How to Clean Your Ice Maker

Is your ice cloudy?

Does it have a strange odor?

Is the taste a little off?

If any of these things apply, then it’s likely time to clean your ice maker. Ice makers can harbor sediments that are left unfiltered in the water, or can even absorb odors or flavors from the freezer. These changes to your ice may not only be unpleasant, but left unchecked, it can lead to ice maker repair. This is why it’s so important to make ice maker cleaning at least a bi-annual affair.

Here are 5 steps from Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas for cleaning your ice maker and creating delicious, fresh ice every time:

Step 1: Cut the Power

Most ice makers have a bar that – when raised – stops ice production. Go ahead and lift that bar, and if you can’t find out, look for an on/off switch behind the ice maker or just unplug the refrigerator all together.

Step 2: Remove the Bin

Slide the bin out of the freezer and inspect for any issues or debris that has been trapped in the freezer area. Empty the full contents of the bin into the sink and discard.

Step 3: Clean the Freezer Cavity

Using a warm, soapy rag, wipe down the inside of the freezer where the ice maker sits. You may even want to follow up with a diluted bleach solution or white vinegar, just to make sure everything is thoroughly sanitized. Wipe it down one more time with a clean cloth to remove any standing water.

Step 4: Clean the Ice Bin

Check the refrigerator’s user manual to see if the ice maker bin is dishwasher safe or not. If so, run it through the dishwasher; otherwise, hand wash in warm, soapy water.

Step 5: Reactivate the Ice Maker

Replace the ice bin, lower the arm, and you’re set!

If you feel like your ice maker has more complicated issues and is in need of ice maker repair in Dallas, then give Appliance Rescue Service a call today! We are the #1 appliance repair company in Dallas, Richardson, Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and beyond. 

The Forgotten Appliance: Troubleshooting Vent Hood Issues

We all think about cleaning our refrigerators, dishwashers, cooktops, and ovens, but how often do you think about vent hood maintenance?

Vent hoods are typically the forgotten appliance. You’re happy with how they are doing until they are no longer running well. Here are a few signs from Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas that indicate it is time for some TLC and possibly vent hood repair in Dallas:

1.  Vent Hood Not Clearing Smoke.

First, it’s important to diagnose whether your vent hood truly vents out of your home, or if it circulates the air to clean it? Either way, if the smoke does not appear to clear – even on the highest setting – then something isn’t functioning properly. The issue might be as simple as a dirty air filter that needs to be cleaned and reinstalled. Or, the issue could be more involved – like a worn out vent hood fan motor or grease clogged vent. If you can’t immediately diagnose the issue, it’s a good idea to call the best appliance service in McKinney, Plano, and Dallas to take a look.

2.  Vent Hood Makes Loud Noises When Running.

You know when an appliance is running properly, and when it just doesn’t sound right. If your vent hood sounds like it needs a little TLC, then it probably does! The issue is likely with the motor, either it’s rubbing against something because of grease buildup or it might just be time for the motor to be replaced. Clean the unit thoroughly, and if that doesn’t solve the issue, call us to diagnose the issue.

3.  Vent Hood Won’t Turn On.

After checking the electrical box to make sure there isn’t a tripped circuit, come back and see if your vent hood will turn on. If nothing works, then you’re likely looking at a control panel malfunction and that will require a professional to diagnose and replace. Depending on the age and brand of your vent hood, replacing the unit might be a better option, but our technicians can make a recommendation after evaluating the problem.

If you’re experiencing any issues with your vent hood, do not hesitate to call us at Appliance Rescue Service – the best appliance service in McKinney and all of North Texas! 

Why Aren’t My Dishes Getting Dry?

There is nothing more annoying than opening up your dishwasher to find that your dishes are still wet, or that there are large pools of water on top of them.

Why Aren’t My Dishes Getting Dry?

First off, let’s talk about how the dishwasher drying process works.

There are two commonly used methods. If you have a dishwasher made by an American company (Whirlpool, GE, etc.), chances are the dishwasher works by using a heating element in the bottom of the dishwasher. As you would expect, the heating element heats up the dishwasher after the cycle, and then the water steams off of the dishes and vents out. If you have a dishwasher made by a European company (Asko, Bosch, etc.), then it’s the water and dishes that are heated up to then create steam that evaporates off. Both methods perform well, but sometimes we need to make adjustments in other areas to support the drying function.

