How to Keep Your Washing Machine Running Smoothly

Expert Advice on Maintaining Your Washing Machine

Courtesy of amine_tadri

Maintaining your washing machine is essential for ensuring it enjoys a long and productive life. While it’s common knowledge not to wash flammable substances or oils, there are lesser-known tips that can make a big difference. For instance, did you know that dishwashing soap, although excellent at stain removal, needs to be rinsed out by hand and isn’t a substitute for laundry detergent? These nuances often get overlooked, but understanding them can significantly impact the lifespan of your washing machine. Let's explore how your habits can directly affect the health and longevity of this indispensable household appliance.



Load Sizes Directly Impact Machine Health 

At its most basic, a washing machine is a motor that turns a drum filled with water to agitate your clothes and then rinse them. That motor can die more quickly if it is used to the maximum consistently. Being able to identify the different sizes of loads appropriately and vary them is far better than constantly pushing for the maximum load size.






Small - this is approximately 1/4 of the size of your washers drum. Typically this is going to be a few small items like t-shirts or a week’s worth of  socks and underwear. Or you might do one large item like a jacket or a blanket.



Medium - this should be, half the drum. This would fit maybe a week's worth of summer clothing for one person. 



Large - this is 3/4 of the drum and is capable of fitting multiple bedding sets or a fair bit of clothing. 



Extra Large - if you're washing machine is completely full then you are running an extra large load. 


However large you choose to have a load, ensure that it is properly balanced, as that is also going to play a significant role. If the load is not properly balanced, the machine is undergoing more wear and tear as different parts of the drum or pushed down or up. Additionally, an imbalanced load can result and often does result in the machine vibrating, shaking or even walking.




How To Clean Your Washing Machine 

Like many tasks, cleaning your washing machine is best done in smaller stages. Rather than cleaning everything once a month you can take 5 minutes here or there and knock out one part of it. This is the exterior, the drum, the detergent drawer, and any of the filters that your machine might have. 


When it comes to the interior, making it a regular practice will affect not only the life of your washing machine but also the life of your clothes. Having dirt and detergent buildup in the drum will lead to poor washing results and even the machine malfunctioning. Worse is when water remains in the drum after running a load. If that's allowed, you can end up with mold, and at that point, you need to call in a professional. 







Regularly Maintaining The Outside Of Your Washer Is Just As Important 

You might notice that we didn't explain much about cleaning the exterior of your washing machine. That's because cleaning the exterior is a simple task. On the other hand, carefully going over the exterior to check for issues is its own kettle of fish. You need to check the hoses, connections, and the power line. The hoses need to be gone over to make sure there aren't any cracks or swelling, or kinks. If they start showing signs of wear or damage then you need to replace them before they lead to leaks. The connections also have to be carefully checked for any cracks or leaks. It only takes a minute or two to go over these but you can prevent major problems by doing it.



Anticipating And Replacing Failing Parts When Possible And Calling A Professional When Not

Courtesy of Counselling

Many of the issues that you can run into with your washing machine can actually be anticipated or discovered long before they become a full problem by paying attention. By doing regular checks, you will notice when things aren't working the way that they're supposed to. 

Unusual noises—If your washing machine starts grinding or banging not just once when you have something heavy in the load but all the time, regardless of what you have, it can be a sign of a worn-out belt, damaged bearings, or a problem with the drum.


Water leaks - A water leak means you must look closely at the hoses, the connections, and the gaskets. Any of these could be misaligned 

Or deteriorating.

Excessive vibration—A washing machine is going to vibrate, due to its nature. Excessive vibration, though, such that the machine is walking or vibrating the whole room, is concerning. This means either that you have a worn-out suspension or that the load is imbalanced. 

Unresponsive control panel - If your control panel is unresponsive or is flashing or is showing error codes all of these are signs that there is an issue with the electronics of the washer.







Incomplete cycles—Incomplete cycles can occur due to a loss of power from a black or brownout, but they can also be a sign that there is a short within the machine. Once you've ruled out loss of power, it's time to consider that there is an issue with different components of the washer.

