Understanding the Differences Between a Regular and Soaking Tub

If you don’t know what a soaking tub is or you’ve heard the term and dismissed it, then you may be surprised that we recommend one for your home. Why? A soaking tub may be the ultimate form of relaxation because it’s deep and long enough to fully submerge your body. There are many benefits of taking a hot bath, including unclogging skin pores, improving circulation, relieving joint pain, and more. A great soak in the tub can help you to deal with stress and get a restful night of sleep. In this article, we will take a closer look at soaking tubs to help you make an informed decision.

What are the Major Differences?

There are many differences to consider when you’re comparing regular and soaking tubs. A soaking tub tends to have more spout locations when compared to a shower or regular bath. They can be placed higher off the ground, they are extremely stable and this makes them a great choice for people with mobility issues. When you choose your bath, it will typically have six legs to improve stability and for easier positioning on an uneven floor. Many people add a handrail system with grab bars if they don’t have one already to improve access.

The Showerhead

Many soaking tubs have a dedicated shower head to create a rainfall massage experience when bathing. This is also a useful feature for people that want to wash and rinse their hair as they take a bath. A standard bath may have a nearby hand or wall-mounted shower head that fulfills a similar role. Washing and rinsing with sufficient direct water pressure are possible, but there are no rainfall massage features.

Size and Bathing Positions

There are soaking tubs at many lengths, but most have a longer design than a typical bath/shower unit. The design is to facilitate deep-soaking to get the aforementioned health benefits. A seated position is different from a shower stool or regular bath. It’s a great idea to get a seat that can be adjusted up and down and an extra upper ledge to elevate the lower body during bathing. Because the design is deep it may be necessary to use steps or bend over to enter and exit. This is a crucial aspect of ownership that people need to consider before they make a final decision.

Choose a Professional Soaking Tub Installation

Upgrading an existing tub or shower to a soaking tub will require a professional installation. They are made from a wide variety of materials, including acrylic, fiberglass, concrete, and stone which may be heavy. They tend to be around 23” in height which is larger than a standard tub which is approximately 19” high. Some soaking tubs are 90” long and 76” wide, which is enough room for two people!

No Extra Features

Soaking tubs are pretty simple when compared to high-end bathtubs that may have jet, air, or massage features. There is no water movement at all unless you want the rainfall setting on the showerhead. Taking a bath in a soaking tub is a more relaxing experience and it’s important to let the heated water work its magic. There are high-end soaking tubs, but the plastic variants are very affordable and durable for those on a tighter budget. Another advantage is that they can be formed into many interesting shapes and they are not as heavy as concrete or stone tubs.

If you’re considering a new soaking tub, you can explore your options with this online collection. For further help and guidance speak to a home appliance expert.

 

5 Tips to Keep the Kitchen Cool When Cooking

When summer arrives, we still want to eat tasty food, but cooking can be a real chore when you want to avoid extra heat in your home. One alternative is to exclusively eat cold foods and salads, but this is not an ideal solution for everyone. But, it is possible to cook comfortably when it’s hot outdoors with a little preparation. Here are five tips that will help you to keep cool in the kitchen while you cook meals over the hot summer months.

1.  Avoid Using the Oven

The oven generates a lot of heat in your kitchen and this will seem even more obvious when the weather is hot. Stick to foods that can be prepared without an oven and you will be more comfortable as you cook. As an alternative, fire up the grill or use a blender to make some tasty cold treats. Restrict your indoor cooking to the stovetop and choose recipes with shorter cooking times that use low to medium heat settings.

2.  Use a Slow Cooker

This is a very smart way to cook tasty foods without generating heat in your kitchen. The heat is well retained inside the appliance and you can front load a lot of the cooking experience. The automatic timer will turn off the cooking when it’s done and keep it warm until you return. So, you can go outdoors and enjoy the summer sun and your meal will be ready when you’re ready to eat.

