Spooky Sweet Halloween Brownies: A Fun Family Treat

Berry Cheesecake Swirls Add a Yummy Twist to Classic Halloween Brownies

The Halloween element of this recipe is purely optional and entirely based on the shape of the food... But being able to play around with festive shapes is the whole point of things like Christmas sugar cookies. Why not Halloween brownies? We vote to have a little bit of fun with it either way. 

This recipe can be a little messy, but embracing the mess before beginning allows you to enlist little helpers without any misconceptions about the kitchen staying clean.

Preheat the oven to 350, and line the half-sheet pan with a single sheet of parchment paper, leaving enough overlap to lift the cooked brownies out of the pan later on.

In the first mixing bowl, dump the box of brownie mix. We find it helpful to break up any clumps with a spoon before adding in wet ingredients, but if you plan to use an electric mixer, you can skip that step.

Add two eggs, a quarter cup of milk, a third of a cup of vegetable oil, and a third of a cup of unsweetened applesauce and mix until thoroughly incorporated. Be certain you're using unsweetened apple sauce and that it doesn't contain cinnamon - sweetened applesauce is far too much sugar for the already sweet brownie base, and cinnamon complicates the flavor profile.

Once your brownie batter is ready, pour it into the parchment-lined half-sheet pan. Use the back of a spoon to spread it around - or if you're feeling extra daring, tilt the pan until the brownie batter reaches the edges.

Drop the eight ounces of mixed berry flavored cream cheese into a second mixing bowl. We put the KitchenAid to work on this step. If the cream cheese spread is still very cold and not inclined to mix, wait for it to warm a few degrees. Inch it closer to the preheating oven if you need to, but don't let it melt.

Many grocery stores helpfully sell flavored cream cheese in seven-and-a-half or eight-ounce tubs. Try to avoid the whipped cream cheese spreads. They're much easier to mix into the cheesecake layer, but they don't set up quite right.

Add the vanilla extract and the remaining single egg to the cream cheese in the mixing bowl and stir well until it's all one consistency. This can take some elbow grease, which is part of the reason we used the stand mixer. Also, the mixer has an optional cover to prevent things like flour - or the powdered sugar coming in the next step - from getting all over the kitchen... which was the deciding factor. (We just learned we really hate trying to get powdered sugar off the edges of the window sill.)

Slowly add the cup of powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, stirring constantly. Try to avoid clumps of sugar, and be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you work.

Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cheesecake mixture onto your thin layer of brownie batter. As long as you're getting some to all sides of the pan, don't worry about uniformity - the messier, the better! After the cheesecake mixing bowl has been emptied, use a toothpick or skewer to marble the two batters together.

Set the pan on a middle rack in the oven for ten minutes. After the ten minutes are up, lower the temperature of the oven to 325 degrees and reset the timer for 30 more minutes. Use a toothpick to test for doneness before removing from the oven; the brownies may need another five minutes or so.

Remove them from the oven when done, and allow them to cool completely. The waiting is terrible, we know, but cutting into them too soon makes them fall apart.

Once you're sure they're cool, use the parchment to lift them from the pan. Use the cookie cutter to cut out your shapes, being careful to press around the edges instead of using your whole hand (the brownies may stick to your palm if given the chance).

We find it easiest to use a spatula to lift the cut brownies from the parchment to a platter, then break the discarded pieces into chunks and roll them up in the parchment to pour into a bag for storage. The broken brownie edges make fantastic ice cream toppings and milkshake mix-ins, so there's no sense in discarding them. ...If there are any left after the cutting process, at least. We find there is usually dramatically less than we thought we'd have. (The helpers are helping themselves while our backs are turned, we assume.)

We liked our little ghosts just as they turned out, but for extra fun, consider frosting them and adding themed sprinkles. You can also get creative with other shapes for any occasion—these brownies are versatile and perfect for any festivity!

Now that your kitchen is filled with the scent of fresh-baked brownies, here’s a little reminder: If you’ve noticed an appliance acting up while you were baking—whether it’s your oven, dishwasher, or anything in between—our team at Appliance Rescue Service is ready to help. From repairs to maintenance, we’ll have your home running smoothly again. Visit our website or give us a call, and we’ll be happy to assist!

