Maintenance Tips

Refrigerator Tips

If your refrigerator is not running or is not cold enough:
1. Turn the thermostat up to the next highest setting. If it comes on, let it run for 24 hours and check the temperature to confirm it is working properly.
2. Clear and/or remove anything blocking the airflow around the outside of the refrigerator (on top, underneath, behind, besides, in front of, etc.). Allow 3″ of clearance all the way around.
3. If there are condenser coils on the rear of the box, make sure the box is several inches from the wall and that nothing is on top at the rear, blocking the heat from coming off the coils.
4. If the condenser coils are underneath the refrigerator, clean the coils with a vacuum cleaner thoroughly at least twice a year.
5. Refrigerator coils located underneath the refrigerator should be cleaned annually.
6. Refrigerators that constantly run can indicate improper functioning due to low refrigerant levels, a dirty condenser coil, a malfunctioning seal, or improper airflow.

Dishwasher Tips

If the dishes are not getting clean:
1. Make sure the water is hot enough. It should be at least 140 degrees. If it is not hot enough, turn the hot water heater thermostat up to a higher setting.
2. Make sure the lower spray arm is unobstructed and turning freely.
3. Make sure the bottom inside the dishwasher is clean and free of debris.
4. Make sure you follow the proper loading procedures. Use the proper amount of detergent and make sure the detergent is fresh
5. Mold may grow in your dishwasher if you use it infrequently. The mold can be removed by using the normal dishwasher detergent and running the dishwasher, preferably without any dishes.

If the door isn’t closing:
1. Make sure the latch assembly is unrestricted and latching properly. Make sure nothing is blocking the door from opening and closing properly.

If the unit is leaking:
1. Make sure you follow the proper loading procedures, including the proper type and amounts of detergents. Run the unit through a cycle while empty – if it doesn’t leak, it’s probably a loading problem.
2. Make sure the racks are positioned properly.
3. Make sure the door is unrestricted around the opening.

Stove Tips

Electric – If your burners are not heating:
1. Make sure they are sitting straight in their proper positions.
Electric – If your oven is not heating:
1. Make sure the clock is set on the manual cycle and not the automatic time bake cycle.

Gas – If the top burners are not lit:
1. Wipe off the burner with a hot, damp rag and then dry completely.
Gas – If your oven is not heating:
1. Make sure the clock is set on the manual and not the automatic cycle.
2. Raise up to the top and keep the area clean and free of grease build-up.

Washer Tips

If machine is dead:
1. Make sure the lid is closed properly.
2. Make sure the timer and all of the controls are set properly.
3. Make sure both water faucets are turned on in proper positions.

Dryer Tips

If the clothes are not getting dry:
1. Make sure the dryer is not pushed back against the rear exhaust duct causing an airflow restriction.
2. Make sure the clothes are coming out of the washer spun damp dry. If the washer is not spinning the clothes damp dry, the dryer will not dry the clothes in a normal amount of time.
3. Turning your clothes inside out and using the delicate cycle can reduce the pilling effect on certain fabrics.
4. Cleaning the dryer filter before each load increases the efficiency of the machine and decreases the chance of fire.
5. Never overload the dryer.

Disposal Tips

If the unit jams/hums:
1. Turn the unit off. After turning the unit off, remove anything that has fallen into the grinding chamber.
2. Turn the unit off. After turning the unit off, insert an “unjamming” tool, (if originally supplied with your unit) into the bottom and turn clockwise. Once the tool turns freely, remove whatever was causing the jam.
3. If the unit is dead, press the red reset button located on the bottom of the disposal – if the unit begins to hum and the reset trips again, it is still jammed. Repeat steps #2 and #3.
4. Always run water in the sink when you operate the unit.

Freezer Tips

If the unit is not self-defrosting and the temperatures begin to rise:
1. Check the frost buildup on the inside of the freezer. If it is heavily frosted, manually defrost the freezer by turning it off at the thermostat. Unplug from the wall and allow 12 hours for the unit to defrost, with both doors open.

If the unit is not an automatic self-defrosting model:
1. Defrost the unit once a year or as often as needed. Follow the proper defrosting methods. DO NOT USE a knife, pick, hammer, chisel, screwdriver, etc., or any sharp object)