Courtesy of stevepb


Subpar cleaning - The entire point of the washing machine is to wash your clothing properly. So if it's not doing this, we question why. The easiest answer, and one none of us likes, is that it's user error. Did you treat the clothes or stains before running the load? Did you choose the right detergent and wash settings? If the answer to both of those is yes, then we will look at the machine. Human error has been ruled out, it could be an issue with the water levels within the machine or the drum. 


Now, you can see how regular maintenance is important for the health and longevity of your washing machine. The great news is that you can treat some of these problems yourself. Replacing a hose or a connection, re-leveling your washer, or rebalancing a load are all things you can do with a little bit of googling. Then, it's just a quick trip to the hardware store and a few minutes of your time to get the job done and taken care of.


But when it comes to things like replacing electronics or fixing issues with the bearings or the drum, that's when a professional is necessary. You might also consider calling a professional if you've tried fixing an issue multiple times, but it hasn't solved it. Or if you're having major or consistent leaks. You don't want to guess and test in those situations because it can cause damage to the rest of your home.  These are all times when it's important to get a professional in so that you can get your home running smoothly again. That right there is the key motto for Appliance Rescue Service: getting your home functioning and running smoothly again. Whether it's a major problem like your control panel not working or you want to get ahead and schedule regular maintenance, not just for your washer but for all of your major appliances, we are here for you. If you live between Frisco and Dallas or Allen and McKinney, we want to work with you to help get your home back on track. 





You can contact us via our website or by giving us a call at ((214) 599-0055). We will work with you to set up a date and time that works with your schedule and find the best time to send our expert technicians.

 

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Unlocking Home Harmony: The Role and Benefits of Professional Organizers

How Professional Organizers Can Transform Your Living Spaces

Organized living room showcasing minimalist bookcase and bicycle, demonstrating the benefits of a home organizer's touch.

Ever found yourself staring at a cluttered room, overwhelmed by the thought of organizing it? Enter the Home Organizer—a professional wizard of order and functionality. These experts aren't just tidying up; they're transforming spaces, whether it's a chaotic closet or an entire home in disarray. But how do they work their magic? And more importantly, how can they turn your stress and clutter into serene, organized bliss? Let's delve into the world of Home Organizers and discover how they can bring peace and clarity back into your life.



What is a Home Organizer? 

A professional organizer is someone that is trained to help get the physical spaces in your life organized. This might be a specific room like a craft room or a guest room, or you could hire them to help with your entire home. A professional organizer will talk with you to figure out what you need and what will work with your home and value in order to create a strategy that fits you. You might also see them advertised as clutter coaches or home organizers.







The best home organizers will take into consideration what matters to you, how much space you have, and what will best utilize this space. But I'll also look at how much clutter you have in comparison to the amount of space you have. Their job is to come into your home and get the space that you requested their help for organized in a short period of time. This helps you avoid burnout and decision fatigue, which many of us end up with when trying to organize ourselves.

 

Is it regulated? Or is it just a thing people do? 



It's a little bit of both. There is the National Association of Professional Organizers. However, you don't have to be certified to become a professional organizer. This means that while the (NAPO) boasts 32 chapters and 4,000 members, that number is most likely much higher than the number of people who actually do the work of a professional organizer.



How does a Home Organizer benefit me? 


Disorganized garage with an overfilled fridge, slumping shelves collapsing under weight, and numerous items in boxes on the ground and shelves.

Do any of the following sound like something you struggle with?
You struggle to keep your home tidy and clean. No matter how much you work at it, you just can’t keep everything organized.

You feel overwhelmed by all of the stuff. Your house would be clean, but there’s just so much to be done! 



You’re busy! You’ve got a career and a family, and keeping the house neat and tidy is just too much to expect on top of it.


You’re moving or remodeling already. In the middle of trying to move houses or doing remodeling work, things go EVERYWHERE, and trying to find or keep track of it all is next to impossible. 



You feel like you can’t get anything done because your life is chaotic and stressful. And because your brain is chaotic and stressful, you can’t get anything done. It’s a vicious cycle that never ceases and it drives you mad. 



You’re tired and need a major change in your home. You’re tired of the clutter and chaos and want to make a clean break. 