Website:
Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading
Household Hauntings: The Frightening Reality of Appliance Neglect

Ladle Love: Wholesome Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Purple People Eater Pieces

Steps to Take When Your Appliance is Recalled

Protect your home by knowing what to do when an appliance poses a safety risk

Did you know that 50% of homes are likely to have at least one product that’s been part of a recall? Over the past five years alone, more than 15 million appliances have been recalled. That’s a staggering number! If you ever find yourself in this situation, knowing what to do next is essential—especially if the recall is related to a safety issue. Let’s walk through the steps you should take if an appliance in your home has been recalled.

Why Are Appliances Recalled?

courtesy of OpenClipart-Vectors.

Recalls usually happen for one of two reasons: either a design flaw prevents the appliance from working properly, or the defect makes the appliance downright dangerous to use. These issues could range from something as minor as a faulty part to something as serious as a fire risk. Once a recall is issued, the appliance in question can no longer be sold and should not be used until it’s been repaired, replaced, or refunded.

What’s the Impact of a Recall?

The impact depends on the nature of the recall. In some cases, it’s a minor fix. Other times, it’s a serious safety concern that requires you to stop using the appliance immediately. Either way, a recall can cause some disruption, but it’s always done with your safety in mind. Addressing it promptly could help prevent potential accidents in your home.

Who Handles Recalls?

There are six different agencies in the U.S. responsible for managing recalls, each overseeing different types of products:

1. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – The main agency for home appliances and general consumer products.

2. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Oversees food, drugs, and medical devices.

3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Handles motor vehicle safety.

4. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Regulates things like pesticides and hazardous chemicals.

5. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Manages recalls for meat, poultry, and eggs.

6. Coast Guard – Deals with boats and watercraft safety.

Courtesy of Cyber Rabbit.

As you can see, although they all handle ‘recalls’ only one of them deals specifically with home appliances. We point this out so that if you hear of a recall that isn’t coming from them, you should know to do more research. 

I Heard About a Recall—What Should I Do?

Let’s use a recent example: imagine you’ve just heard about a recall for Frigidaire appliances. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check the CPSC Website
   Head over to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website and look up the recall. You’ll need the model and serial number of your appliance to confirm whether it’s part of the recall. They will always tell you where you should look to find your model number. 

2. Contact the Manufacturer
   Once you’ve confirmed that your appliance is included, get in touch with the manufacturer. They’ll give you instructions on what to do next. Depending on the recall, they may offer you a repair, replacement, refund, or rebate.

3. Refund vs. Rebate: What’s the Difference?

• Refund: You get your money back.

• Rebate: You get a partial refund or credit toward another product from the same company.

4. Keep Detailed Records
   Be sure to document everything! This includes dates, names of people you speak to, reference numbers, and any communication you have with the manufacturer. Keeping track of these details will help you if any issues arise.

5. Discuss the Recall with Your Household
   It’s important to talk with everyone in the house about the recall. Here’s why:

• Awareness: Make sure everyone knows not to use the appliance.

• Assess the Risk: Decide whether the issue is minor or major based on your needs. A broken oven light might be one thing, but a fire hazard is another.

• Make a Plan: Depending on the situation, you may need to change your routine. This could be as simple as planning alternative meals while waiting on a repair, or keeping a close eye on the appliance if you continue to use it.

Courtesy of StockSnap

Prioritize Safety When Dealing with a Recalled Appliance

Once you’ve confirmed that your appliance is part of a recall, the most important step is to stop using it immediately. Even if the issue seems minor—like a malfunctioning light or a door that doesn’t seal properly—there could be hidden risks that aren’t immediately obvious. Unplug the appliance or turn off its circuit breaker to prevent any accidental use while you wait for the repair or replacement. Safety should always come first, especially when it involves risks like overheating, electrical malfunctions, or potential fire hazards.

While waiting for a solution, consider the impact of the recalled appliance on your household. For example, if the issue is with your refrigerator or oven, you’ll need to find safe alternatives for storing food or preparing meals until the appliance is fixed. In cases where the recall affects something more critical, like a washing machine with a potential water leak, it’s essential to prevent further damage by keeping the appliance unplugged and notifying all household members about the issue.

Finally, take extra precautions if the appliance is located in a high-traffic area or is used frequently. If the recall notice mentions fire risks or electrical hazards, make sure the area around the appliance is clear of any flammable materials. Stay vigilant and check for any additional signs of malfunction, such as strange smells, sparks, or unusual noises. Acting swiftly and staying informed are the best ways to protect your home and loved ones while you wait for the manufacturer to address the issue.

Be Proactive: Register Your Appliances

Even if none of your current appliances are on recall, it’s a good idea to register them now. That way, if something does come up, you’ll be notified right away. Registering appliances takes just a few minutes but can save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.