3.  Use Portable Fans

Many people believe that fans don’t really cool a room because they simply move air around to improve circulation. There is some truth to that, but you can improve the cooling characteristics if the portable fan is placed near an open door or window. This is especially true if fresh air is drawn into the kitchen from a well shaded area. When you are cooking indoors and it’s hot outside, you will appreciate those few vital degrees of temperature difference. This is very helpful if you decide to cook after the sun sets to make the kitchen a little cooler.

4.  Close the Shades or Curtains

If your home has a lot of windows where sunlight can stream in, then you may need to close the shades or curtains to get some relief. Sunshine can heat up a room quickly and this is especially true if you’re cooking a meal in the kitchen. There is no need to cook with artificial light or in the dark and even partially drawing the shades can make a huge difference. Keeping out the excess heat generated by sunshine can reduce the temperatures naturally in your entire home.

5.  Cooking Outdoors

This is the most fun option on our entire list and this is why we’ve presented it last. Let’s face it, the best way to keep the kitchen cool is to avoid cooking in there when the weather is hot. Stick to cold food prep, making salads, dressings, and anything else that may generate heat is avoided. When we cook outdoors, foods tend to be tastier and you can stick to a shaded patio to keep cooler. Grilling is simple, but a more extensive outdoor kitchen can give you all the functionality that you need to cook elaborate meals. Adding a range, refrigerator, wine cooler, and other helpful appliances can take your outdoor kitchen to the next level for cooking and entertaining.

If you’re considering outdoor kitchen appliances, you can explore your options with our online collection or seek further guidance by speaking to a home appliance expert.

Is Overloading Your Fridge Such a Bad Idea?

As the holiday season approaches, many households tend to have more food in their home. When you’re struggling for space, you may ask yourself, is overloading the fridge or freezer such a bad thing? Here we’ll examine the consequences of overstocking your fridge and why you should avoid it in the future.

What Happens When You Overload Your Fridge?

Regardless of the size of your fridge, packing it to capacity can be bad for your food items and appliance. A good quality model can offer years of service, but if you don’t load it properly, you could find yourself with frequent repair issues within a couple of years.

There are a number of issues that can result from overloading your fridge that include:

  • Damage to food: The first thing you are likely to notice is that your food products tend to have a shorter lifespan. If your fridge is packed with too many items for a longer period, those containers and packets can compromise the air circulation inside the appliance. This can not only cause an increase in the fridge temperature, but it can also encourage bacterial growth, which can put you at risk of stomach upsets if you consume them.
  • Vent blockages: If you stuff your refrigerator shelves to the limit, you can block the vents that allow cold air to enter the unit. When the vents are blocked, the refrigerator motor and condenser will need to work harder for longer to maintain the desired temperature. This can lead to excessive wear and tear that could cause a burnout.
  • Reduced energy efficiency: This follows on from the previous points, but if the airflow is compromised and the components need to work harder, the energy used by the appliance will increase. This reduced energy efficiency could drive the cost of your energy bills up, since your fridge is running 24/7.

Tips to Maximize Fridge Space

If you are worried about overstocking your fridge, there are some tips that can help you to maximize your fridge space.

Adjust the Shelves:

Most refrigerator models have adjustable shelves that allow you to move the shelves up or down. Rather than sticking with the initial installation, have a look at what you need to store and adjust the shelves accordingly.

For example, instead of laying bottles down taking up a full shelf, increase the shelf height to stand them up. This could free up over half a shelf where you can stack other items.

Rotate Foods:

Before you load your new groceries into the fridge, pull the older items forward. This can be a good reminder of what you need to use now. Rotating your food can help inspire you for a leftovers meal that will clear some space.

Decant into Smaller Containers:

If you have used some food, leaving it in a large container can not only take up valuable space but can compromise the lifespan of the food item. Allowing excess air in a container exposes the food, which may reduce freshness. So, if you have opened a large container of cream cheese, yogurt, or other items, transfer it to a smaller tub to save space and maintain freshness.

Stack Like Items Together:

Many food containers are designed to be stacked to make attractive displays in grocery stores. So, you can make use of this in your refrigerator. By stacking items together you can save space and also keep track of what you have. It makes it easy to see that you have three or four containers, rather than needing to search the entire fridge to find what you have.

