Consumers tend to neglect both the maintenance procedures and proper use of appliances, and this can compromise the safety of their operation. This can also lead to a decreased life expectancy. If you practice the care tips listed below, you can increase the safety of your home.

The temperature needs to be set to a reasonable level. We recommend that you keep the refrigerator at 35-40F and the freezer at 0-4F based on your preference. This will save energy costs low and keep the compressor in better working order.
At least 4 inches of space should be allowed on the sides of the whole refrigerator to allow for heat dissipation to work properly.
Keeping your freezer stocked well will help to keep your compressor from overworking and will keep energy costs down.
Your condenser coils need to be periodically cleaned to ensure the most efficient operation. This also prevents the compressor from overworking. Make sure to use a material that is non-abrasive to avoid damage to your refrigerator.
You should replace the water filter once per year to keep the water clean and to prevent clogs and leaks.
Make sure that the refrigerator is level. The door seal on a refrigerator will wear out quickly if it’s not placed on a level surface.
It would be best if you emptied your ice maker every few months to keep ice cubes from retaining old odors.
If your refrigerator has an odor, we recommend that you clear it with a 10:1 solution of vinegar and water. Remove all glass panes and shelves to clear them individually, then wipe the inside of your whole refrigerator.

The lint screen should be cleaned before loading to make sure the operation is efficient and safe.
Try not to overload your dryer — this keeps air from circulating properly.
You should check regularly to ensure that your dryer vent is not being obstructed. This will help to ensure efficient operation and can help prevent dryer fires.
Make sure your dryer vent pipe is made of aluminum instead of vinyl. The heat of modern dryers does not withstand a vinyl hose. If you have a vinyl hose, replace it as soon as possible.
The dryer hose should be as short as possible. Make sure that there are no kinks to help increase drying efficiency.
Every few years you should open the chassis of your dryer and clean out any lint that may have formed. Doing this will ensure safe operation for your dryer and can help prevent dryer fires.

Loose items in the pockets of clothing can cause damage to your appliance. Be sure to check before washing.
Specific instructions for washing can be read on clothing tags.
Make sure that your washing machine is on even ground. A washing machine that operates on uneven ground will lead to increased wear.
Ensure that you do not leave the door open when your washing machine is not being used. This will keep mold from growing. For mold problems, we suggest Affresh®.
Hot water cycles will cause discoloration of black and vibrant colors, so avoid washing colors with hot water.
We recommend that you change the hose of your washing machine every 5 years. Older hoses tend to leak and this can lead to your home being damaged by the water leaking.

Do not use abrasive cleaning products or metal pads when you clean a glass stove as this can lead to scratches.
Light bulbs within the oven are easily replaced. 40W bulbs are standard for ovens.
Depending on the strength of the glass, cast iron pans or stone cookware can lead to scratches.
Do not store heavy objects on the shelves of a glass top stove. A cracked glass stove top is one of the most common expensive repairs.

If your dishes have white film after leaving the dishwasher, this tends to be from hard water which cannot be resolved by most modern detergents according to EPA regulations on phosphates that are in dishwasher detergents. LemiShine® is a product we recommend to remove hard water deposits.
Excess debris should be removed prior to placing your dishes in the dishwasher. This will help prevent damage and clogs. Dishes don’t need to be completely clear, just free of most debris.
Do not use detergents that contain rinse aids if you also use standalone rinse aids.
Soft water is recommended for dishwashers. Use a water softener if you have hard water.
Make sure your dishwasher is on a level surface. A dishwasher that operates on a surface that is not level can cause leakage.
When dishes are being loaded, make sure the dishes are not in the way of the spray arm.
Buying large boxes of powder detergent may seem cost-efficient but these products have a short shelf-life and decrease greatly in effectiveness within a couple of weeks.

We’ll be glad to answer any questions about the proper operation of your appliance! Call us at (832)-744-2646 or contact us via e-mail.