Appliance recalls can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps will ensure your home stays safe. While Appliance Rescue Service doesn’t handle recalls directly, we’re here to help keep your appliances running smoothly. Whether it’s routine maintenance or handling repairs after a recall, our technicians are just a call or click away. Visit our website to schedule an appointment or give us a call if you need assistance with your appliances.

Website
Call ((214) 599-0055) 

Examples of Appliance Recalls

• Maytag Dishwasher Recall (2010): Maytag recalled over 1.7 million dishwashers after discovering that the heating element could overheat and pose a fire risk.

• Frigidaire Stove Recall (2023): A recall was issued for certain Frigidaire stove models due to a malfunction that caused ovens to overheat, creating a potential fire hazard.

• Whirlpool Wall Ovens Recall (2016): Whirlpool recalled certain models of its wall ovens due to the potential for the oven racks to fall when they were in use. While this didn’t pose a fire hazard, it could cause burns or injuries from hot dishes falling. The recall was minor, involving a fix to adjust the placement of the racks.

Additional Reading
Navigating the Frigidaire Refrigerator Recall

Kitchen Safety 101: Protecting Your Little Ones at Home
Kitchen Hazards Unveiled

Troubleshoot Your Home Bar Appliances and Keep the Drinks Flowing

Common issues with ice makers, wine coolers, and kegerators—and how to fix them.

Having a well-functioning home bar makes hosting gatherings a breeze. Whether you're chilling wine, trying out your newest cocktail idea, or pouring a pint for friends, everything runs smoothly—until it doesn't. Just like any appliance, things can go wrong. Luckily, most common issues aren't too difficult to troubleshoot. Whether your wine cooler isn't cooling, your kegerator is daring to serve foamy beer, or your ice maker isn’t making ice, we’re here to walk you through what might be the problem.

In this guide, we'll cover some of the most common issues and troubleshooting tips for three home bar favorites: wine coolers, ice makers, and kegerators. Remember, before diving into any major repairs, it’s always a good idea to check your appliance’s warranty. Let’s get started!

General Troubleshooting Tips for All Home Bar Appliances

Before we dive into specific fixes, here are some general troubleshooting steps that apply to all home bar appliances:

• Check Power Supply: Make sure your appliance is plugged in and the outlet is working. If you’re unsure, try plugging it into another outlet or resetting the circuit breaker.

• Inspect Electrical Cords: Look for frayed or damaged cords that could be causing intermittent power issues.

• Read the User Manual: Sometimes, the solution is hiding in plain sight! User manuals often have troubleshooting steps and maintenance tips.

• Keep It Clean: Dust, dirt, and debris can cause malfunctions. Regular cleaning can prevent a host of issues.

Wine Cooler Troubleshooting

Compressor Not Running
The compressor is the heart of your wine cooler—and if it’s not running, neither is your cooler. If the temperature is all over the place, it could mean the compressor isn’t doing its job. It’s responsible for circulating refrigerant and pulling heat out of the unit.

How to Fix: First, unplug the cooler and give it a few minutes to cool off (pun intended). After about 5 to 10 minutes, plug it back in and listen for any buzzing or humming—those are good signs that your compressor is working. If you don’t hear anything, or if your cooler’s suddenly louder than when it was new, you might have a compressor problem on your hands.

Overheating Compressor
If your compressor’s hotter than usual (we’re talking “ouch” levels), it might be on the verge of shutting down. Excessive heat can bring everything to a halt, so it’s worth checking on.

How to Fix: Carefully touch the compressor and see if it’s extremely hot. If it’s too hot to touch, clean the condenser coils with a coil brush or vacuum. Also, check the fan near the compressor. If it’s not running, the fan may need to be replaced. In rare cases, adding refrigerant oil might be necessary—but that’s definitely a job for a professional.

Courtesy of Newair

Dirty Evaporator Fan
Noticing warm spots in your wine cooler? That’s often a sign of a dirty evaporator fan. The fan keeps cool air flowing evenly, so if it’s clogged with dust or grime, things won’t chill the way they should. And nobody wants warm wine!

How to Fix: Unplug the fridge and clean the fan blades with a soft brush or cloth. If that doesn’t restore airflow, the fan might need to be replaced. At that point, check your warranty and consider reaching out to a professional.

Malfunctioning Thermostat
A faulty thermostat can cause your cooler to cool unevenly. This can happen due to wiring problems, sensor failures, or just plain old age.