If your fridge is lacking space for your day to day requirements, it may be time for an upgrade. You can explore your options with our online refrigerator collection or speak to one of our team members for expert help and guidance.

Understanding the Differences Between Baking, Grilling, and Roasting

Many people use these three terms in an interchangeable fashion because they don’t truly understand them. The inappropriate use of these words can cause confusion when you are following a recipe or shopping for a new appliance. In this article, we will explore baking, grilling, and roasting in more detail to help you make informed decisions.

A Basic Primer

Before we get into the specifics of each cooking term, it’s worth mentioning that many people confuse roasting and grilling and this is understandable. It’s natural to believe that roasting and grilling are pretty much the same things, but they are not. In fact, of the three cooking methods roasting and baking are the most similar. Grilling is a simpler method and it should not be confused with the others.

Baking

This is a slow and low-intensity cooking method that takes place entirely in the oven. The air is heated with a gas or electric element and this heat is transferred to the food. Baking can work on a low or high heat depending on the food you’re baking and the results you need. Baking on a high heat will brown foods in a similar way to broiling or grilling. But you can use the oven to bake foods on a lower heat for longer, which is similar to the use of a slow cooker to cook certain cuts of meat. Baking is a longer cooking process than grilling, but it’s a good option for thicker and larger food items.

Grilling

This is the application of dry heat from above or below to cook the food. When you think of the range of foods that can be cooked in this way, it’s easy to see that you have been grilling them. The food is cooked by radiation and the most common application is cooking meat with dry heat. This can be achieved with electric heating elements, gas burners, hot coals, smoking wood, and more. If the heat is applied from above this is known as broiling in Canada and the U.S. The latest grilling pans even use conduction to create cooking heat.

Roasting

Roasting food was traditionally the method where the food (typically meat) was cooked over or in front of a fire or bed of coals. As ranges developed the use of hearths for cooking decreased and the term roasting was expanded to cover meat that was cooked in the oven. An oven is basically an insulated box, the internal air is heated to a predetermined temperature to start or finish the roast.

Baking and Roasting Comparisons

The main distinguishing factor is the type and structure of food that you want to cook. When baking, the foods don’t have a clearly defined structure before heat is applied and then they are solid and ready to eat after cooling, such as bread, cakes, cookies, pies, and more. Roasting will involve cooking foods that already have a defined structure before the cooking process begins, such as meats, vegetables, and more.

Roasted foods are cooked in an uncovered pan and baked goods are covered and cooked in an enclosed oven. Roasting requires a higher temperature of around 205ºC compared to around 175ºC for baking. When grilling, it’s all too easy to brown the outer surfaces too fast, and yet it’s uncooked in the middle. This is less likely during roasting because the heat is slow and low for prolonged periods of time.

If you’re considering a new oven, grill, or range for your home, explore our online collection. For further guidance and help speak to our home appliance expert.

4 Often Overlooked Microwave Oven Advantages

Microwave ovens have been a standard feature in many kitchens for decades. And yet, many people still don’t use them to their full potential and some features are misunderstood entirely. This is unfortunate, a microwave oven can be a real time saver when you’re cooking a meal for your family. The latest microwaves have new features that make them even more useful for any busy homemaker. In this article, we will take a closer look at four microwave advantages that are often overlooked.

1.  Convection Setting Options

If you’re unfamiliar with your new microwave or you have an older model, you may be unaware of the convection settings. This is a baking mode that is typically found on some mid-range or high-end ovens, ranges, and wall ovens. A convection setting heats the foods from the inside to the outside much like a standard microwave oven. But, the flavors are sealed in to make the food more delicious and less prone to drying out. This convection action is achieved with a rear mounted fan that circulates the heated air throughout the oven. The result is a more consistent temperature that’s ideal for even baking. Certain microwave ovens now have a convection setting to cook food and heat leftovers evenly. That means that you can reheat last night’s pizza without the soggy crust and getting the perfect mac and cheese results are only a couple of button clicks away.

