Lost in Translation: Why No Two Appliances Use the Same Symbols

How the Lack of Standardization Makes Everyday Appliances a Challenge

In the age of user-friendly technology, one would expect household appliances to be intuitive and straightforward. Yet, a simple glance at the control panel of a microwave or washing machine reveals a mess of icons that can baffle even the most tech-savvy among us. How did we end up with such a confusing array of symbols? And why does it seem like there’s no universal standard to guide us? Worse still, why are the symbols on your appliances completely different from the ones your old appliance had? 

How Did These Concepts Develop?

Icons are meant to save space and convey information quickly. Their use has spread due to their ability to transcend language barriers, especially in diverse linguistic regions like Europe. Icons are used everywhere in and out of the home.  From your phone, to your oven, to your HVAC system, to your local grocery store icons are used to direct the viewer quickly. However, this seemingly efficient solution has turned into a user experience nightmare for many. There are too many icons, and no consistency between them, leading to us getting our symbols mixed up or forgetting them outright. 

The Microwave Dilemma

Courtesy of Panasonic

Microwaves are a prime example of non-standardization in appliances. Each brand seems to have its own unique set of symbols and functions, leading to widespread confusion. In theory, a microwave should be easy to use – set the time, press start. In reality, users often find themselves guessing which button does what, with features like "express cook" complicating the interface. You end up spending as much time guessing what different buttons do as you do getting to eat. This lack of consistency is a significant pain point for consumers who expect simplicity in everyday appliances.

Washers and Dryers: A Symbolic Free-for-All

Courtesy of LG

Washers and dryers, on the other hand, are another story. They present a complicated mix of symbols and settings unique to each major brand. Whether you're dealing with a Whirlpool, LG, Bosch, or Samsung appliance, deciphering the control panel can feel like navigating a complex puzzle. From cycle options to temperature settings, each washer and dryer comes with its own array of icons, leaving many users scratching their heads in confusion. Despite the availability of online resources and user manuals, understanding these symbols often requires trial and error, leading to wasted time and frustration for consumers.

Ovens: A Rare Case of Standardization

Courtesy of Whirlpool

In contrast, ovens tend to follow a more standardized set of symbols. While the icons can still be obscure, once you learn them, you can navigate most ovens with ease. This standardization helps ensure better cooking and baking results across different brands and models. The consistency in oven symbols is a relief in the otherwise chaotic world of appliance icons. 

The European Perspective: A Different Set of Challenges

European appliances add another layer of confusion. The symbols used are markedly different and often even more baffling for those accustomed to American appliances. This difference is partly due to Europe's linguistic diversity, which makes the use of icons over text a necessity. However, the result is a set of controls that can seem almost inscrutable to both Europeans and Americans alike. Many symbols are so stripped down that you can only guess at their original meaning. Does the two squiggly lines mean heat? Or does it mean microwave?  We have no idea, and we doubt anyone other than the manufacturer does either. 

Why Are Icons So Hard to Understand?

The development of icons is rooted in the desire to save space and create a sleek, modern design. However, research shows that people struggle to remember the meaning of many icons, particularly abstract ones. Icons need to be intuitive, and when they’re not, they can hinder rather than help usability. Adding text labels to icons can significantly improve user understanding, but this practice is not as widespread as it should be. There’s also a hard balance to strike between when to use text versus icons, because text needs to be at a size large enough to be read by all. 

After unraveling the mystery of appliance symbols, if you find yourself still struggling with your microwave, oven, washer, or dryer, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Appliance Rescue Service. Our team of experts is here to help diagnose and fix any issues with your major appliances, ensuring your household runs smoothly. Contact us today for reliable and efficient service! We’ll work with you to set up a time and date that works for your schedule to send one of our technicians to get your home running smoothly again. 

Website

Call (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading 

Appliance Deep Dive Round Up 

Kickstarter in the Kitchen

Why Is My Refrigerator Making Weird Noises!?

Is a Bosch Refrigerator Right for You? A Comprehensive Review

Price vs. Value: Is a Bosch Refrigerator Worth the Investment?