You’re going into a new stage of life. Whether that’s moving in with someone, having a new baby, getting married, moving to a new state, or downsizing, life changes are a great time to change up your home. 



If any of these had you nodding along, then a Home Organizer would be of help.  All of these are good examples of times when they can help you get your home back into shape or into shape for the first time in a long while. 


How does a Home Organizer work? 


To start with a Home Organizer will schedule an in-home consultation with you. This way they can see the space you want them to work with and, more importantly, get an idea of what your vision of the space is. They’ll ask you questions about your day to day life, your pain points, the things that frustrat you, and what your core goals are for the space and your home in general. 







From there, they’ll help you figure out how how they can best work with you and your budget. Some home organizers might suggest work on an hourly basis or on a per-project basis. Another option you might discuss is a DIY model. If you can’t quite figure things out but you don’t want someone going through everything for you, this might be for you. Some Home Organizers will offer a roadmap plan that you can implement rather than going through it all with you. 


This is also the stage to discuss what your goals are and what milestones would be for the project. Is this something they think will only take a few hours? A few days? Or will it take more time than that? If so, what can they point to that will help you see the progress? You’ll also want to ask questions about exactly how involved you’ll be in the process. Will it be during the decluttering stage only? Or will they expect you to be there every step of the way? Every Home Organizer will work differently, so it’s an important thing to bring up before you start the work. 



Two women discussing the services of a home organizer, exploring how home organization works and the benefits it provides

Courtesy of Liza Summers

Many Home Organizers mention that their clients are nervous about bringing someone in without having cleaned beforehand. Don’t be. They’ve seen all sorts of homes, from ultra sparse homes with nothing to organize, to hoarders who can’t tell the difference between clutter and sentimental items.  They’re not here to judge you, they’re here to help. That’s part of what you get by enlisting professional help; no more than a doctor would judge you for having a broken bone.


Here’s one thing Home Organizers won’t do, though: Clean your house. That’s just not what they’re there for. They might help with the decluttering process, but that’s about sorting through ‘things I have to keep because they hold sentimental value or use” vs. “I never use this, but I MIGHT, someday” sorts of things. 


If you do opt to look for a Home Organizer, here are the three things that you absolutely want, and three that you need to avoid.  You want to look for someone who has credibility and experience and is able to show it. You also want someone who is able to communicate with you exactly what they see as the starting place and how they’re going to help you. Finally, you want someone who is flexible and puts making you comfortable first. 

These are the three things that you need to avoid, however. You don’t want someone who claims to have a ‘magic’ system. If they’re saying that it’s ‘magic,’ it’s likely they aren’t going to be willing to explain just how that system works. At that point, what good does it do for yo, if you don’t know how that system works?  Next up, avoid anyone who wants to do the work without you being part of the process. It won’t help you to have a system in place if you don’t understand why it is there or how it’s supposed to work. Finally, decluttering is just as important as organizing. If there isn’t any space to organize, how can you organize what you own? All of these are things that you want to avoid when you’re searching for a Home Organizer to help you. 

As you embark on your journey to a more organized and harmonious home, remember that professional guidance can make all the difference. Whether you're tackling a single cluttered space or transforming your entire living environment, a Home Organizer can bring clarity and peace of mind. For more tips and insights, join the conversation on our Facebook page, where we discuss all things related to maintaining and enhancing your home. And if you ever find yourself in need of expert care for your major home appliances, remember that Appliance Rescue Service is here to ensure your home runs smoothly, from organizing solutions to reliable appliance repair and maintenance. We’re here to help you get your home running smoothly again. 




Website
Call ((214) 599-0055)

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Kickstarter in the Kitchen




Comfort Food: Smoked Sausage and Egg Noodles

Easy to Prepare, Delicious to Eat

If you're looking for a delicious and comforting meal that's both easy to prepare and satisfying, this smoked sausage and egg noodle dish with creamy spinach sauce is the perfect choice. Using convenient ingredients like frozen chopped spinach and pre-cooked smoked sausage, this recipe cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor. With a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, basil, and a touch of sweet-hot mustard, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Follow along as we guide you through each step to create this hearty and flavorful meal.


