Spring Cleaning: How to Clean Those Dirty Tennis Shoes in the Washing Machine

The new year has many of us decluttering and throwing out things that “aren’t sparking joy” Mario Kondo style. But before you throw out those old tennis shoes, think, “would I still love these if they weren’t so dirty?” If the answer is yes, then read on to learn how to wash your dirty tennis shoes at home in the washing machine, courtesy of Appliance Rescue Service:

Step 1: Sprinkle Baking Soda Inside the Shoes

Baking soda is known for its deodorizing properties, so sprinkle a little in your shoes the night before you plan to wash to get a fully fresh scent the next day. 

Step 2: Remove Laces and Insoles

Before putting your shoes in the washing machine, remove the laces and put them in a laundry bag, or a pillow case if you don’t have one. Take the insoles out as well and hand wash those.

Step 3: Remove Debris

If you want to avoid DFW washing machine repair, don’t skip this step! Before you ever put your sneakers in the washing machine, get an old toothbrush or other soft bristled brush and scrub any caked dirt or debris off of the shoes. Otherwise, that debris may end up clogging your washing machine and creating costly issues.

Step 4: Wash the Shoes

Now it’s time to begin the wash! Throw your tennis shoes in a laundry bag, then place in the washing machine with a few old towels to muffle the banging and clunking in the washing machine. The laundry bag is necessary to prevent the shoes from causing any damage to the washing drum. Add adequate liquid detergent for your load, then run the delicate cycle with cold water. Important tip: never use powdered detergent for washing tennis shoes in the washing machine, as it can get caked up in the shoes. 

Step 5: Air Dry

This is the most tedious part! In order to get those tennis shoes looking brand new and avoid shrinkage or warping, do not put the tennis shoes in the dryer. Instead, just set them out to air dry. 

As always, if you ever suspect issues with your washing machine and need washing machine repair, call the #1 appliance repair company in DFW, Appliance Rescue Service.

What Happens If I Don’t Change My Refrigerator’s Water Filter?

It’s a question we often get from homeowners: What will happen if I don’t change my refrigerator’s water filter? 

The short answer is nothing you’ll immediately notice.

However – you are compromising on water quality, and may over time, damage your refrigerator. Read on to learn more about water filtration in your refrigerator from Appliance Rescue in Dallas, Texas:

Why You Must Change the Water Filter

If your filter light has been red for some time, telling you to change the water filter, but you feel like you can’t tell a difference so it’s fine – then you’re mistaken. Water filters are designed to last about 6 months, and after that point, the filter stops being as effective. This means that pollutants, minerals, and other sediments from the pipes - or things that the water treatment plant doesn’t remove - can find their way into your water supply. You may also begin to notice an odor or slightly odd taste to the water – it’s because the water isn’t being effectively filtered.

Another reason to change the filter? The water will begin to flow more slowly, as the dirty filter clogs and cuts off the water’s ability to flow freely. This can lead to buildup in your refrigerator, damaging components, if left unchecked over time.

How Often Do I Change My Refrigerator’s Water Filter?

Most manufacturers recommend changing your filter every 6 months. Many refrigerators will have an indicator light that will shine when it’s time to change the filter, just be sure to reset it once you change the filter!

If you’re not sure how to change your refrigerator’s water filter or suspect some other refrigerator repair is needed, then call us at Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas. As a leading appliance repairman in Dallas, we will get your problem solved quickly and courteously. Proudly serving Dallas, Fort Worth, and the surrounding suburbs. 

Dishwasher Issues: Why are My Glasses Coming out Cloudy?

When it happens, it can be very frustrating. 

While it’s not a huge dishwasher repair, removing cloudy glasses after a dishwasher cycle is both frustrating and perplexing. What is causing the issue? Should I get a new dishwasher? Here are a few reasons why your glasses might be coming out of the dishwasher cloudy and what we recommend at Appliance Rescue Service in Frisco, Texas to fix the issue:

Reason #1: Too Much Detergent

If your glasses are coming out of the dishwasher cloudy, then one reason can be that you are using too much detergent. That cloudiness can actually be residue left from caked on soap. 

Solution: Remove all dishes from your dishwasher and give your dishwasher a deep clean with vinegar. Vinegar will dissolve detergent residue that is lurking inside your machine. Also be sure to switch to pods that will emit just the right amount of detergent into your dishwasher and help prevent the issue.