When it comes to hunting for a new refrigerator many of us look for years before finding the right one. You weigh the list of your ideal traits, you save up money so that you don't have to be restricted by price, and you write out the pros and the cons. And that's what we're doing with this post. We're looking at one of the appliances that we see often in our maintenance runs, a Bosch refrigerator. As always we don't want to push for getting new appliances until your old ones are completely dead, but we do believe that doing your research ahead of time ensures that you are happiest with your appliances. 

You might start by looking at who has received the best rankings for their appliances, year after year, and find out that Bosch has the market cornered on that. Bosch received the highest numerical score in the proprietary Lifestory Research 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 America’s Most Trusted® Kitchen Brands study.  

 Next, you might be looking for a company that is paying attention to its environmental impact. Every appliance starts its journey at the production facility. Where all of the magic starts long before it ever gets to you. Something that many companies say they do, but as well all know, the proof is in the numbers. Bosch however can prove that they do just that. 40% of all of the patents that they apply for are environmentally focused, and that is before things are even being built. 

At Bosch facilities, they have managed to get to a point that 92% of their production waste is recycled. Instead of going to a landfill, they managed to either reuse it or melt it back down to original components. 

Once an appliance is built, you have to worry about shipping. One of the ways that Bosch cuts down on costs and material usage is at this stage. By trimming down and packing more efficiently they've managed to reduce fuel costs and CO2 emissions.  (Which translates to a lower price for you.) 

One of the most important questions when it comes to a refrigerator is food storage. Bosch is tackling two of the most important issues: temperature control and freshness.    

Temperature control 

Courtesy of Bosch

Bosch has engineered their refrigerator so that once you program in the temperature, they hit as close to that temperature as possible and then stick. As we've mentioned in other posts, this is an issue that refrigerators struggle with because of defrost cycles and having the door open and close 20 billion times. Bosch though manages to course correct very quickly once the doors are shut. And as for defrost cycles, the temperatures barely budge at all. 

Crispers + optional (but highly useful) ethylene gas filter 

Crispers are a balancing act. On one hand, we want them to keep our fruits and vegetables in peak condition. This means keeping the temperatures cold but also maintaining humidity, which we try to avoid in the rest of the fridge.  You need enough humidity to keep things crisp, but not so much your food mold. Bosch has figured out that balance though, along with fighting another vegetable foe: ethylene gas. With the Fresh Protect filter, the fridge sucks up the gas that the food produces, keeping it in peak condition for longer.  

Courtesy of Bosch

Finally, you've got some of the best temperature control on the market right now. At Appliance Rescue Service, we're quick to point out useless apps and Internet of Things additions that make your home needlessly complicated. Bosch though had created an app that does what it says it will, without all of the extra clutter. It lets you set the exact temperatures you want in your fridge in all of the different zones, and then check that its working. That's it. It's an astounding idea somehow to have an app that does precisely what it says and no more, but Bosch has. 

Warranties

Of course, you don't want to ever think about a brand-new appliance breaking. Honestly, neither do we, but they do, and that is where warranties come in. This is one of the reasons that we say warranties should be part of your pro and con list when it comes to purchasing new appliances. In the case of Bosch specifically, not only do they offer extended warranties on key components but they also go above and beyond the industry standard of one-year warranties.

Non-electric components are guaranteed for 2 years. Electric components are covered for five. And anything that is stainless steel is a lifetime guarantee. Bosch really does put their money where their mouth is by offering warranties like this.

Courtesy of Bosch

Not everything is sunshine and roses, though. As with any proper consideration, you need to look at the cons as well. The biggest one in terms of a Bosch refrigerator is the price. At the bare minimum, a Bosch refrigerator new, is $2500. That is the bare minimum. The more advanced models can run you $5,000 or more. And while we know we have reviewed refrigerators at much higher price points, we also understand that it can be a bit of sticker shock if you're not expecting it. 

Another complaint that we ran across with great surprise, was the refrigerator over-cooling. While this does tie back to the reliability of the appliance, it's not one that we see often as a complaint. However, this along with several other complaints, does lead us to suspect that in order to keep your refrigerator running properly, you need to schedule regular cleaning for the underside and back of it. If as we suspect, the issue is from the compressors and the coils, those need to be kept clean. This can be more work than some people want to do so it should properly go in the con section.

