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.

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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