Ingredients:

14 oz package smoked sausage

1 pound package egg noodles

1/2 cup chopped white onion

1 package frozen chopped spinach

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream 

1 1/2 cup chicken broth

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons white cooking wine 

2 tablespoon dried basil

2 tablespoon minced garlic

3-5 tablespoons sweet-hot mustard 

Tools:

Heavy bottomed skillet

Stock pot

Colanders

Knife

Cutting board

Spatula

Tongs

Measuring cups and spoons

In this recipe, we cheated and used pre-washed, frozen produce - so we'll spare you the ever present 'wash your produce!' routine this time. Just this once.

Flip the bag of frozen spinach into the microwave and zap it according to package directions.

Fill a stock pot with plenty of water and put it on the stove to heat up to boiling.

While it heats, cut your smoked sausage up however you prefer it. We did mostly big pieces but also a few thin rounds (the ends and the deepest part of the curve in the rope sausage didn't look like much chunked, and so became slices instead).

If you have to dice an onion, 1. we're very sorry for the onion tears, and 2. now is the ideal time to do so. Sensitive eyes here, so we do recommend sticking the onion in the freezer for a little while beforehand, or just using pre-diced frozen onion.

That spinach should be about done on its trip through the microwave. Allow it to cool enough to handle, then tear the bag open and dump it into a colander to let the excess moisture drain out.

Heat your skillet, dry, over medium heat. After it's had a chance to warm up, add your sausage and try to get a nice sear going. The sausage will render out some fat to facilitate this sear. Use tongs or a spatula to flip as needed. Try not to overcook! The sausage comes already cooked, and heating it too long will dry it out.

When the sausage has a nice layer of searing, remove it from the pan and put it back on the cutting board or into a bowl. Don't kill the heat under the pan - just drop in your butter and let it bubble up. Drag a flexible spatula across the bottom of the pan to scrape up the good stuff left by the sausage.

Between the leftover fat from the sausage and the heat of the pan, the butter at the edges of the pan should brown right up. Add your diced onion into the butter and allow it to fry for about two minutes.

The pot of water should be boiling now, so go ahead and throw the egg noodles in. Set your timer and cook them according to package directions.

Add the white wine to the onions and let everything cook a minute more for the wine to reduce before adding the basil and garlic. We pushed the onion to one side to show the garlic and dumped the basil on top of the onion for contrast, but that was just a photo choice and totally not a necessary step. 

Add in your heavy whipping cream and your chicken broth and stir to combine. The mustard, even if you only use a little of it, needs plenty of heat to blend properly with the rest of the sauce, so don't add it right away. Because the cream is likely still quite cold, it's more effective to let this come back up to a simmer before adding the mustard. Again, stir plenty to make sure no one gets all mustard in their bite. Unless your family really, really likes mustard - in which case, do what makes you happy.

The egg noodles are likely about done cooking, so drain them in a second colander and pour them back into the pot. Placing a lid or a plate on top of the pot will keep them warm until it's time to serve them.

Ordinarily we would add the spinach to the sauce around this point, but picky eaters were present. To avoid the dinner drama, the spinach ended up on the side. If you'd like to add the spinach to the sauce, we recommend pressing it well in the colander first. Spinach, especially frozen, chopped spinach, holds onto a lot of water, and it lends the sauce a funky green tint if you skip the pressing step.

When the sauce is well combined, add the sausage back in and turn it a few times to ensure it's coated in sauce. Serve over the egg noodles.


Thank you for joining us in making this delightful smoked sausage and egg noodle recipe. We love how it combines ease and flavor, making it perfect for busy families and cozy dinners alike. As always, feel free to customize it to suit your taste buds and family's preferences. We believe that the best meals are those shared with loved ones, and we hope this dish adds a touch of joy and warmth to your gatherings. And remember, if your kitchen appliances need a little TLC to keep your culinary adventures running smoothly, don't hesitate to call Appliance Rescue Service. Happy eating, and remember—every great meal starts with a little love and a lot of heart!


