How to Clean and Maintain Your Washing Machine and Dryer

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Your washing machine and dryer work hard to keep your clothes clean and fresh. To ensure their optimal performance and longevity, as well as prevent odors, it’s essential to clean and maintain them regularly. Luckily it’s easy to do and you don’t need any specialized cleaners or tools! We will walk you through the step-by-step process of cleaning and maintaining your washing machine and dryer with supplies you probably already have at home.

Part 1: Cleaning Your Washing Machine

Gather the Supplies: Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies, including white vinegar, baking soda, a soft brush or toothbrush, a microfiber cloth, and mild detergent.

Clean the Drum: Start by running an empty hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar. This helps remove soap scum, mineral deposits, and odors. Once the cycle is complete, wipe the drum and other interior surfaces with a microfiber cloth.

Treat Stubborn Residue and Odors: For stubborn residue or lingering odors, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected areas, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush or toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly.

Clean the Detergent Dispenser: Remove the detergent dispenser tray and soak it in warm, soapy water. Use a brush or toothbrush to scrub away any residue. Rinse it thoroughly before placing it back into the machine.

Wipe the Exterior: Don’t forget to wipe down the exterior of your washing machine with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Pay attention to knobs, control panels, and the door seal, removing any dirt or grime.

Part 2: Cleaning and Maintaining Your Dryer

Clean the Lint Trap: After every use, clean the lint trap by removing the lint accumulated on the screen. A clogged lint trap not only affects drying performance but also poses a fire hazard.

Clean the Dryer Drum: Periodically wipe down the dryer drum with a damp cloth to remove any lint or residue. This prevents lint from building up inside the drum and ensures proper airflow.

Inspect and Clean the Ventilation System: Regularly check the dryer’s ventilation system, including the hose, for any obstructions or lint buildup. Disconnect the dryer from the power source and carefully remove lint using a vacuum cleaner or a brush.

Level the Dryer: Ensure your dryer is level and stable to prevent excessive vibrations during operation. Adjust the leveling feet as necessary for a balanced machine.

By following these cleaning and maintenance tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your washing machine and dryer while ensuring optimal performance. A clean and well-maintained laundry duo will not only save you time and money but make sure your clothes are fresh and clean every time. Remember to consult your manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance and recommendations. Happy laundering!

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What Appliances Can Able Appliance & HVAC Service Repair?

If you have it, we can probably fix it. Based in Bristow, VA, we service many areas, including Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and North Virginia.

Microwaves

Most people use microwaves daily to thaw frozen foods, reheat leftovers, and cook meals. Common problems your microwave can develop include:

The plate won’t turn.
The microwave doesn’t turn on or off.
The door won’t close or open.
The microwave doesn’t heat properly.
It makes strange or loud sounds.
The light stops working.
The touchpad won’t respond.

Call to schedule a repair today if you notice any of these warning signs.

Freezers

Whether you own a separate freezer or only the one on your refrigerator, you count on it to keep perishable items frozen for later use. If the freezer fails, you may lose hundreds of dollars worth of food. Some warning signs of freezer malfunction include:

Water leaks
Frost or ice buildup
Strange sounds
Temperature variations
Constantly running compressor

The freezer also might just stop working.

Ice Makers

Many people enjoy the convenience of built-in ice makers. Signs that yours isn’t working correctly:

Ice is fractured, frosted, or strangely shaped.
Ice won’t release from the mold.
The outside ejector doesn’t produce ice.

Common issues include clogged water lines, incorrectly set thermostats, unlevel mounting, and clogged water filters.

Dishwashers

Gone are the days when someone had to wash dishes by hand in the sink daily. Most people use their dishwashers every day to avoid that manual task. You may notice:

Your dishes aren’t clean after a wash cycle.
The dishwasher won’t run.
The machine won’t fill or drain properly.
Your dishwasher has a foul odor.
Operation makes more noise than usual.
Water leaks onto the floor.

Able Appliance & HVAC Service can diagnose and repair your issue.

Refrigerators

Every kitchen has a refrigerator. Some people have them in garages and offices too. We count on these essential appliances to keep our food fresh. It’s time to schedule a repair if:

The refrigerator operates constantly or won’t come on at all.
The temperature is too hot or too cold, not adjusting with the thermostat.
Water leaks onto the floor.
The water dispenser won’t release water.
The appliance makes loud noises.

Most of these issues are easily repaired.

Ovens, Stoves, and Ranges

Families that enjoy home-cooked meals and freshly baked desserts rely on their ovens and stoves. Owners can choose gas or electric appliances, and the repair issues can differ for each type. However, the problems you may notice remain similar.

Ovens

The oven won’t heat to the set temperature correctly or at all.
The interior light won’t come on or turn off.
The self-cleaning feature doesn’t work.
The door won’t open or close.
Your food cooks unevenly.
Your controls aren’t responsive.
The heating or broiling element won’t ignite or come on.

Stovetops and Ranges

Eyes won’t ignite or power on.
Temperatures don’t adjust to your settings.
The indicator lights don’t work.
Turning the eyes on produces sparks or strange smells.
Bubbles, cracks, or blisters appear on the cooktop or coils.

Able Appliance & HVAC Service technicians can repair all brands of electric and gas ovens, stoves, cooktops, and gas range tops.

Washers and Dryers

Everyone needs clean clothes, sheets, and towels. Our washers and dryers make that easy to accomplish unless they stop working properly. Each appliance typically gives you signs that repairs are necessary.

Washers

Water won’t fill or drain.
Water overfills or leaks.
The agitator won’t spin.
The washer vibrates excessively or makes loud noises.
Unpleasant odors persist.
The door doesn’t open.
The machine ruins your laundry.
The washer won’t turn on or stop

Dryers

The dryer doesn’t power on or only runs for a short time.
The dryer won’t heat or overheat.
The machine takes too long to dry laundry.
The drum won’t spin.
The dryer is too noisy or vibrates excessively.
The laundry has wrinkles or lint.

These appliances come in many makes and models, and Able Appliance & HVAC Service can repair them all.

AC and Heating

When your heating or air conditioning isn’t working properly, your home can quickly become uncomfortable. Common issues you’ll notice are:

The air isn’t heated or cooled to the correct temperature, the heat blows cold air, or the AC blows hot air.
The unit runs constantly or won’t turn on.
Fluid leaks from your inside or outside units.
Your system is too loud.

Schedule a repair appointment to avoid further damage if you experience any of these problems.

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