Bosch refrigerators stand out for their impressive temperature control, eco-friendly initiatives, and robust warranties. However, their premium price and the need for regular maintenance might give some buyers pause. If you're contemplating a Bosch fridge or any other appliance and find yourself facing issues with your current setup, Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. Our skilled technicians specialize in maintenance and repair, ensuring that your existing appliances perform at their best for as long as possible. Whether it's dealing with over-cooling problems, cleaning compressors and coils, or addressing any other concerns, we’re just a call away. Don’t let appliance troubles disrupt your home—reach out to us for expert care and keep your appliances running smoothly.

Call: (214) 599-0055

Website 

Additional Reading

An In-Depth Look At Refrigerators

Energy Efficient Refrigerators: What Makes Them Tick? 

Why Is My Refrigerator Making Weird Noises!?

Revolutionizing Home Cooking: The Hottest Kitchen Tech Trends from CES 2024

 Explore Smart Cookers, Multi-Function Microwaves, and More Redefining Kitchen Efficiency

The annual CES event never fails to astonish with groundbreaking tech, and 2024 was no exception, especially for kitchen enthusiasts. This year, the spotlight was on smart cooking solutions that blend cutting-edge technology with culinary creativity. From instant ice cream makers to AI-driven air fryers, the innovations showcased promise to make our kitchens smarter, faster, and more efficient. Join us as we explore the most exciting advancements in kitchen tech from CES 2024, and see how these gadgets could soon become indispensable in your daily cooking routine.

Sevvy

Sevvy is a company that is dedicated to making both cooking and baking healthier, faster, and more sustainable. At this year's CES, they introduced their smart cooker which uses a pulsed electrical field to cook food using 90% less energy than a traditional electric oven. According to their CEO, it preserves taste, retains 40% more nutrients, and uses less salt, sugar, and cooking fats. At CES, they were able to cook a base for blueberry muffins for the crowd that baked in less than 3 minutes and reportedly were enjoyed. 

We are always interested when new technology comes to the market. In this case, though, we have to question the claims made. We have been trying to make food faster for centuries and while there are successes there are also many failures.  We look forward to finding out which category Sevvy will fall into. 

Revolution Cooking 

If you've heard the name Revolution Cooking in the past, it is most likely for their cutting edge toasters. And this year's CES though they debuted a microwave that can function as a toaster oven and an air fryer as well. It has the trademark revolution cooking touch screen panel the same as all of their toaster ovens so it will fit in nicely if you already own one. 

 According to Revolution Cooking the new microwave is able to use the same infrared heating as their typical toasters in addition to microwaves. So you can reheat leftovers with the microwave function and then using the infrared heating give that food and toast, hopefully making it the best leftovers you had in a while. 

Courtesy of Revolution Cooking

There is one immediate downside that many people spotted. And that is the cost of the new toaster oven. While revolutionary cookings toaster ovens typically run for $400 the new microwave is going to cost you almost 2000 dollars. And that is without knowing how well it does at all three tasks. Much as we are excited to see something that is capable of doing multiple tasks in one go, we are less than keen on that price point. We do look forward to seeing just how well it does in the future though.

Intosee Secret Kitchen Hood

This time last year AirHood launched a project for a portable range hood that would let you remove and trap smoke and other fumes from a cramped kitchen.  But this is a portable option. What if you want something a little more permanent, without having to install a giant range hood? 

Courtesy of Intosee

Intosee showed off a new idea at CES, though. They created a tube that can be installed into your kitchen counter. It retracts when not in use and pops up to draw smoke in from 360* around it. Instead of trapping the air, it runs it through a carbon filter and releases the clean air through an exhaust tube that outputs under the counter. 

With so many people looking into the possibility of gas stoves we are excited at new options for range hoods that doesn't involve a giant overhead appliance.

Weber

Courtesy of Weber

This is something brand new to us, an infrared broiler, called the Weber Summit FS38X Smart Grill, another two in one tool. Not only is it equipped with sensors that will connect to your phone via a mobile app, but it can also make suggestions  for optimal cooling methods. These two together let you control the temperatures without having to disrupt the cooking process.