Reason #2: Hard Water

Did you just move to a new home and are noticing issues with cloudy glasses? It could be the water. Hard water is considered “hard” because it is high in calcium and magnesium, often leaving behind limescale on your dishes or anything the water touches. While you might not see it on your other dishes, it’s more obvious on your glassware. 

Solution: Again, vinegar to the rescue! Soak a microfiber cloth in white vinegar and rub down your glassware to remove the film. You can also try newspaper, as it is also a great tool for removing the mineral buildup.

Reason #3: Etching 

Another reason your glasses might be coming out of the dishwasher cloudy is that they might be permanently etched. That etching can look like cloudiness, but if you look closely, you’ll see the tiny scratches. This can be a result of too much soap, detergent that is high in phosphates, or soft water.

Solution: If you notice your issue is actually etching the glass, then experiment with different soaps and cleaning methods to see what stops the etching for occurring in the future.

Still suspect dishwasher repair is needed? Appliance Rescue Service in Frisco, Texas is always here to help! Give us a call for fast, friendly, and quality service every time. We pride ourselves on being the best appliance repair in Frisco, Texas!

3 Common Washing Machine Mistakes You are Probably Making

There seem to be many myths that people hold as truth when it comes to the washing machine, but Appliance Rescue Service is here to set the record straight! Here are 3 common washing machine mistakes you are probably making:

Using Too Much Detergent so Clothes Gets Extra Clean

It just makes sense, right? The more soap, the cleaner the clothes. Unfortunately, that’s just not how it works. Always use the recommended amount on the scoop for the size load that you are running. If you overdo it, excess soap can build up in your machine and on your clothes. And if it’s on your clothes, it can transfer to your skin and cause irritation to those with sensitive skin.

Washing Everything on Cold so It Doesn’t Shrink or Fade

Another good idea, but not the best for maintaining your washing machine for years to come. One of the common washing machine repair issues we see is clogged washing machines, and many times this can result from undissolved soap that gets stuck in the machine. Instead, make sure you wash delicates on cold, but choose to wash cottons and lights on warm or hot every few cycles to break down any soap residue in the machine.

Overloading the Washing Machine

It’s oh so tempting to shove everything in and hope it gets clean, but chances are, if the washing machine is overloaded then it won’t. Plus – overloading the washer can cause it to get imbalanced during the cycle, causing that awful shaking noise and ruining key components like the bearings and shock absorbers more quickly.

If you are experiencing issues with your washing machine and need Dallas washing machine repair, call us at Appliance Rescue Service today for an in-home repair consultation. Our team will have an expertly trained appliance repair technician to your home to quickly diagnose the issue and get it fixed before the holidays. 

3 Common Oven Repairs – and What to Do About Them

‘Tis the season…for baking that is!

Chances are, you’re planning to use that oven or range to bake a few dozen holiday cookies or prepare an amazing meal for friends and family. Now is the not the time you want your oven to start having problems! Here are 3 of the most common oven repairs we see this time of year at Appliance Rescue Service – and what to do about them:

1.    Uneven Heating or No Heating at All

This is the worst. You’re ready to bake and the heating element just doesn’t seem to be heating properly – or isn’t heating at all. First thing to check – do you have power and is your digital display working? If not, then your problem is likely a blown fuse and you’ll want to call for oven repair. If the display is working properly but the heating is off, go ahead and heat the oven, then examine the heating elements to see if you notice any gaps in its “glow” or other damage that can be seen with the untrained eye. 

2.    Gas Oven Doesn’t Ignite

Gas ovens will normally click when turned on, and then you’ll hear a “poof” as the oven ignites. If you hear clicking and then nothing after that, it’s likely a faulty igniter. Be sure to turn off gas to the unit immediately and call for professional oven repair to get it fixed.

3.     Oven Temperature is Incorrect

If everything appears to be heating properly, but the temperature is still a little off inside the oven, then there are a few possible causes. 1) It could be a faulty temperature sensor. Check to make sure the temperature sensor is not touching the wall of the oven and affecting the temperature. 2) Your oven may need to be recalibrated. Call a professional appliance repair service in Dallas, Texas to help you get it done!

Don’t be caught without an oven this holiday season! If you suspect your oven is in need of oven repair or just want to get an appliance check-up, call us at Appliance Rescue Service in Dallas, Texas today! We also service Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Flower Mound, Little Elm, Coppell, Southlake, Allen, Highland Village, Carrollton, and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth area.