Steps to Dry Dishes

If you find your dishes aren’t getting dry, here are a few tips to dry dishes every time:

1.  Engage the Drying Cycle:

Make sure your dishwasher doesn’t need you to specify whether or not the drying cycle should run. Some dishwashers do not automatically run the dry cycle to conserve energy. Also, look to see if your machine has a fan assist function that can be activated to assist in the drying process.

2.  Rinse Aid is a Must:

There is a reason your dishwasher has a dispenser for rinse aid! Use it, as it will help the water roll right off those dishes. Out of rinse aid? Try a little white vinegar in a pinch, as it will perform the same way.

3.  Load Properly:

An overstuffed dishwasher doesn’t allow the machine to clean well – or to dry well. Make sure you are loading to manufacturer specifications.

If you’ve followed these tips and your dishes still aren’t getting dry, call Appliance Rescue Service for the best dishwasher repair in Dallas. Our team is expertly trained to work on all brands, so rest assured we’ll get your dishes dry in no time!

For a Stress-Free Holiday – Skip the Self Clean Mode!

Most ovens have it.

That handy little button that says “self clean.”

It sounds great, right?! A magic button you can press and your oven will just clean itself up – with no effort on your part! We know…you’re thinking to yourself, “Why doesn’t everything in life have a self clean mode?!”

We hate to burst your bubble, but the self clean mode is the last thing you want to use on your oven – especially before the holidays. At Appliance Rescue Dallas, we get so many calls from clients this time of year who have run their self clean mode to get ready for company, and now the oven won’t work.

Don’t less this be you! Avoid the self clean setting and here’s why:

#1: It Can Be Damaging.

If you haven’t run your self cleaning mode regularly, as in at least once every 6 months, then now is not the time to start. Self cleaning modes work by heating the oven to extremely high temperatures and melting off of the gunk and buildup on your oven, leaving you with nothing but ash to wipe out. This is great, except that those high temps can also damage the controls, racks if you forget to remove them, etc. They aren’t supposed to create issues, but they often to do, and it’s just not worth the call to an appliance repairman in Dallas before the holidays.

#2: It Can Give Off Harmful Fumes.

Research has shown that those high temperatures can also create carbon monoxide as it heats and reacts with the caked on food that is being melted off the oven – particularly those charred spills at the bottom of the oven. Other fumes can be harmful to pets, particularly birds, so if you must run your self cleaning mode, put the pets outside first.

Instead of causing yourself a headache before the busy holiday rush, simply clean your oven the old fashioned way and be sure to wipe up spills right after the oven has cooled down. If you do experience oven repair needs, be sure to call us at Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas for fast, courteous service from experts you can trust. 

5 Tips for DIY Appliance Repair

Budgets are tight this time of year, so the last thing you want to do is call an appliance repair company in Dallas to fix your appliances. We get it! While not all appliances can be repaired without professional intervention, Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas is here with 5 diy appliance tips to get you started if you attempt to do a repair on your own:

Tip #1: Don’t Overlook the Obvious

It’s easy to over think an appliance repair! Before doing anything else, be sure to check to make sure nothing is unplugged, circuit breaker isn’t tripped, filters aren’t clogged, and that the unit hasn’t overheated.

Tip #2: Start with the Moving Parts

After checking all of the obvious sources of issues, move to the moving parts. As these are constantly in motion  - think fan blades or motors – there is a much higher chance that something might need to be replaced there.

Tip #3: Check the Hoses

If it’s not the motors and fans, then another common culprit is the hose. Dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines are all notorious for having leaks or issues with the hoses.

Tip #4: Google the Appliance Error Code

Wall ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, and even washing machines may give you an error code. When you see these codes pop up, just google it! Type in the make, model, and error code and let the interwebs tell you what’s going on. It will help you understand whether or not the issue is something you can fix on your own.

Tip #5: Apply the 50% Rule

Not sure whether or not you should attempt to fix the appliance? Here’s a good rule of thumb: if the appliance is older than 50% of its average lifespan – and the repairs will cost over 50% of the cost of a new one – just buy a new appliance.

Hopefully, these tips help you with your next diy appliance repair, but if not, know that the experts at Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas are always on hand to help! Give us a call with all of your Dallas appliance repair needs!