How to Fix: Use a thermometer to compare the actual temperature inside the fridge to the setting on the thermostat. If there’s a difference, recalibrating or replacing the thermostat might be necessary. Since this can be tricky, it’s usually best to call a pro.

Ice Maker Troubleshooting

An ice maker is essential for most homes, and especially for home bars. But if it stops working, you’ll want to get it back in action fast.

Ice Maker Not Producing Ice
If your ice maker isn’t producing ice, it could be an electrical issue, a clogged water line, or even frozen components.

How to Fix: Start with the basics—make sure the ice maker is plugged in and the outlet works. Then, check the water line for blockages or kinks. If the line’s frozen, try defrosting it by turning off the machine or using a hair dryer on a low setting. If that doesn’t help, the water inlet valve might need replacing.

Clogged Condensers
Just like your fridge, your ice maker has condenser coils. If these are dirty, it can slow ice production or stop it altogether.

How to Fix: Locate the condenser coils (usually at the back or bottom of the machine) and clean them with a brush or vacuum. It’s a good idea to do this every six months to keep things running smoothly.

Courtesy of Kissair

Noisy Ice Maker
Is your ice maker getting a bit too loud? It could be vibrating or sitting on an uneven surface.

How to Fix: Grab a level and check if the machine is sitting evenly. Make sure all four corners are secure and resting on a flat surface. Then, give the drip cap and other parts a quick once-over to make sure everything’s tightened. A little noise is normal, just like with your fridge, but if it gets too loud, it’s worth checking the fan.

Ice Tastes Bad
No one wants ice that tastes off. If your ice has a strange flavor, it’s probably due to a dirty water filter or buildup inside the machine.

How to Fix: Replace the water filter if it hasn’t been changed in a while. Most filters need changing every six months or so. Also, clean the machine’s interior with a manufacturer-recommended solution to get rid of any buildup.

Kegerator Troubleshooting

A kegerator is a great way to serve beer on tap, but when it’s not working right, it can be a real headache—especially if you’re hosting guests. Thankfully, most issues are easy to fix.

Cloudy Beer
Cloudy beer usually means the temperature is too low or the beer lines are dirty.

How to Fix: Raise the kegerator’s temperature to at least 36°F and make sure the lines are clean. Regular cleaning after every keg change is key to a good pour.

Flat Beer
Flat beer is often caused by improper pouring, dirty glasses, or a lack of CO2.

How to Fix: Make sure you’re pouring with a quick, steady pull on the tap. Check your glassware—greasy or soapy residue can kill carbonation, so clean glasses thoroughly. Lastly, ensure the CO2 tank is full and set the pressure between 10-12 PSI for most beers.

Courtesy of EdgeStar

Foamy Beer
Nobody likes a glass full of foam. Over-carbonation and warm beer lines are usually the main culprits behind that frothy pour.

How to Fix: Try lowering the CO2 pressure a bit and make sure your beer lines are staying cold. If the lines leave the fridge section, you might need a tower cooler to keep them chilled. Also, check for any kinks or blockages in the lines—they can mess with the flow and leave you with a glass full of foam.

No Beer Flow
If your kegerator has stopped dispensing beer entirely, you could be dealing with a gas leak, a blockage, or an empty CO2 tank.

How to Fix: Check if the CO2 tank is empty or if the gas regulator is faulty. If everything seems fine, inspect the beer line for blockages, especially if you’ve dry-hopped the beer in the keg.

When to Call a Professional

While you can handle many home bar appliance issues on your own, sometimes it’s best to call in the pros. Appliance Rescue Service specializes in ice maker repairs, making sure your setup is always party-ready. From strange noises to no ice at all, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help. We don’t handle kegerators or wine coolers, but when it comes to ice makers, you can count on our technicians to get the job done. Give us a call, and we’ll keep your home running smoothly with plenty of ice to go around!

Website

Call ((214) 599-0055)

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

The Labyrinth of Limescale

7 Most Common Issues With Your Ice Maker & Their Causes

Halloween Drunken Noodles: Perfect for Chilly Nights

 Get cozy this fall with a simple and delicious sausage pasta meal, featuring Halloween-themed pasta!

Although the only thing particularly festive about this recipe is the shape of the pasta, it's most assuredly a warm, comforting, carb-heavy meal great for cooler weather. It's a go-to, quick recipe that frequently appears on our table every fall and winter.

