottle.
For heavy build up, a second application of Dishwasher Magic may be required.
Use Dishwasher Magic once a month or more frequently if required to prevent buildup.
Note:
Must Be Used With Empty Dishwasher.

 

 

Kenmore 11081860110 Washing Machine That Fills, Spins and Drains but Will Not Agitate

Here is a transcript of a recent online posting of a Kenmore washing machine repair issue from the Appliance Zone Repair Forum. Hopefully it will give you some guidance if you have the same issue. For any other repair questions make sure to check out the Appliance Zone Repair Forum!

Question:

We have a Kenmore 11081860110 that fills, spins and drains but will not agitate.
In Agitate area of dial (any agitate area) Motor does not run but timer ticks.
I'm also having trouble reading the wiring diagram.

Tech:

Thank you this could be two things ,either a timer contact internally in the timer .
Or the drive motor itself .
for agitation it turns one way for drain and spin it turns the opposite way .
you would have to measure voltage to the motor to see which it is.

Question:

I think the motor is fine.
Here are the motor resistance readings with harness disconnected:

Motor Harness
Open GRN
W W
NoPin Open
NoPin Open
Open RED

Meter Resistance
PROBE PROBE 0.3
Motor
W BLU 1.5
W W/BLK 0.3
YEL RED 7.6

BLK YEL 7.6

BLK W >20M
BLK W/BLK >20M

I remember *somewhere* reading that for a direct drive if you swap 2 wires and put it in
"SPIN" then it should agitate, (assuming it spins in the normal configuration). I haven't found
that *somewhere* again. Would this work as a test?

Also on the distorted, difficult to read wiring diagram I have (3351735) I assume the #s
next to the switches are the timer positions and that the lack of odd "SW. Function's was
for "readability", is that correct?

I suspect the timer (3951734) since I hear no 60Hz from the motor in the agitate mode.

I have the tub filled enough to run on low level.

In the "Cotton/Sturdy" mode I suspect I should see low resistance across the power plug in the agitate mode as I do in the spin state.

Resistance across plug
Cotton/sturdy spin 1.8
Permanent Press spin 2.28K
Delicate spin 2.28K

After spraying timer with contact cleaner
Resistance across plug
Cotton/sturdy spin 1.8
Permanent Press spin 2.25K
Delicate spin 2.25K

Cotton/sturdy agitate 2.25K
Permanent Press spin 2.25K
Delicate spin 2.25K

Tech:

Just go down to the motor at Yellow and Red with the unit in an agitation mode check for 120 volts A/C if you have voltage it the motor if no voltage it is the timer 1

Question:

There is a momentary jump on the DVM set at 200VAC then returns to 0.00.
Based on this I'll get a new timer and post the resolution here.

Tech:

Yes that sounds like the issue .good luck

Trouble Shoot a Washing Machine Stuck on the Same Cycle

 

Is your washing machine stuck on the same cycle?

Follow these steps to remove and replace your washer timer.

1. Unplug the washer and take off the control knob.

2. Take out the screws holding the control panel in place and pull the top panel forward.

3. Remove the screws holding the timer to the front panel. Then pull the timer back and out.

4. Press in on the plastic retainer clips on the sides of the timer plug to pull it from the old timer. Then push the plug into the new timer and start putting it back together.

Note: When disassembling the control panel to remove/replace the timer, layout all the parts in the same order that you removed them. Doing this will make it easier to put it all back together after you've installed the new timer.

How to Repair a Leaky Water Dispenser

To check the tubing for a leak, tilt your refrigerator back so you can see the tubing underneath and have someone press the water dispenser. If there's a leak there, you'll see it.

 

 

Fixing the problem is just as easy as diagnosing it. All you need is some replacement tubing and a couple quick connect couplers.

Locate the area where the leak is and cut it out. (Use a sharp utility knife to avoid distorting the tubing.) Cut the replacement tubing to size and use the couplers to connect it to the tubing that remains under the fridge.

.

Chat with a Customer Service Rep now to locate the correct tubing and connectors for your model.

Regular Dishwasher Maintenance

Use these steps on a regular basis to help your dishwasher last for the long haul.

 

The screen at the bottom of your dishwasher tub can get clogged with food particles. Remove and clean it.

Remove and clean your spray arm. Be sure to check for any debris you might find clogged in the spray holes. Once reattached, it should spin freely.

Open and clean out the float switch. Leftover debris can cause it to stick. If this happens, it will prevent the dishwasher from filling with water. Once finished you should be able to move it up and down freely.

Clean off the bottom edge on the inside of the dishwasher door.

Top it off by running a full cycle using a dishwasher cleaner/disinfectant (without any dishes).

Need help? Visit our Repair Forum for free repair advice.