2.  The Defrosting Features

Many people have used the defrosting feature on their microwave ovens. In fact, some people may only use this feature and some basic reheating on a regular basis. But, defrosting with the microwave is incredibly efficient because you can thaw a pound of meat, poultry, or fish in just a few minutes. There is no need for any pre-cooking and select models even have a “Quick Defrost” or “Auto Defrost” setting to make this process even faster. This can be a real help if you’re preparing a larger meal or cooking in bulk for the week ahead.

3.  Improved Energy Efficiency

There are times when you need to reheat leftovers or a smaller casserole before you bring it to the table. Placing these foods in a full sized oven with a lot of wasted space unnecessarily consumes a lot of energy. This will drive up your energy bills and this can be avoided if you use the microwave oven. A microwave is smaller than a full-size oven and a countertop model tends to range from 0.5 up to 2.2 cubic feet. But, due to their design, they can still have a larger interior capacity than your oven starting at around 2 cubic feet. When you pair these characteristics with the faster heating times, it’s easy to see how a microwave oven could significantly lower your energy costs.

4.  Alternative Configuration Options

When most people think of a microwave oven they imagine a countertop or wall mounted unit with a door front loading door and simple controls. But, there are microwave ovens that don’t have a door, they slide out like a drawer! These appliances give a designer plenty of options when they want to create their perfect kitchen. A microwave drawer can be installed in a wall space, a kitchen island, or other locations. This can save valuable countertop space for food prep and the cooking progress can be monitored without removing the dish from the microwave. Another efficient option is a wall oven/microwave combo unit that gives you two great cooking options in one appliance.

If you need a microwave or other kitchen appliances for your home check out our online selection or ask one of our advisors for expert advice.

5 Good Reasons to Consider Black Appliances for Your Kitchen

Let’s face it, we’ve been conditioned to restrict our choices to white as the default color for kitchen appliances. But, when you’re considering an upgrade, you may be surprised at the choices of styles, finishes, and colors that are available. This is particularly true when you look at black appliance colors for their aesthetic appeal and other reasons. In this article, we will look at five good reasons for choosing a black appliance for your kitchen.

1.  Easier Cleaning

A traditional stainless-steel appliance finish is harder to clean because fingerprints are inevitably left behind on the surfaces. Frequent polishing is often required to keep stainless-steel finished looking clean and fresh. White appliances tend to show prominent dirt and grime and they need to be wiped regularly. Black appliance surfaces are more forgiving, they don’t tend to smudge and they can be washed quickly with warm soapy water and a microfiber cloth. There is no need to use abrasive cleaning products or scouring pads when you clean a black appliance.

2.  Timeless Aesthetic Appeal

In our opinion, black kitchen appliances look great and they add a great deal of aesthetic appeal to any size kitchen. But, the appeal is timeless because black is a neutral color that blends well with most decor choices. If you really want your new kitchen design to last for a long time, it’s a good idea to choose high quality black appliances. This is a great way to future proof your new kitchen and add value to a property. This can be a great advantage if you’re planning to sell your home in future and you don’t have a set selling date in mind.

3.  Hiding Minor Imperfections and Stains

The clear blank slate of white colors and the shiny stainless steel surfaces are not ideal when it comes to hiding minor imperfections and stains. Poor quality surfaces can ruin the aesthetic appeal of the entire kitchen and they can be hard to identify. A black appliance surface can hide many imperfections, including smudges, smears, splatters, water spots, dirt, dust, dents, and more. The black surfaces prevent these negative aspects from standing out which improves the overall look of the entire kitchen.

4.  Adding Contrast to Existing Appliances

A black kitchen appliance will suit most kitchen design choices because the surfaces are sophisticated and understated. This is particularly true if you choose a matte black finish for your kitchen appliances. They can blend in when you need them to and even stand out if you want to show off a high-end coffee maker or other kitchen elements. When these understated finishes are placed in proximity with brighter colors, they accentuate those tones.