The broiler feature is one that we think is going to become a rather popular with other grills going forward. It allows you to quickly add a crust to a piece of meat

 It also has a built-in safety feature that we're rather excited about. In the event that one of the burners goes out, the grill will try two options. If possible the grill will relight the burner. If that doesnt work, it shuts down and lets you know that there's a problem

 GE Profile Indoor Smart Smoker

Next up we have another tool for your outdoor kitchen, a GE Profile Smart Smoker. 

Oh, did we say outdoor? Nope. This is a smoker that can work right in your kitchen. This was one of the most talked about appliances at CES, with due reason. The BBQ smoker uses a catalytic converter (yes, like the type that is part of your car) to remove carcinogens from smoke. This leaves just the hot air to slow coke your meats and fish. 

Courtesy of GE

Unfortunately, as with any new appliance, there is a hefty price tag. Want to take a minute to guess what the price is? 

If you guessed $1000  dollars, you'd be spot on! 

Admittedly, if this is the price for being able to smoke our food safely during all weather? We might see the point. 

Samsung Bespoke Smart Fridge

Once again Samsung is pushing the envelope with a new refrigerator. This year it's their new Bespoke Smart Fridge. This entry to their line up uses AI to identify up to 33 items in your fridge and suggest recipes that you can make using them. 

ColdSnap 

Courtesy of ColdSnap

This wasn’t ColdSnap’s first appearance at CES, but the "Keurig of ice cream makers" is inching closer to consumer release. The brand claims that its machines, which whip up bowls of ice cream in under 2 minutes, will be ready for purchase in 2025. For anyone who’s ever had a sudden craving for ice cream in the middle of a heatwave, the ColdSnap might be a game-changer. Imagine effortlessly producing a creamy dessert at the touch of a button. We’re eager to see if this gadget will indeed bring about a mini-revolution in home dessert making. Until then, we can only dream of instant ice cream at our fingertips.

Chef AI

Tech startup Chef AI is making waves with what it calls a "real one-touch" air fryer. Unlike your typical air fryer, which requires fiddling with settings and guesswork, Chef AI’s model leverages artificial intelligence to recognize and cook your food perfectly with just one press of a button. According to CEO Dean Khormaei, this appliance could turn even the most culinary-challenged individuals into competent chefs. Set to be available in the U.S. by September at $250, this air fryer promises convenience and sophistication. We’re excited to see if it can live up to its hype and truly simplify the cooking process for everyone.

Bartesian

Courtesy of Bartesian

Mixing cocktails can be an art form, but with Bartesian’s latest cocktail-mixing appliance, the Premier, even a novice can make a perfect dirty martini. This new gadget can hold up to four different spirits and, with its small touchscreen, allows users to select from 60 cocktail recipes. Simply drop a capsule into the machine, and seconds later, you have a premium cocktail ready to enjoy. Retailing at $369 and available later this year, the Premier could transform home bartending. We’re keen to see if it can consistently deliver top-notch cocktails and make entertaining a breeze. We’ve seen at-home bartender machines before though so we’ll see if Bartesian can deliver. 

SeerGrills Perfecta

Courtesy of Perfecta

Would you put a good ribeye in a toaster? The makers of the SeerGrills Perfecta, a pricey new infrared vertical grill, think you should. This intriguing piece of kitchen hardware, which cooks meat standing upright with burners reaching up to 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit, was one of the most curious finds at CES this year. Despite the absence of live cooking demos, the concept of searing steak in under 2 minutes without flipping is mind-boggling. The Perfecta promises evenly cooked, juicy meat by applying intense heat from both sides simultaneously. This unique approach, combined with AI-controlled cooking cycles, might just redefine grilling. However, at a whopping $3,500 (or $2,500 if you preorder by Jan. 15), it remains to be seen if it can truly deliver on its ambitious claims. For now, we'll have to take their word for it.