We saw adorable tricolor Halloween shaped pasta at Aldi and just had to make this. It's not even cool here yet - the thermometer reads 82 degrees as we write this, and was pushing 90 last night when this dish reached the table - but it is October, and that means spooky season is in full swing under this particular roof. The neighbors have already complained about our skeleton lawn flamingoes.

Anyway, back to the reason you're actually here - the food.

Tools:

Knife

Cutting board

Measuring cups and spoons

Can opener

Large, heavy-bottomed pan or stock pot with lid

Slotted spoon

Ingredients:

+/- 1 pound pasta of choice

3 1/2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup alcohol of choice (vodka or white wine recommended)

1/2 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot)

1 yellow bell pepper

1 orange bell pepper

1 shallot

1 28-ounce can crushed tomato

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 tablespoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

black pepper and crushed red pepper to taste

Although the only thing particularly festive about this recipe is the shape of the pasta, it's most assuredly a warm, comforting, carb-heavy meal great for cooler weather. It's a go-to, quick recipe that frequently appears on our table every fall and winter.

We saw adorable tricolor Halloween shaped pasta at Aldi and just had to make this. It's not even cool here yet - the thermometer reads 82 degrees as we write this, and was pushing 90 last night when this dish reached the table - but it is October, and that means spooky season is in full swing under this particular roof. The neighbors have already complained about our skeleton lawn flamingoes.

Anyway, back to the reason you're actually here - the food.

Before doing anything else (you already know what we're going to say) - wash your produce!

Dice your peppers and shallot to desired size, but leave them on the cutting board for now.

Place your pan on a burner and turn the heat up to medium. Add your olive oil to the pan and allow it to heat up for a minute, then add the minced garlic and the black pepper. You may think this looks like a lot of garlic. We feel it is barely enough. Adjust to your own liking as necessary. Let the garlic and pepper cook until fragrant.

Add in your Italian sausage, crumble it and let it brown. Be momentarily awed at how little fat it lets off, side-eye the colander or similar implement you had out despite it not being in the list of tools, and put it back where it belongs. Open the can of crushed tomato while you wait for the sausage to finish browning.

Add the oregano, basil, parsley and onion powder and sugar to the pan. Sprinkle in a little crushed red pepper if your family is spice tolerant; otherwise save it to add to your own plate later. Give everything a good stir, then add in the peppers, shallot and whole can of crushed tomato. Stir again. Cover the pan and reduce the heat by half. If you have a stubbornly hot electric burner (we do) that HATES to drop even a degree, remove it from the heat entirely while you wait for the burner to cool down, or shift it to another burner that has been set where you want it. Letting it sit on a too-hot burner will scorch the sausage to the bottom of the pan and make cleanup much more demanding.

Wait a couple minutes until you see the tomato start to bubble, but don't bring it up to full boil... mostly because boiling tomato sauce makes a BIG mess.

Tear into the box or bag of pasta you plan to use. We paused a minute to move some of the pasta to a dish in order to show off the cute shapes - owls and pumpkins and witches and bats and spiders! - in a photo for you. You probably have no reason to waste time or energy on that step, but do what makes you happy. Dump the pasta into the pan.

Measure your alcohol (we used white cooking wine because we rarely keep anything else on hand, but vodka would be fantastic if you have it around) and pour it into the pan. Measure your chicken broth in the same measuring cup, then add it, too.

Keeping the heat no higher than medium, allow the pasta to simmer uncovered in the tomato/broth/booze mixture for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta has reached the desired tenderness level.

Definitely enjoy with garlic bread if at all possible.

As you enjoy this delicious meal, spend a minute thinking about your stove. All of this was done with just one pot but there were a few steps that could go wrong if your stove isn't functioning properly. Whether you have a gas or an electric stove, it is vital to your cooking for it to function properly. You know that and so do we. So if you have started noticing that maybe your food is coming out burnt more often, or burners are staying on for too long, you might want to call in the professionals. 

Some electric stoves, like ours, just stay hot longer. It's part of the way that they're constructed and the reason why professionals love gas stoves so much. But if you know something is wrong with yours or if you know that it is staying hotter for far longer than it should, we can help. You can reach out to appliance rescue service via our website link below, or by giving us a call. We will work with you to find a time and date that fits your schedule and send our technicians to diagnose the problem. Whatever the problem, we are here to help.

Website

Call  (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Halloween Horrors In Your Home? 