Leaky Washing Machine

Do you have a leaky washing machine but can't seem to figure out where the water is coming from? Here are a few tips to point you in the right direct. If you're still unsure then head over to our repair forum at http://forum.appliancezone.com .

Here are some of the common areas that your washer may leak:

Inlet Hose Connections - Check for drips around the supply hose connection on the back of the washer as it fills with water. If the hoses are old, corroded or rusted replace them. But if they're in good shape you can replace just the hose's internal washers.

 

Hose Connectors - Open the cabinet and start the fill cycle. These hoses tend to leak around a worn out clamp, but the hoses themselves can also crack and break. Identify what is causing the leak and replace it.

 

Pump - Open the cabinet and check around the pump. The pump will typically leak around the pulley. If you notice this, the pump will need to be replaced.

Prolong Your Refrigerators Life

Cleaning condenser coils periodically can eliminate over 70% of service calls. Your condenser coils are located either across the bottom or at the back of your fridge. They are responsible for cooling and condensing the refrigerant in your refrigerator. When they get clogged with dirt, they cannot efficiently release heat. This causes your compressor to work harder, using more energy and shortening the life of your fridge.

It's recommended that you clean your condenser coils twice a year (more often if you have pets). You can clean them by using a coil cleaning brush and a vacuum. The coil brush thoroughly cleans the coils by bending and getting into the tight areas to loosen the dirt for your vacuum to suck up. The brush can also be used to clean your dehumidifier and air conditioner coils.

Need help? Visit our Repair Forum for free repair advice.

Model Number Search Now Available on ApplianceZone.com

Since Appliance Zone opened its doors in 2008, customers have persistently requested the ability to search their appliance' model numbers so they can research and locate parts more easily on their own. For many years we have attempted to find a comprehensive solution to appease this demand, but have been unsuccessful, until now.

 

To use the model look-up simply click on the "Search by Model" tab at the top of the Start Here box on our home page. Then just start typing in your model number. As you type you will notice the model options available for what you've typed so far, making it easier for you to select the correct number for your appliance. Once your full model number has been inserted, click "GO!" to view all of the available parts for your model. If you still have trouble locating your part, our customer service reps are available via chat to assist.

Appliance Zone has always tried to empower customers with a DIY attitude. We've been working hard the past few months, developing new tools and incentives to assist and reward our loyal customers. This new model number search feature is just one of many to come.

So, be sure to stay tuned for more exciting announcements from ApplianceZone.com!

Preventing Dryer Lint Fires

Built up lint around the motor, gas burners or heating elements can

easily catch fire. To prevent this, clean out the lint trap after every load,

vacuum behind the dryer regularly, keep flammables away from the

dryer, and clean lint out from inside the dryer cabinet and vent duct once

 a year.

 

Cleaning the cabinet: Unplug the dryer & turn off the gas valve (if you

have one). Remove the access panel. Then vacuum the inside, paying

particular attention to the areas around the burner and motor.

 

Cleaning the vent duct: Unplug the dryer & turn off the gas valve (if you

 have one). Disconnect the vent from the dryer and use a vent cleaning

 brush to clean out the exterior vent hood.

 

*Always unplug the dryer and shut off the gas valve before cleaning it.  

 

  If you smell gas after turning the valve back on, immediately turn it off and

 

 contact your local gas utility.

 

Need help? Visit our Repair Forum for free repair advice.

What is the Appliance Zone Repair Forum?

The Appliance Zone Repair Forum is the premier spot to get all of your repair questions answered free of charge. Are you stuck on how to repair an issue with your appliance? Just post your question on this forum and you'll get a quick and reliable answer! Check it out live ----> HERE!

 

 

Video Contest Entry

One of the entries into our video contest. We are still accepting submissions until March 31st.

1950's International Harvester Refrigerator Ad.

1950's International Harvester Refrigerator Ad.

Maintaining Your Trash Compactor

The parts of your trash compactor that should be cleaner regularly are those that come into contact with trash the most frequently. This includes the ram, which is what presses the garbage down into the bag, and the container that holds the bag, which may become torn and leak onto the container. Cleaning both of these parts regularly will eliminate odors and keep mold from growing on and in your appliance.

Things You'll Need:

• Water and dish soap (or all-purpose cleaner) Rubber gloves Wet/dry vacuum Rag or sponge Antibacterial cleaner (or 1/4 to 1/2 cup bleach and 1 gallon water) Bleach

Step 1

Use an all-purpose cleaner or water and dish soap to wipe down (with a rag or sponge) the front of the machine. If it is stainless steel, consider using a cleaner made specifically for that material.

Step 2

Put on rubber gloves before cleaning the compactor's interior for hygiene and to avoid being cut by loose shards of glass or metal parts.

Step 3

Pull out the drawer and use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out any loose glass, metal or other debris.