As CES 2024 wraps up, it’s clear that the future of kitchen technology is incredibly bright. From instant ice cream on demand to smart grills that perfect your steak with AI precision, these innovations are not just about making cooking faster and more efficient—they’re about enhancing the entire culinary experience. As these gadgets begin to hit the market, we eagerly anticipate how they will reshape our kitchens and elevate our home cooking.

For those in the Frisco-Dallas-Allen area, Appliance Rescue Service is here to help you integrate these cutting-edge technologies seamlessly into your home. Whether you need maintenance or repair for your new smart appliances, our expert technicians are ready to assist. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest kitchen tech and enjoy peace of mind knowing that Appliance Rescue Service has you covered.  

Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Why The Media Wants You To Be Scared Of Your Gas Stove

Outdated Kitchen Appliance Trends 

5 Kitchen Tools From The Future

Wondering How to Clean Your Appliances Sustainably? Eco-Friendly Methods Unveiled

Discover Effective and Environmentally Friendly Techniques for Keeping Your Appliances Spotless

Maintaining clean appliances is essential not only for the long life of your appliances but also for the well-being of your home. However, the conventional cleaning products often used can have a detrimental impact on both our appliances and the planet. In this guide, we'll explore the importance of adopting eco-friendly cleaning methods for your appliances and provide practical tips for incorporating natural alternatives into your cleaning routine. We’ll go room by room with you, looking at how best to clean your appliances and what to look out for while doing so. 

Kitchen:

Refrigerator:

Your refrigerator can get awfully messy. Things leak and drip between shelves. Containers get tipped over and food spills, and do you lose it behind other items. Your children sometimes decide to hide science experiments without telling you. And that is without considering food that's just gone off. All of that comes together and can make a horrible smell. So you need some ways that will really get it clean. 

To start with, no matter how tempting it is, don't take everything out of the refrigerator. Instead, go one shelf at a time starting at the bottom. Make sure to thoroughly dry each shelf before moving on to the next so that you don't leave the cleaning solution in place. 

What about particularly stubborn stains though? That is when our baking soda scrub comes in. Gunked on food, dried up spills, anything that's caked on there or particularly smelly, can be combated with baking soda. Grab your sponge and use it to give a good scrub to the interior of the refrigerator. (The baking soda works to neutralize the smells within your refrigerator through chemical reactions, which is why you're scrubbing with it instead of just leaving a box with a small corner opened.) 

All-Purpose Cleaner:

Recipe: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use it to wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces of the refrigerator. Vinegar effectively eliminates odors and kills most bacteria.

Deodorize with Baking Soda:

Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and use it to scrub the interior of the refrigerator. Baking soda helps to absorb odors, leaving the refrigerator smelling fresh.

Stainless Steel Cleaner:

Recipe: Mix olive oil and white vinegar in a 2:1 ratio. Apply the mixture to a soft cloth and use it to buff stainless steel surfaces, leaving them clean and streak-free.

Dishwasher:

When it comes to your dishwasher there are two major issues that can be solved by cleaning. The first is smell from mold or mildew. The second is scale from minerals in your water. Fortunately, both are relatively easy to solve, using white vinegar and baking soda.

Lemon Fresh:

Recipe: Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack of the empty dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle with the dishwasher empty except for the container of vinegar. Then, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run another hot water cycle to remove stains and odors.

Eco-Friendly Descaler:

Recipe: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Use this solution to wipe down the interior of the dishwasher, paying special attention to the door seals and any nooks where grime can accumulate.

Oven:

If you've ever had something fall off on the cookie sheet or Pyrex dish, only to get stuck to the bottom or side of your oven and burned on you know how hard it is to get your oven clean. We've mentioned before how self-clean modes can be dangerous. Sometimes, though you don't have the option for a steam-cleaned oven, built-in. Fortunately, it's easy to set that up yourself.  

Baking Soda Scrub:

Recipe: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the interior of the oven, avoiding the heating elements. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then scrub and wipe clean with a damp cloth. Don't scrub too hard though as you don't want to scratch the coating of your oven. Before trying this method, research what type of coating you have.

Steam Cleaning:

Fill an oven-safe dish with water and add a few slices of lemon. Place it in the oven and bake at a high temperature for about 30 minutes. The steam will help to loosen food particles, making them easier to wipe away.

