Learn The Best Way to Clean a Glass Cooktop

You purchased a sleek, glass cooktop because you loved the way it looked, but how do you keep it clean and scratch free?

We’ll admit – maintaining a glass cooktop can be tricky, but with a few simple appliance maintenance tips, it can be done simply and cost effectively. Here’s the best way to clean a glass cooktop from the Dallas appliance repair experts here at Appliance Rescue Service:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies.

You don’t need any fancy cleaners to keep your glass cooktop sparkling and clean! Simply grab your baking soda, white vinegar, a sponge, a magic eraser, and a microfiber cloth, and you’re in business.

Step 2: Spray Vinegar.

Wait for the cooktop to cool down, then spray liberally with white vinegar. After it has sat for a minute or two, use your towel to wipe it up and begin loosening any food particles stuck to the glass cooktop.

Step 3: Apply Baking Soda Paste.

Once you’ve wiped off the vinegar, sprinkle the cooktop with baking soda. After it’s evenly coated, place hot, wet rags over the baking soda to let the cooktop “soak” for 15 minutes. The baking soda, when combined with the hot rags, creates a powerful abrasive cleaner.

Step 4: Wipe It Down.

Now that the debris should be loose, gently scrub the debris off of the cooktop and clean thoroughly with another wet towel. If there are still some stubborn spots, work at them with a magic eraser.

Step 5: Polish.

Once it’s clean, give the glass cooktop a once over with a microfiber cloth to buff and shine, and you’re set!

Hopefully these tips on glass cooktop cleaning help keep your appliance in excellent working order! However, if issues occur with your glass cooktop and you need cooktop repair in Dallas, Texas, call us at Appliance Rescue Service. We serve the entire Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and we are the best appliance repair company in Dallas. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Call a Dallas Refrigerator Repair Company

Your refrigerator is the heart of the kitchen, and chances are that if it went out, you’d be in more of a bind than you realize.

At Appliance Rescue Service, we specialize in Dallas refrigerator repair. Our goal is to fix the problems before you ever realize you have one! While they may not be broken yet, most appliances will give you a sign that there is a problem. Here are 5 signs it’s time to call a Dallas refrigerator repair company before it’s too late:

1.  Refrigerator is Constantly Running

We’ve all heard the joke, “Is your refrigerator running?” “Then go fix it!” Well, there is some truth to that. While your refrigerator may make an occasional noise, it shouldn’t be overly noisy or cycling on and off all the time. Try opening the door and closing it or getting some ice, and if this doesn’t solve the issue, then it’s time to call a licensed professional to diagnose the issue.

2.  Food Takes Longer to Cool

If you put food in the refrigerator and it seems oddly warmer than it should, then something is definitely off with your refrigerator. Today’s refrigerators are very effective and are able to hold a constant temperature very well without foods getting warm.

3.  Condensation at the Seal

When opening and closing the refrigerator, do you see condensation on the seal? If so, this is a sign that your refrigerator is in need of Dallas refrigerator repair and is not cooling properly.

4.  Puddles on the Floor

If there are puddles on the floor near your refrigerator or inside the food storage area itself, it could mean an issue with the water line for the ice maker or the defrost drain. If you don’t immediately see an issue, call an appliance repair specialist to diagnose and fix the issue.

5.  Rising Energy Bills

Today’s appliances are very energy efficient, but if you notice that your bills are going up and you can’t seem to pinpoint a reason, it doesn’t hurt to have a Dallas refrigerator repair company like Appliance Rescue Service evaluate your refrigerator and other appliances to make sure they aren’t overworking and causing the spike in cost.

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!