Posting Date: July 17, 2014
Posted By: Steve Ferguson, Branch Manager and State Certified Contractor

Keep each of your appliances running at its best – and to keep more money in your wallet.

In a previous post we talked about how to keep your fridge, dishwasher, garbage disposal and microwave running better for longer. Now we turn to two other kitchen appliances – your cooktop and oven – then take a trip to the laundry room for some tips for your washer and dryer.

Cooktops

1. The flatter, the better

   On ceramic or glass- cooktops, avoid using skillets, pans and griddles with rounded edge bottoms; pans that sit flat on the cooktop will distribute heat more evenly and be more stable. Also avoid using cast iron or unfinished stoneware pans, which can scratch the cooktop surface.

2. Ban the plastic

   Before using a gas or ceramic cooktop for the first time, make sure you’ve removed all the packing plastic. Use caution with plastic utensils, too…if they melt on, they won’t come off easily.

3. Avoid sugar coating

   Clean sugar spills quickly: allow the cooktop to cool slightly and then, while wearing oven mitts, clean the cooktop while it’s still warm. Once sugary spills cool, they can cause pitting and permanent marks.

Ovens

1. Don’t get foiled

   When you use foil inside the oven to help keep it clean, keep it at least one inch from any electric heating element. The foil can reflect the heat back to the element, causing overheating and premature failure.

2. Water works

   To make cleaning your oven easier, put a bowl of water inside under high heat for 20 minutes before you begin – the steam will loosen dirt and grease. Wipe condensation away before using any cleaning product.

3. Glass heats best

   Glass and ceramic baking dishes cook food much more efficiently than metal pans. You can cook food just as quickly at a temperature 25 degrees cooler in a glass pan, saving energy.

Washing Machines

1. Break the mold

   Avoid mold and mildew by removing finished loads immediately and leaving the washer door ajar when the machine is empty. Clean out the washer door’s rubber seal periodically with water and vinegar – trapped hair and fabric will also encourage mildew build-up.

2. Keep a clean machine

   If your washer doesn’t have a self-cleaning cycle, pour distilled white vinegar instead of laundry detergent into the dispenser and add a cup of baking soda to the drum about once every month, running the machine on its hottest cycle. This will neutralize pH in the machine and scrub the interior.

3. Don’t get hosed

   Check your washing machine’s water hoses for signs of wear or weakness several times per year. If you find cracks or blistering, replace the hose. Damaged hoses can leak or burst, causing expensive flood damage. Most manufacturers recommend replacing hoses every five years.

Clothes Dryers

1. Short is sweet

   Shortening your dryer’s vent hose can reduce drying times by 20 percent or more, cutting down energy use and saving you time and money.

2. Air it out

   Drying clothes in a basket or on an indoor drying rack can cut drying time by 25 percent or more. If you don’t like air-dry stiffness, just put your clothes in the dryer with a dryer sheet for 2-3 minutes to soften them.

3. Throw in the towel

   If you need to dry wet clothes fast, toss in a clean, dry cotton towel with your load. The towel will soak up moisture, speeding your dry time (larger loads might need two towels).

In spite of your best efforts to minimize problems with your home appliances, breakdowns do happen. When you find yourself in need of an appliance repair, you can call in confidence knowing that Broward Factory Service repair experts are on their way. Our trucks are fully stocked for same-day service, and our technicians are factory- and company-trained to handle repair calls on all makes and models of:

• Refrigerators
• Ranges/Stoves
• Dishwashers
• Washing Machines
• Clothes Dryers
• …and much, much more!

With 35 years of experience and over 70,000 satisfied customers, you can rely on Broward to keep your home appliances running smoothly. Schedule an appointment today!