Microwave:

After your refrigerator, your microwave is usually the easiest, if most time consuming appliance to clean. Just like with the oven, we're going to use steam and vinegar to start working at any buildup.  The lemon water steam will help with loosening dried on food, but doing a vinegar steam after will ensure that the microwave is disinfected after. 

Lemon Steam Clean:

Recipe: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a few lemon slices. Microwave on high for three minutes, then let it sit for five minutes. The steam will loosen dried-on food, making it easy to wipe away.

Vinegar All-Purpose Cleaner:

Recipe: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for two minutes. The vinegar steam will help to loosen food and deodorize the microwave.

Laundry Room:

Courtesy of Monfocus

Washing Machine:

There are many nooks and crannies where ick can build up in your washer. This means that anything you use needs to be safe to run through the whole system. 

Vinegar Wash:

Pour two cups of white vinegar into the washing machine and run a hot water cycle. Vinegar will help to eliminate mold, mildew, and soap scum buildup.

Baking Soda Scrub:

Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Use this paste to scrub the rubber door seal and other areas prone to mold and mildew. Rinse with a damp cloth.

Dryer:

Lint Trap Cleaning:

If you feel that there's too much buildup in your trap, even after scraping everything out, there are ways to get it clean. Remove the lint trap and wash it with warm, soapy water. Use an old toothbrush to remove any stubborn lint residue. Rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing it.

Vinegar Fabric Softener:

Instead of chemical-laden fabric softeners, add a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar naturally softens fabrics and helps to eliminate static cling.

Incorporating eco-friendly cleaning methods into your home maintenance routine not only promotes a healthier home but also reduces your carbon footprint. By opting for natural alternatives like white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon, you can effectively clean your appliances without harming the planet. Take the step to implement these green cleaning practices and enjoy the benefits of a clean, sustainable home. 

If you need assistance with appliance repair or maintenance, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Appliance Rescue Service. Our team of experts is here to help you keep your appliances running smoothly while preserving the planet for future generations. Let's work together towards a cleaner, greener world. 

Website
Office ((214) 599-0055)

Additional Reading

Don't Overlook Your Ice Maker: The Benefits of Regular Cleaning

Taking the Pain Out Of Melted Plastic
Why Is My Oven Smelling So Strange?

When Disaster Strikes: Your Action Plan for Appliance Emergencies

From Ovens to Dishwashers, Here's What to Do When Your Appliances Go Haywire

So, let’s assume that your appliance has given up the ghost in catastrophic fashion. What should you do while you wait for the repairman to show up? There are a lot of reasons that your appliances might go out catastrophically, we’ve talked about many of them at one point or another. But the how isn’t as important this week as “what should you do in the meantime?” Your first step should naturally be to call in a professional, but you have to deal with things in between when you call and when they get there to solve the problem.

Oven 

Just like with your dryer, your first step is to shut off the oven. Whether that is via the breaker or by turning it off from the display control is dependent on the situation. 

If you have a fire extinguisher, go ahead and use it now. A ruined dinner is much better than a ruined house. 

Once you've secured your immediate safety, you will definitely want to have a professional look it over. A fire is often a sign of a leaking gas line, sparking internal components, or damaged protective coatings or heating elements. While that is not always the cause it's also better to have a professional tell you that than  trying to definitively say on your own and finding out later that you were incorrect.  

In the meantime though, you can take the time to air out your kitchen, remove any dishes or food from your oven, but don't try to get to anything that might be stuck in the heating element. If that is where the source of the problem is, your technician of choice is going to want to see that.

Refrigerator and or Freezer

So your refrigerator or freezer decided that they just weren’t going to keep things cold? That’s rough. Sadly, your day is now on a timer, as you have about 8 hours before you start losing the food that’s in there. To avoid having food spoil, here’s a few steps to follow.

• Your first step is to prioritize. What has to be kept cold (milk, greens, meats), what can safely warm up (lunch for today? Bread? Fruits? Condiments?) and what you’ll have to throw out (yes you wanted to have those leftovers for lunch tomorrow, but space is at a premium sadly.) 

• If you have a separate freezer, transfer everything that needs to be kept frozen first. 

