We all expect our appliances to function properly - each time, every time.  So when the oven starts smoking right when your dinner guests walk through the door, or the washing machine spits out soapy, dirty water onto your floor, you're left with an untimely - and often costly - maintenance repair on your hands.

But by following a few tips from Wally Warrantech, you can avoid unexpected appliance breakdowns - and headaches.

Gas Cooktop

Clean the surface of the  unit after each use - this will help prevent scratches and stop acidic food from damaging the surface.

Check for food/grease build-up around spark electrodes and wipe down your stovetop after each use.

Never use foil on top of drip pans.

Clean with mild soapy water or - even better - use a grate cleaner.

Electric Cooktop

Cleaning the surface of your stovetop can prevent scratches and stop acidic food from damaging the surface.

If your home has a smooth top (glass) unit, clean the surface with a cooktop cleaner that has a conditioner designed for these appliances.

Keep the drip pans clean, but never cover the hole in the bottom with aluminum foil - this will affect cooking performance and can damage the elements, or even block the oven vent.

Never use foil on top of drip pans or underneath coil elements.

Drip pans should be washed in the dishwasher after each use.

Ovens

Self-cleaning ovens should be cleaned as needed.  Remove or wipe up any excessive spills or debris to prevent heavy smoking or flames during the incineration process.  Many ranges require the oven racks to be removed.

Follow the instructions in the owner's manual for cleaning the door gasket.  And be extra careful because many cleaners can damage the gasket.

When cleaning the outer door, always spray the cleaner onto a paper towel/rag.  Spraying the cleaner directly on the door causes the cleaner to go through the vent and drip down the inner glass panes.

Never use aluminum foil to completely cover an entire rack in the oven.  The improper use of aluminum foil in your oven will not only give poor cooking results, but can also burn out the electric elements.

Dishwasher

Run hot water in the sink near the dishwasher before starting it.  This will ensure the water is hot when it enters the dishwasher.

Use a rinse aid to help the dishes dry without spotting.

Use fresh detergent.  Old, lumpy detergent will result in poor cleaning performance.

Promptly repair cut or chipped plastic coating on racks to prevent rusting.

Twice a year, pour a cup of distilled white vinegar in the unit and run a regular wash cycle.  This will help dissolve mineral accumulation and soap residue throughout the dishwasher.

Washing Machine

Avoid overloading the unit.  Pushing clothes in and overloading the washer strains the motor and transmission.

Detergents do not dissolve well in water temperatures colder than 70^o F (21^o C).

Every six months, you should remove and clean the intake screens where water-supply hoses enter the washing machine.  Put the screens back in place afterwards.

Replace rubber fill hoses every five years.

Dryer

Remove lint before every load, and wash the lint screen when needed.

Rigid or flexible metal ducts should be used for venting.

Remove lint from the duct every two to three years.

Overloading the unit restricts airflow, taking it longer to dry the clothes.

 

If your home appliances are still giving you problems, just call Warrantech.  We can have a service contractor dispatched to your home within four hours - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Just dial 1-800-723-1496 and one of our representatives will be happy to help.