5.  Warming Up Spartan Spaces

Let’s face it, too many inches of stainless steel surfaces can make a kitchen feel cold and spartan. This may be a desirable trait in a working kitchen at your favorite restaurant, but a home kitchen should feel warm and welcoming. Black appliances have a softer character that pairs well with many modern and traditional accents easily. Many materials, such as bare brick, wood, aged metals, stone, and more look great with black appliances. Most people would agree that larger cooking appliances, dishwashers, and refrigerators are the least attractive elements in their kitchens. Changing these appliances to a matte black color will set them apart and add an element of sophistication. They are easy to clean and they don’t attract smudges and fingerprints like stainless steel surfaces.

If you need to upgrade your appliances, you can browse our online collection or speak to one of our kitchen appliance specialists.

The Best Way to Load and Unload Your New Dishwasher

Purchasing a dishwasher is a great way to make our lives easier and tackling dirty dishes in this way even saves water and energy. A dishwasher is a hard working appliance, but it won’t work efficiently if it’s loaded and unloaded incorrectly. Most people have their own techniques, but they don’t tend to think about them too much. In this article, we will look at the best way to load and unload the dishwasher to get the best out of the appliance.

Loading the Dishwasher

Let’s cover the best way to load the dishwasher starting with the top and then the bottom rack:

Start at the Top Rack

When you load the dishes, it’s better to start the loading at the top rack. The dishware should be placed in a strategic and organized way to get the best cleaning results. The glasses, cups, smaller bowls, and other smaller items should be located in the top rack. But, avoid overcrowding or the items may need to go through a second cycle which is inefficient. When items are placed too close together, the risk of breakage increases, and the flow of detergent and water around them is minimized. Always leave space around each item during loading and place dishwasher-safe plastics in the top rack only. This keeps them away from the heating element at the base of the appliance that can cause warping.

Move to the Bottom Rack

When the top rack is filled it’s time to move to the bottom rack where you should place the heavier items, including larger bowls, plates, pans, cooking pots, and other items. All aluminum and stainless-steel cookware should be placed on the bottom rack. But, any china, wood, bronze, or brass materials need handwashing to protect the surfaces from damage and discoloration. Dishwasher-safe plastic items that are too large to fit in the top rack should be placed at the back and sides. This will offer some protection against warping and the larger flat surfaces will not block the water spray.

Utensils and Silverware

Both racks are not filled and it’s time to load the utensils and silverware. These smaller items go in the utensil basket, but there are a couple of tricks that can boost the cleaning performance. It may seem like a good idea to put all the spoons together, but they tend to stick together and the cleaning power is diminished. It’s a better idea to mix the utensils up in the compartments to prevent nesting. All forks and spoons can be placed handle down, but for safety, it’s important to place knives in a handle up position. Grabbing a blade when you’re unloading the basket can cause a serious injury. Don’t wash silver and stainless steel utensils next to each other because a chemical reaction can dent the silver items.

Unloading the Dishwasher

Let’s cover the best way to unload the dishwasher starting with the bottom and then the top rack:

Start with the Bottom Rack

The water that collects on the surfaces of the items in the top rack can spill onto the items in the bottom rack if you unload the top rack first. So, it’s a better idea to unload the bottom rack first. Start with the larger items, give them a quick dry with a clean towel, if they still feel a little wet. Then take the utensil basket out and unload the items.

Move onto the Top Rack

The top rack is where you’re likely to find the items that are covered in water droplets. These are usually the plastic items and the items that are located in close proximity. Have a clean dish towel handy when you unload the top rack to finish off the drying process. Putting the items away as you unload can be a great time saver.

If you need to upgrade your dishwasher, you can browse our online collection or speak to one of our home appliance specialists.

Should You Upgrade to an Induction Range?

A good range is an asset in any kitchen, but one new technology you may not have considered is an induction range. Induction technology is relatively new, but it already has a reputation for excellent energy efficiency and cooking performance. An induction range is easy to use and considerably more energy efficient compared to its electric counterpart. If you’re still unsure, here we’ll examine this type of product in more detail, so you can make an informed decision for your next range upgrade.

How Induction Cooking Works

Induction uses electric currents to heat pots and pans directly through magnetic induction. Rather than using the thermal conduction needed for gas or electric elements to transfer heat, induction heats the cooking vessel itself.

