In this video, repairman Richie Isaacson shows host Kevin O’Connor how to maintain kitchen appliances.
Steps for maintaining appliances
- Be sure that the pull-out racks on a dishwasher don’t interfere with the spinning spray arms.
- Before starting the dishwasher, check to make sure that there isn’t any silverware blocking the spray arms.
- Don’t lay large pots or pans flat against the lower rack; they’ll block the water spray and prevent other items from getting washed.
- Turn on the hot water at the kitchen sink and wait until it runs hot, then turn it off and start the dishwasher.
- Be sure to use the appropriate dishwasher detergent, and fill both the prerinse compartment and main compartment. Shut the cover on the main compartment before closing the dishwasher door.
- Occasionally remove the filter from the bottom of the dishwasher and rinse it clean.
- Check the float switch inside the dishwasher to confirm that there’s nothing blocking it from moving up and down freely.
- If a drinking glass breaks inside the dishwasher, remove all bits of glass with a wet/dry vacuum.
- If water remains in the dishwasher after the cycle is completed, check for a partially clogged drain hose.
- To clean the refrigerator condenser, start by unplugging the refrigerator. Then use a condenser brush or a radiator brush to clean away all trapped dust and dirt. You could also use a vacuum to suck or blow the condenser clean.
- Use warm, soapy water and a sponge to occasionally wipe clean the rubber gasket (the door seal) on the inside of the refrigerator and freezer doors.
- Increase the airtightness of door seals by coating them with a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
- If the water line running to the ice maker is frequently clogged, solder on a copper T-fitting, add a ball valve, and replace plastic tubing with flexible copper tubing.
- If an electric range has a broken or burned-out heating element, unplug it and replace with a new heating element.
- After using the oven’s self-cleaning mode, wait for the oven to cool down, then vacuum or wipe clean the inside of the oven.
- Never use spray-on oven cleaner in a self-cleaning oven.
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