Step 4

Spray an antibacterial cleaner onto the interior surface of your trash compactor's container (where the bag goes) and the ram, the flat part that pushes down the garbage. Though available at drug, grocery and hardware stores, antibacterial cleaner can also be made at home with water and a bit of bleach. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup bleach per gallon of water; wipe it on with a sponge or rag.

Step 5

Allow the areas to air-dry before putting in a fresh trash bag and closing the drawer.

• Spray the inside of your trash compactor with a disinfectant between cleanings to discourage bacteria from growing. If your compactor has a filter, replace it once or twice a year.

Trash Compactor Parts



Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

This post original appeared HERE
 The parts of your trash compactor that should be cleaner regularly are those that come into contact with trash the most frequently. This includes the ram, which is what presses the garbage down into the bag, and the container that holds the bag, which may become torn and leak onto the container. Cleaning both of these parts regularly will eliminate odors and keep mold from growing on and in your appliance.

Things You'll Need:

• Water and dish soap (or all-purpose cleaner) Rubber gloves Wet/dry vacuum Rag or sponge Antibacterial cleaner (or 1/4 to 1/2 cup bleach and 1 gallon water) Bleach

Step 1

Use an all-purpose cleaner or water and dish soap to wipe down (with a rag or sponge) the front of the machine. If it is stainless steel, consider using a cleaner made specifically for that material.

Step 2

Put on rubber gloves before cleaning the compactor's interior for hygiene and to avoid being cut by loose shards of glass or metal parts.

Step 3

Pull out the drawer and use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out any loose glass, metal or other debris.

Step 4

Spray an antibacterial cleaner onto the interior surface of your trash compactor's container (where the bag goes) and the ram, the flat part that pushes down the garbage. Though available at drug, grocery and hardware stores, antibacterial cleaner can also be made at home with water and a bit of bleach. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup bleach per gallon of water; wipe it on with a sponge or rag.

Step 5

Allow the areas to air-dry before putting in a fresh trash bag and closing the drawer.

• Spray the inside of your trash compactor with a disinfectant between cleanings to discourage bacteria from growing. If your compactor has a filter, replace it once or twice a year.

Washing Machine Problem/Solution

The washing machine is up there with the refrigerator and the heater/AC unit as one of the three most vital home appliances in modern life. When any of these three machines goes south, it can be cause for alarm. Unlike with the other two, however, repairing the washing machine does not automatically entail a service call from a professional.

---

Prevention/Solution
Leaking is a common problem with washing machines. The first thing to do is to locate the exact spot from which the machine is leaking. The problem is that a washing machine has many places from which water may leak. Check all hoses and look for cracks in the unit itself. Tightening a nut or a screw may be all that is necessary.

Prevention/SolutionLeaking may occur before or after the machine has filled. If a machine leaks after it has already filled with water, this indicates that the leak may be the result of loose connections or a problem with a pump hose. If the leaks occur during the filling process, this indicates a possible crack in an inlet hose.

Prevention/Solution
Almost all washing machines vibrate to a degree, but excessive vibration indicates that the level of the legs is off-kilter. The racket a vibrating machine makes might seem to indicate a problem that would be very expensive to fix, but in most cases the solution is as simple as propping up one corner of the machine with a piece of wood, or even tightening an adjustable leg with a screwdriver.

Prevention/Solution
A washing agitator that spins too roughly or too slowly is usually the result of a drive belt that is either broken or has come too loose. Inspecting the belt for wear or checking for looseness is the first thing you should do if your machine is suffering agitation problems. Tightening a loose belt typically requires little more than a socket wrench to loose and tighten the nuts. Even replacing a belt is not difficult enough to require a professional.

Prevention/Solution
When water enters a washing machine too slowly or not at all, the problem is normally located in a kink or blockage in the inlet hose that carries water into the well. A pair of hose pliers can be used to remove the hose from the inlet valves. Simply straighten out the hose. If this does not solve the problem, remove the screens from over the values and rinse them under water.

Prevention/Solution
If the tub of water overflows, the first thing to do is unplug the washing machine. If the flow of water continues, turn off the water faucet, remove the water and replace the inlet valve. Replacing the inlet valve is a relatively easy operation involving the removal of the top of the valve and the replacement of the inlet hose. Typically, all that is required is a screwdriver, and and possibly a dull knife.

Warning
If the flow of water halts after you unplug the washing machine, it is a sign of a defective water-level switch. Fixing it is a much more complicated process that requires a professional. While many minor repairs and maintenance of washing machines can be done by the homeowner, if the repair does not solve the problem, it is better to call in a professional than to continue trying to fix it yourself, as you may end up doing even greater damage to the unit.