• Next if you have coolers or can get hold of some of those cheap foam ones, that’s an option for the rest of your cold goods. 

• Make sure that if you go with this route that you also purchase bags of ice to help maintain the temperature. 

• Once you’ve taken care of your food, you’ve got an important decision to start turning over. What’s your limit for a repair? What point do you consider “not worth it” when it comes to repairing versus purchasing a new refrigerator or freezer? While we will always suggest repairing if possible, we’re practical just like you. Sometimes the cost of repairing is too high, and that is what you need to consider while you wait. 

Clothes Washer 

All you wanted was to knock out that pile of laundry, and now your laundry room is flooding and it’s seeping into the room beyond. What are your next steps?

• Start by making sure that neither you nor your family are anywhere near the water. That needs to be your first step, to ensure no one is stepping into an electrified puddle of water.   While that might sound extreme, it’s better to ‘act as if’ when it comes to your safety and proceed forward after that. 

• Your washer has high-voltage components and getting shocked is not something on anyone’s to-do list. 

• Now that you know that no one living is in or near the water, time to find out if you can shut it off. See if you can find the plug and see if the water has hit the plug. If not, great! Go through the water, shut it off and unplug it. If yes, go to your breaker and shut off that fuse. 

• Now that you’re safe, grab whatever is in the washer and remove it to let the water inside dissipate easier and let your repairman get a better look.

• Your next step is cleaning up the water. Towels, mops, and wet/dry shop vacs are all options for getting all of them. What matters here is not allowing it to sit. 

• If it has soaked into your subfloor or you suspect that it has, see if you can pry up a corner of the tile, hardwood, or carpet to inspect things. If it’s sagging or spongey, it’s probably soaked and is going to need replacing, unfortunately. At that point, we’re as clueless as the next person, so we suggest calling a restoration company. 

• Make sure to clean and disinfect the entire area that was soaked, regardless of the sub-flooring. You don’t want to risk mold growing in this area, which is why getting things dried out is so important. 

Clothes Dryer 

Now, we did cover this in more depth in last week’s post, so we’ll just hit the high points and point you down to the ‘Additional Reading” section for the link. 

• If you can get to the plug or the breaker, turn off the dryer as soon as you smell burning or see smoke. 

• Provided you can see that this is definitely JUST smoke and not flame, try to get a good airflow through the room to get the smoke out of the room, but do NOT open the dryer itself. 

• Do not approach until the smoke stops coming from the machine or it stops smelling like something is burning. 

• Don’t start the dryer again. Leave the lint and vent trap alone as that is most likely where things started smoking or burning. 

• When you can remove your clothes, be careful. They may be signed, and spots like metal buttons could still be hot enough to burn.
  
  

Dishwasher 

Having your dishwasher flood is similar but not quite the same as having your washer flood and so the steps for it will be also similar but not the same. 

• Again, start by making sure that you, your family, and your pets are not in contact with the water.

• If possible unplug from your kitchen, if not possible go to your breaker and flip the switch for your dishwasher from there. 

• Carefully remove all of your dishes from the dish rack and place them into your sink. We can figure out washing or drying as needed once the mess is handled. 

• Check the bottom where the dishwasher normally drains to see if there's anything blocking the drain. We advise wearing gloves for this part both because slimy food is gross and because you don't know what could be causing the blockage. 

• While you wait to see if the water starts draining again go back up and reread our section regarding the clothes washer about damage to your subfloor, disinfecting and cleaning up the mess.

Is there anything that we missed? Either steps that you were requested to take or other tips you had suggested? Let us know on our Facebook page as always we enjoy hearing from you. 

As always, if you so choose, appliance rescue service is here for you. We service homes just like yours from addison, to mckinney, from Frisco to Carrollton,. And our top goal is and always will be getting your home running smoothly so that you can get back to doing what you do best. 

 You can reach out to us by giving us a call at ((214) 599-0055) or by going to our website. We will work with you to set up an appointment that fits your schedule. 

Additional Reading

Dryer Fires  

37 Reasons To Have Your Appliances Maintained Regularly

How an Appliance Repair Call Works