Take Care Of Your Appliances Today

Call Us: (214) 599-0055



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Limewash Magic: Bringing Old-World Charm to Modern Homes

Exploring the Origins of Limewash: From Ancient Techniques to Contemporary Appeal

If you open a home magazine, many will show off walls with a light, textured watercolor look to them. If you're like us and immediately HAD to know what it was and how to get it, you're in luck. This week, we're diving into the world of limewash—exploring its rich history, the unique qualities that set it apart, and how you can use it to transform your own home. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic, old-world charm or a sleek, modern finish, limewash offers a versatile and eco-friendly solution that’s gaining popularity among homeowners and designers alike. Let's discover the magic of limewash and how it can elevate the beauty of your living spaces.




What is Limewash?

Limewash is a wall finish similar to but different from paint in many ways. Rather than being plastic-based, limewash is made of limestone that has been crushed and burned before being mixed with water and pigments. If you were to open up a can of limewash, it looks more similar to putty than paint as we're used to it. When it goes on your walls and has dried, it looks chalky but has a soft feel. It also doesn't have a shiny look but instead is very matte.

This mixture was originally used as a way to both protect and lighten the look of stone and timber. These days limewash is very much associated with an old-world look that you would find in Europe or South America.

Where does it come from?

Limewash has been used for centuries to protect buildings from the elements while making them even more beautiful. It offered a unique finish that would hold up for at least a decade and was environmentally friendly in both its creation and its use.

Courtesy of Lowes

Limewash can be seen to have been used as far back as Egypt, Greece and Rome. It was a wash that allowed buildings to be protected from wind and rain while still allowing them to breathe. Additionally, limewash is anti-bacterial and acts as an insecticide against both woodworms and death-watch beetles. It also has fireproofing qualities, a fact which was written into law after a disastrous fire in England in 1212. At that point, all buildings along the Thames be they made of wood or stone, had to be limewashed.

As time passed limewash became as much an aesthetic look as it was a preventative measure. Because of the putty-like texture while still wet, it can be used to create all sorts of textures and effects.

So where do we get limewash?

Courtesy of Lowes

We start by burning limestone in a kiln burning off the carbon dioxide, and leaving something called quick lime. This would then be added to water to create a putty. After that the putty has to be aged in order for everything to combine together properly. It's only after this aging process that it can be thinned out again with water in order to create the soft almost watercolor look on your walls.

In older methods, limewash is only available in white, which is natural for limestone, or in shades of gray, taupe, and brown which is where the natural pigments come in. These days, it is possible to achieve blues, greens and even yellows and pinks. Keep in mind though that the process is difficult and it is currently difficult to find these colors.

Unlike most barrier paints in the modern age, limewash sinks into the surface that it's painted on and becomes part of the material. The exception to this is newer cement pours and gypsum plaster. Both of these are non-porous and the limewash can't sink into the material.

Why does it help today?

Courtesy of Lowes

As we mentioned in the last section, limewash has had many benefits throughout its long history. And with modern technology, we found even more. Limewash is a rare material that can be used both inside and out of the home, without danger to children or pets after it has safely dried. It also has a high pH level which means it's hypoallergenic. It resists odor, moisture, and fungus, in addition to the insects mentioned above.

It is easily removable for the first 5 days after being applied, which means that if you don't like it, you can take it off or change it. On the other hand, once it has dried, if it's been done properly, it typically won't flake, peel, or chip.

How to Use It

If you've decided that you like the look and you want to start painting, you'll need to gather up your tools. You'll need a primer as most drywall is not immediately ready to accept limewash. You'll also need a block brush and a brush that is at least 6 in wide. You'll also want a collection of rags for smoothing out or washing down the sections, a bucket to hold all of your rags, and a bucket of clean water. As always, a dropcloth will be invaluable. You can apply the limewash in three ways: a horizontal stroke, a vertical stroke, or what professionals call a cloud stroke. We think the cloud stroke gives the softest look.

Wet down your walls and apply the limewash in patches. Once you have it fully coated, use one of your rags to ‘wash’ the walls down, spreading the limewash. As you come against different patches, you can use the rags or your brushes to feather and blend sections.

Due to its flexibility, limewash can be used in any room of your home. Whether it's adding warmth in the living room, creating a quiet and serene bedroom, or making your kitchen even more cozy, there isn't a room where limewash won't fit in.

Are there alternatives?