In simple terms, an electric current passes through coiled copper wire under the cook surface to create a magnetic current through the cooking pan, which produces heat. Since induction does not require an outside heat source, only the element that is being used will become warm. There is very little energy lost, as all the heat is transferred to the pan.

The Pros and Cons of Induction

There are both advantages and disadvantages of induction compared to gas or electric ranges. It is important to be aware of both the pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision.

The Pros:

  • Faster Cooking: Since induction can create instant heat inside your pots and pans, it is highly efficient. In fact, you can boil water up to 50% faster compared to using an electric cooktop.
  • Precise Control: Induction also allows you to control the heat more precisely compared to both electric and gas cooktops. With better temperature control and consistent heat, you can reduce the risk of under or overcooking.
  • Easy Clean: Induction cooktops have a smooth surface that resembles a modern electric cooktop. The key difference is that almost immediately after use, the cooktop will be cool enough to wipe away any mess. This means that any spills do not have a chance to bake on to the surface or solidify.
  • Burners that Auto Size: Since induction heats using electromagnetic currents, many induction models have auto sizing. This is a form of pan detection that ensures that heat is only placed where it is needed. So, you don’t need to worry about wasting energy by having a small pot on a large burner.

The Cons:

  • Higher Initial Cost: Induction ranges tend to be more expensive than their gas or electric alternatives. Additionally, there are only certain types of pots and pans that are compatible with this type of cooktop. So, in addition to investing in a new range, you may need to upgrade your cookware.
  • Learning Curve: When you start using an induction cooktop, you will need to be prepared for a learning curve. Many of the standard cooking techniques will not work with induction, so you will need to take some time to learn how to use the surface. The heating times are far faster, so you will need to be ready with your ingredients or you’ll risk burned food.

Other Features of Induction Ranges

In addition to an efficient cooktop, induction ranges can offer some other great features. Many induction range models feature highly efficient convection ovens with self cleaning functions. There may also be a quick preheat function, so you can get cooking and baking with no delay.

If you’re considering upgrading your range, induction ranges are a great option. If you would like to explore the options, browse our online induction range collection or speak to one of our home appliance specialists for further help and guidance.

Should You Move a Fridge On Its Side?

Most refrigerator models are quite bulky, so when it comes time to move one, you may wonder if it is safe to move a fridge on its side. So, here we’ll explore this topic in more detail, so you can plan your appliance move.

What Happens If You Put a Fridge On Its Side?

The main reason why many professional movers avoid putting a fridge on its side is that there are some effects that result from this action. When a fridge is laid horizontal, the compressor oil can move around into the coolant lines, potentially clogging them.

Some manufacturers specifically warn that you should not move certain models of fridge on their side under any circumstances. For example, there may be compressor brackets that can be placed under lateral strain if there is any sideways movement.

Before you start moving your fridge, you should check if the model is suited to be moved on its side. There are some models that should never be placed horizontally including French door, compact, and bottom freezers.

Other Issues With Laying A Fridge On Its Side

Another reason why laying a fridge down can be a bad idea is the shelves. Even if you’ve removed all of the food items, most refrigerator shelves are made of glass, which may break due to shifting. The shelves are designed to slide out easily, but there is still space for them to bounce and crack if you lower the fridge into a horizontal position.

You may also create problems with the refrigerator doors. Refrigerator doors have a slight vacuum seal, but this will not prevent the doors from opening during moving.

Turning On A Fridge That’s Been On Its Side

If your manufacturer has stated that it is possible to lay your fridge horizontally, you will still need to take care before turning it on. You should avoid plugging it in immediately or you could risk damage to the compressor.

Place your fridge upright and leave it unplugged for at least the same amount of time it was horizontal. So, if it was on its side for three hours, stand it upright and unplugged for three hours. If your fridge was delivered on its side, assume it has been horizontal for a day, so allow a full 24 hours before you plug it in.

Tips for Moving a Refrigerator

If you want to properly move your fridge, there are some tips to save yourself potential problems, whether you move it standing up or on its side.