Pumpkin Soup From Picking to Serving 

Harvest Bliss: Cranberry Pumpkin Nut Bread

Laundry 101: Extend the Life of Your Washer with These Tips

Avoid wear and tear on your appliances with these laundry tips.

Laundry might seem routine, but small habits can have a big impact—not just on your clothes but on the longevity of your washer, too. Over time, forgotten pockets, detergent overload, and oversized loads can wear down your machine. With these simple laundry tips, you’ll not only keep your clothes in great shape but also help your washer run smoothly for years to come. Let’s go over some easy steps to make both your laundry and appliance maintenance a breeze.

Laundry Tips

While we always think we know exactly what to do when doing laundry, it helps to cover the basics. Sometimes, we forget or just don't think about one or two steps because there are so many other things we have to do. So, let's brush over these quickly just to cover our bases.

Empty Every Pocket

Courtesy of RDNE Stock project

Leaving different items in your pockets can damage your clothes and your washer. Papers with ink or paint on them can end up dyeing clothing, and metal items like keys and nuts can damage the interior of your washer. So, before running anything through, make sure to turn pockets inside out. A fun tip if you have children is to put a change jar in the laundry room, and any change left in the pockets can then be used toward something fun for the family. This is especially useful if you have someone who always leaves loose change in their pockets before laundry day.

Limit the Detergent

No matter how many times we do it, there's always some part of our brain that thinks "more detergent equals more clean!" Sadly, that's not really the case. In reality, it just means you're creating more suds in the washer, which can cause a second rinse to be needed or make the washer work harder.

Limit the Load Size—Not Too Big or Too Small

This one is tricky. On the one hand, you don't want your load to be too small because then the sensors don't work quite right, and the computer brain of the washer essentially gets confused. So, throw in an extra towel or two if all you're trying to wash is one or two things.

Courtesy of Anna Shvets

On the other hand, you don't want the load to be too large. As we've covered in a different post, making continually oversized loads will cause your washer to run down its motor much faster than normal.

Wash Bras Carefully

Just like leaving keys or other metal parts in your pockets can be dangerous to the washer, bras can be too. If the bra gives out and the underwire starts poking out during the wash, it can damage the inside of your washer. To avoid this, always wash your bras on delicate and inside a lingerie bag.

Maintenance Tips

Make Sure It’s Level

Whether you’ve just purchased your first washer or you’re doing a checkup, start by making sure that it's level. Not only does this keep your laundry from destabilizing the washer during a cycle, but it also ensures that the water level inside the washer is accurate.

Check the Water-Fill Hoses

Courtesy of Ketut Subiyanto

Take a minute or two once a month to go over your water-fill hoses. Make sure they're connected properly and that they are not becoming brittle or cracked. When these start showing damage, it's time to replace them ASAP before you end up with a leak.

Descale Regularly

Just like the hoses, check once a month. All it takes is one load of vinegar to descale your washer. Not only will this prevent buildup in spots like your hoses or other nooks and crannies, but it also keeps the washer fresh and prevents any gross smells.

Think Ahead

Courtesy of Bia Sousa

If you're looking to move at some point, either find or get hold of the moving bolts for your washer. Having those keeps your washer from being damaged in transit, and once you get to your new house, you can have them removed and save them for the next time. If you've recently purchased a new washer, you can do that when it's delivered. Put them all in a labeled bag together and toss them in the junk drawer. Eventually, you'll use them.

Remove Any Lint

This one always comes up, and it should because of the dangers it poses to both your washer and dryer. Remove lint buildup. We talk about it more often with the dryer because it can catch fire, but lint buildup in your washer can just as easily cause damage—in this case, flooding. It's not common because it takes a lot of lint buildup, and normally your washer will have issues before that point with standing water. But it can happen. To that end, just as you would with your dryer, regularly take a washcloth, sweep through everything, check the seals and other nooks, and get rid of the lint. Three minutes and you're done.

With just a few small adjustments to your laundry routine, you can extend the life of both your clothes and your washer. By paying attention to things like detergent amounts, load sizes, and regular maintenance, you’ll save yourself from costly repairs down the road. But if your washer ever does need a little extra care, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. Whether it’s a quick fix or a full repair, we’ll keep your appliances running smoothly so you can focus on everything else. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our website or give us a call, and we’ll work with you to find a date and time that fits your needs. At Appliance Rescue Service, our number one priority is making sure your home is running smoothly again.

Website
Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading
How to Keep Your Washing Machine Running Smoothly

Household Hauntings: The Frightening Reality of Appliance Neglect

The Labyrinth of Limescale