Although we have been utterly swayed, if you find that limewash isn’t for you, there are alternatives. Roman clay is one of them and is similar in its application, by using a putty knife. It gives a smooth finish, that can be used to create the look of stone, marble or stucco, depending on your preference. Silicate paints work in the same way as a limewash, in that they soak into the substrate. These are also breathable and allow water vapor to exit the walls, similar to how limewash works.

Where to get it

Explore these trusted suppliers to find your perfect shade:

Are you inspired to try limewash in your home? Share your projects with us on our Facebook page—we love hearing from our readers!


 While we can't help with painting your kitchen, we can help with keeping your kitchen running. If you're doing a kitchen redo because your dishwasher flooded, we can help. Or if your oven sent up sparks, Appliance Rescue  Service are the people to call. We work with you to set a time and date that fits your schedule and your needs. We’ll send our best technicians to diagnose the problems and get your home running smoothly again. You can reach us by giving us a call at ((214) 599-0055), or by going to our website and starting a conversation.



Why Mice Invade Your Home and How to Stop Them

Protecting Your Home and Appliances from Mouse Damage

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of scurrying feet. You turn on the light, only to catch a glimpse of a tiny, furry invader darting behind your appliances. Mice can be more than just a nuisance; they can cause significant damage to your home and appliances. So, how do these pesky rodents find their way inside? What draws them in, and most importantly, how can you get rid of them for good? In this guide, we’ll delve into the sneaky ways mice infiltrate your home, where they like to hide, why they’re attracted to your space, and effective strategies to evict them once and for all.


Where Do Mice Enter Your Home?

Answer our first question, is in short, anywhere there's a hole. Mice can compress their bodies down to get through anything that is the size of a dime or larger. So this means holes and cracks in walls, floors, and foundations. They can also come in through gaps in your windows, or through drainage pipes. They have even been known to get in via entry holes around gas lines or electric lines that haven't been sealed properly. The worst case scenario in our opinion is when they get in from climbing up a tree and onto your roof. Because that is much harder for you as the homeowner to spot.









Common Hiding Spots: Where Mice Nest Indoors

Most of the time, mice come into your home during fall and winter. Sometimes though such as if you have a nice piece of land with lots of growing things, they'll start coming in as early as late spring when they have found plenty to eat and now they need places to nest and have all of their horrible little children. 






Once a colony enters your home and finds it safe, they aren't going back outside. They will raid anything and everything they can get their teeth into as food or bedding. This can of course lead to horrifying numbers of mice inside your home without you even being aware of it.






So where do you look? Where can you observe to try and confirm whether or not you have my spot yourself? 

Behind anything large such as kitchen cabinets, appliances, furniture that's not used all the time. These are great places to hide a mouse line, the past that they'll scurry along while moving from place to place. In addicts, basements, and crawl spaces are great places for nests when they're dry and warm. And so are around closets and fireplaces. 


Why Mice Invade Your House

Courtesy of domeckopol

You might have noticed right now that my son are much like you or I. They come looking for three things food, and a cozy place to sleep. 


Food left on counters or on the floor is a draw for mice. Whether this is in open containers, or cardboard boxes, or pet kibble bags, if it is left out you can bet that mice will be interested.  


Courtesy of Roland Kuck

Another reason mice come in is because unintentionally, you've left away in. This might be holes in your foundation or siding, all of the beautiful plants that are pressed up tight to the side of your house. Holes in Windows, or the frame of your doors, or in your attic. All of these are options that given half a chance they will take because inside your house there is a significantly smaller chance of them running into an owl or snake or just a particularly large and aggressive rat.

 
Effective Strategies to Get Rid of Mice

Now that we know where they're coming from, and why they're in your house, let's tackle the real question. How do you get rid of them? 


 The good news is that you can get rid of them. The bad news is that it's not easy. The problem is that there are so many mouse repellents and deterrence on the market not to mention myths perpetuated online, that it's hard to say what will and won't work without a lot of testing. 


Let's start off by tackling the things that won't work, and then we'll move into what should give you some hope.




DIY Methods That Don’t Work

Does soap keep mice away? 