  • Unplug Overnight: It is a good idea to turn off the refrigerator and unplug it the night before you plan on moving it. Leaving it overnight will allow sufficient time for the appliance to defrost, but if you are struggling for time, two or three hours may suffice. Bear in mind that if you have any food you want to keep, you should find an alternative way to keep it cool before you start this step.
  • Remove the Shelves and Drawers: The shelves and drawers can be mostly glass, which could be damaged if there is any shifting. So, it is a good idea to remove them before you tape the fridge doors shut. This will not only protect the shelving, but also the interior and doors, which could be damaged by sharp glass fragments.
  • Keep it Fresh: If your fridge will be closed for more than a day, try putting a box of baking soda inside. This will help to absorb any odors.

If your fridge is past its best and not worth moving, consider an upgrade. You can explore your options with our online collection or speak to one of our home appliance specialists for further help.

 

DIY Maintenance Tips for Your Home Appliances

We rely on our home appliances to make our lives more enjoyable and convenient. While it is a good idea to have a professional service your appliances regularly, there are some DIY maintenance tips to keep your appliances in good shape.

Dishwasher Maintenance Tips

It is not overly difficult to ensure your dishwasher keeps running, but it does require a little care and attention.

Run it Regularly:

The first thing you should do is to ensure that you run your dishwasher regularly. Allowing it to sit for days on end can allow food and other build up to settle and become more difficult to clear later. You should also run a cleaning cycle regularly. You can add a cup or two of vinegar into the dishwasher and run a low cycle to clean and freshen the interior of the machine. Don’t worry about the vinegar smell as it will dissipate if you leave the door open for a few minutes at the end of the cycle.

Clean the Arms:

Another simple task that can keep your dishwasher running properly is to clean the spinning arms under the racks. Food and other debris can get caught up in the arms and compromise performance. If the arm holes become completely blocked, it could also increase the water pressure in the arm, putting it at risk of damage. If you see any debris in the holes, use your fingers or a small item, such as a needle to poke it out. Just take care not to use something that may break off and cause a further obstruction.

Washer Maintenance Tips

Washers tend to have a fairly long lifespan, but if you want to keep your whites bright, there are some simple things you can do.

Measure Your Detergent:

Many of us eyeball the amount of detergent we put into a laundry load, but this can be a bad idea. Modern washers are energy and water efficient, so if you use too much detergent, it can cause excessive suds that can create problems. This is particularly important if you have a High Efficiency machine which requires a detergent that produces less suds.

Don’t Allow Laundry to Sit:

When you’re busy, it can be very easy to put on a laundry load and then forget about it. Unfortunately, allowing wet laundry to sit inside the washer can encourage mold and mildew to develop. Not only will this leave your laundry smelling less than fresh, but it can also create problems inside your washer. It is also a good idea to leave the door of your washer ajar after each load to allow the machine to properly air.

Clean Your Washer:

Just like with your dishwasher, you can expect to get clean clothes out of your washer if the machine is dirty. So, periodically give the gasket, drum, door and dispensers a clean. Wipe down with a damp cloth with a mild detergent or water and vinegar solution. You should also run a hot cycle on empty using either vinegar or detergent every month to help keep the interior clean.

Dryer Maintenance

Dryers can have a tough life, but improper maintenance can make them work even harder. So, it is important to perform DIY maintenance tasks regularly between servicing.

Ensure Proper Ventilation:

All dryers are designed to vent, but the white plastic tubing that is often supplied can be prone to cracking or melting. So, it is a good idea to replace this cheap tubing with proper aluminum vent tubes.

Clear the Lint:

After every cycle you should clear the lint trap, but you should also make sure that there is no lint around the vent and vent cap. This will not only ensure that your laundry dries more quickly, but also reduce the risk of fire. If you do notice that your drying cycle is taking longer than usual, be sure to check for lint you may have missed.

If your appliances are struggling to perform correctly, it may be time for an upgrade. You can explore your options with our online collection or speak to one of our home appliance specialists.