Getting A Swiffer WetJet WorkingBrand new Swiffer and I couldn't get it to work until I looked closely and realized there was cardboard paper around the border of where the bottle fits. Pull out the bottle, then the paper on the side of where the bottle sits, then put the bottle back in the Swiffer. It should now work perfectly.
Using Duct Tape for RepairsI was vacuuming today and I noticed there was no suction. I discovered a ripped hose. The Shark vacuum I own comes with a 5-year warranty. However, you can only have one claim, which I used a couple of years ago.
Use the Company Customer Service NumberI saw a non-working Keurig on Freecycle. I knew about descaling it from an article written by Mary Hunt on the Debt Proof Living website, so I decided to take a chance. However, the descaling and cleaning did not work, so I called their toll-free number, and within 10 minutes the screen error the previous owner experienced was fixed and I have a great machine. I got the manual online and downloaded it.
Pay Attention to Appliances While You are Using ThemMany people like to operate their washers, driers, and dishwashers right before they go to bed, to take advantage of cheaper electrical rates. I use my appliances when I'm awake and at home and am watchful for noises and/or longer running times. Just this week, an inlet valve on my underground sprinkler malfunctioned.
Covering Rust Spots on a White RefrigeratorBecause of the age of our fridge, I just didn't want to put a lot of money into fixing it, I found a roll of white, dry-erase Contact paper. I covered the door from the dispenser area down to the bottom and, unless you really look closely, you can't tell it's not the original finish.
Resetting a Maytag Maxima Steam X Front Load WasherI have a Maytag Maxima steam x front load washer. In mid cycle it throws e01 and f08 codes, the door will not unlock and there is no power. Here is my tip. I kept unplugging the power cord and plugging it back in over and over for about 15 minutes, continuously. It finally unlocked and reset itself.
Keep a Check for Freezer LeaksLast year, I walked by my freezer and I stepped in a little water and was wondering where it came from. The freezer seemed to be OK so it took me a while to realize that the water was coming from the freezer. It was not working properly and my husband had to replace the thermostat.
Check the Hoses on Your Washing MachineOur newer washing machine has been giving an error code and not getting the clothes clean at all. We searched the Internet and found that the code indicated low water level. We tried cleaning the detergent tray, and that seemed to help, but a week later, we were getting the same error code.
Check Valves Before Calling For Washer RepairMy Bendix washer recently made all the right noises, and lit up beautifully - but didn't fill with water. It suddenly occurred to me that there might be an airlock or sticking valve, so I picked up the inlet pipe, lifted it above the level of the inlet valve, and gave it a very gentle shake. Whatever the explanation was - my washing machine has been working perfectly ever since.
Clear Washing Machine Filter To Help DrainageMy washing mashine didn't spin the water out. In the morning, I opened the small door on the front of the machine, in the right down corner.
Fixing a Dirt Devil Steam CleanerThis is a page about fixing a Dirt Devil steam cleaner. Sometimes you can repair small household appliances yourself.
Repairing Motor Coupling in Kenmore Washing...If you have an older washing machine that stops spinning, the problem may be a cracked motor coupling. The replacement part runs about $15.00, but you can easily spend $150.00.
Repairing Versus Replacing AppliancesI recently dropped a flower arrangement marble down my garbage disposal. I turned it off as soon as I heard the grinding noise, but it was too late. We thought we would have to replace it. We Googled our problem and a number of sites came up.
Repair Your Dryer Instead Of ReplacingYou don't need to buy a new dryer, repair it. I got a very high estimate on repair of the drum of our 30+ year old Kenmore dryer. The part was $33, a belt. The new dryers we looked at were too wide to get through our doors.
Maintaining Your Refrigerator GasketDid you know that one of the first thing to wear out of a refrigerator is the rubber door gasket? So, with this simple tip, you can protect the gasket from cracking, drying, and mildew. Just apply a very thin coat of Vaseline petroleum jelly.
Repairing a Bissell Little GreenI have a Little Green Clean Machine and have tried to use it. However, it will not disperse the cleaning fluid. I found that the square hole next to the tube was plugged and cleaned it out the best I could with my fingers.
Microwave Says "Child" On DisplayA couple nights ago, I innocently pushed the 'Start' button as usual, when the screen suddenly said "Child." After staring at it dumbfounded for about a minute, hubby was called in to see if I might be mis-reading it. Nope, still said "Child."
Use Vaseline to Soften a Refrigerator GasketIf you are having trouble with ice build-up on the heater coils in the back of an older fridge and are having to go through the lengthy process of removing the food and shelves to defrost with a hair dryer -- a little Vaseline may be all you need!
Repair Vacuum Cleaners Instead of ReplacingI replace inexpensive ($100) bagless vacuum cleaners about every 3 years, figuring that I have saved that value in disposable bags. But, when my latest vacuum lost its power, thrift overcame expensive habits.
Use Vegetable Oil to Fix Squeak in DoorTo fix a squeak in the refrigerator door or inside doors, use a little cooking oil on a q-tip. Works right away and no smell from cooking oil.
Prevent Dripping In Built-in Ice MakersFor refrigerators with built in ice makers, there are a lot of perceived problems with "excessive dripping" that can be "fixed" quite easily. This tip only works if you frequently use crushed ice and experience this.
Avoid Fabric Softener in Your WasherNever use liquid fabric softener in your clothes washer! By doing so, you will cause yourself more service calls (repair costs!), and ultimately lessen the life expectancy of your washer. Fabric softener coats and clogs the hoses (and other parts, depending on the type of washer you have).
Avoid Using Liquid Detergent in DishwasherTo keep your dishwasher in good working condition, stay away from gel type detergent. The repairman explained to me that it can cause the floater to get clogged and then the water to the washer cuts off.
Cure for Slow Filling WasherCure for Slow Filling Washer. To save yourself the cost of a repairman, if your washer is filling slowly. Turn off the water at the valve, and take the hoses off and be sure that the connection is clean. When my washer was filling slowly, I did this and found that the hose was partially blocked by sediment.
Bread Stuck in the Toaster?Use a pair of bamboo chopsticks to get it out - much safer than using a knife.
Longer Life For Dryer's Heating ElementTo give your dryer's heating element longer life, take out the lint catcher and clean with dish washing liquid and a scubbing brush. Fabric softner & dryer sheets put a flim on the lint catcher that you cannot see that blocks air from flowing through it.
Testing Refrigerator SealTo test the seal of your refrigerator, put a piece of paper on the edge of the rubber gasket and close the door. If the paper can be pulled out easily then warm air can find it's way in. The gasket should be replaced.