No. As lovely as Irish springs soap May smell it's not going to kill the mice. Now a core ingredient in many soaps is animal fat and if they were to eat a large quantity of that the mice would die. The problem is that unless they are starving, mice won't eat enough of it to die. They will stop once they start feeling ill and they certainly aren't going to take it back to feed their colony in the extent that it would get rid of all of them.

 chow down on enough soap to be harmed.




Does bleach repel mice?

Does it repel mice? Yes, just like you, the strong smell of bleach is not pleasant for mice. And if you could somehow guarantee that the mouse would consume it, it wouldn in fact kill it. The problem is that the amount of bleach that you have to leave out it would be harmful to you and any children or pets within your home. So while this one would work, we don't advise as the risks outweigh the benefits.


What color do mice hate?

We are rather confused as to why this idea came about. Mice are colorblind, so it doesn't matter what color you paint your baseboards, it won't stop them. 


Does peppermint oil repel mice?

Peppermint oils and sprays are lovely if you want to make your home smell nice. Even at strong concentrations, they won't linger long enough to deter rodents.


Do mothballs keep mice away?

Mothballs are for moths, as they contain naphthalene. In large concentrations this can repel mice, but the amount needed a) hasn't been tested and b) would reach a level that would make your home inhospitable to you long before it made the rodents leave.  


If you’re trying to prevent rats or mice from entering your home or trying to get rid of a current rodent infestation, there are lots of suggestions for DIY and home remedies. However, many of these DIY rodent control treatments aren’t based on factual evidence.




Natural Mouse Repellents: What Really Works?

There are a variety of scents that mice hate, and can be useful for keeping mice out of your home. 

Some smells that mice hate include:

Pepper

Cinnamon

Citrus

Vinegar

While the list above contains some of the most effective scents that mice hate, there are many other scents that may also work. If you're looking for an at-home way to deter mice, you can try using one of these scents. Keep in mind that these may work for repelling mice before they get into your home, but there is no sign that they will help after you already have an infestation.




Do dryer sheets repel mice and keep them away?

Dryer sheets are like the list of strong scents. They provide a temporary deterrent, but they're only going to keep rodents from coming in, they won't drive them out. 




Setting Traps and Bait: Best Practices

If you want to catch and actually remove mice from your home, traps and bait are a place to start. Many professionals suggest setting traps and bait stations as a sort of ‘diagnostic’ throughout the year. This will let you know that they are finding a way in.  You can use any variety of traps you want, from catch-and-release traps to glue traps to bait stations. We will advise against poison traps indoors or out as indoors can be dangerous if you have children or pets and also lead to the mice dying inside the walls of your home, and outdoors can poison far more than just the mice you intend. 





Sealing Entry Points to Keep Mice Out

As we mentioned further up, mice and rats can compress their bodies to fit through a hole no larger than a dime. This means that it’s ridiculously easy for them to find entry points into your home through walls, your roof, even crawl spaces underneath. These tiny holes can be easy to miss, and require going over your home with a fine-toothed comb. Once you find them though, covering them over is relatively easy. Wire mesh or steel wool are good for covering the hole, and then you cover that with caulking or cement. (Don’t use expanding foam though, as they can and will chew through it.)  You will also want to carefully go over doors and windows, for any cracks and fill those as well. 





Landscaping Tips: Trim Shrubs and Bushes to Deter Mice

While lovely thick bushes and flowers are amazing to look at and add character to your home, they’re also a mouse’s best friend. They act as a protective pathway into your home, and cover from predators. You don’t need to get rid of them though, just keep them properly trimmed. 







Dealing with a mouse infestation can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can reclaim your home from these unwelcome guests. Remember, sealing entry points, maintaining a clean environment, and using effective traps are key steps to keeping mice at bay. While Appliance Rescue Service doesn't handle mouse removal, we understand the frustration and damage these pests can cause. If your appliances have suffered from a mouse invasion, don’t worry—we’re here to repair and restore them to perfect working order. Reach out to Appliance Rescue Service for all your appliance repair needs and let us help you get your home back to normal.

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Additional Reading

Household Hauntings: The Frightening Reality of Appliance Neglect

The Labyrinth of Limescale

Bugs of Summer: Fleas, Lice, Ticks and Bed Bugs