The original article can be found on our repair forum at www.forum.appliancezone.com

GE Stacked WSM2420SEZWW Faulty Thermal Fuse

More great advice on the Appliance Zone Forum!

Question: I want to know how to access and identify the thermal fuse for testing and probable replacement. I have dropped the front panel but cannot identify the fuse. Does this have to be accessed from the rear of the unit? I remember watching the repairman repair this 4 years ago and thought it had been accessed from the front. Any advice. Thanks.

Answer from Kelly Smith on the Appliance Zone Forum: Hi, thanks for your inquiry. The Thermal Fuse is accessed from the back of the unit, once the rear access panel has been removed. It is shown as number 294 in the diagram, pictured and available below.

Here is a link to the correct part ------ Click Here

Huge Appliance Zone Video Contest $$$

Do you use Appliance Zone parts? Are you or someone you know handy with a video camera? Could you use $500? If you answered yes to these questions then boy do we have a contest for you! Create a video of yourself either showing you make a repair using parts from Appliance Zone or a testimonial of how Appliance Zone parts have helped you out and you could win some great prizes. Here are the rules.

* Each video needs to either be a DIY using our parts or a testimonial about the service you have recieved.

* Videos need to be either shared on our Facebook page or sent to jason@mvpsocialmedia.com.

* All videos will be added to our YouTube channel. The video with the most likes will win the grand prize.

* 1st Place Wins--- $500 American Express Debit Card
* 2nd Place Wins--- $250  American Express Debit Card
* 3rd Place Wins--- $100  American Express Debit Card

Winners will be announced April 1st!

Ask any questions you may have and good luck!

Microwave oven maintenance

Originaly Appeared on www.repairfaq.org

Most people do not do anything to maintain a microwave oven. Many will go for 20 years or more without any noticeable decline in performance. While not much preventive maintenance is needed, regular cleaning at least will avoid potentially expensive repairs in the future. Most of this involves things that don't require going inside and anyone can do. A shop that wants to add on preventive maintenance while doing some other repair is just trying to pad their wallet - anything that was required to ensure the health of the oven should have been included.

 

 

• Clean the interior of the oven chamber after use with a damp cloth and some detergent if necessary. Built up food deposits can eventually carbonize resulting in sparks, arcs, heating, and damage to the mica waveguide cover and interior paint - as well as potentially more serious damage to the magnetron. If there is any chance of food deposits having made their way above the waveguide cover in the roof of the chamber, remove the waveguide cover and thoroughly clean inside the waveguide as well.
  
• Clean the exterior of the cabinet and touchpad in a similar manner. DO NOT use a spray where any can find its way inside through the door latch or ventilation holes, or a dripping wet cloth. Be especially careful around the area of the touchpad since liquid can seep underneath resulting in unresponsive or stuck buttons or erratic operation. Do not use strong solvents (though a bit of isopropyl alcohol is fine if needed to remove sticky residue from unwanted labels, for example).
  
• Inspect the cord and plug for physical damage and to make sure the plug is secure and tight in the outlet - particularly if the unit is installed inside a cabinet. (Yes, I know it is difficult to get at but I warned you about that!.) Heat, especially from a combination microwave/convection oven or from other heat producing appliances can damage the plug and/or cord. If there is evidence of overheating at the outlet itself, the outlet (and possibly the plug as well) should be replaced.
  
  
• Periodically check for built up dust and dirt around the ventilation holes or grills. Clean them up and use a vacuum cleaner to suck up loose dust. Keeping the ventilation free will minimize the chance of overheating.
  
• Listen for any unusual sounds coming from inside the oven. While these appliances are not exactly quiet, grinding, squealing, scraping, or other noises - especially if they were not there when the oven was new - may indicate the need for some more extensive maintenance like belt replacement or motor lubrication. Attending to these minor problems now may prevent major repairs in the future.
  
• Keep your kitchen clean. Yes, I know, this isn't exactly microwave specific but cockroaches and other uninvited guests might just like to take up residence inside the electronics bay of the oven on the nice warm controller circuit board or its neighborhood and they aren't generally the tidiest folks in the world.

CAUTION: Do not spray anything into the holes where the door latch is inserted or anywhere around the touchpad as this can result in internal short circuits and costly damage - or anywhere else inside, for that matter. If you do this by accident, immediately unplug the oven and let it dry out for a day or two.

 

 

 

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Samuel M. Goldwasser
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Here's Your Chance!

Here's your chance to have a picture of yourself or someone you love as the Appliance Zone profile pic for a day on Facebook. Here's a copy of the original post.

Let's try something fun here. Take a picture of yourself holding a homemade sign with "I Love Appliance Zone" on it and then share them here. Each picture that we recieve between now and 8am Tuesday morning central will get to be Appliance Zones profile picture for a day. Enjoy and be creative :)

Show us what you've got!