Talking About Appliance Repairs

Posted on: 11 February 2016

Not only do appliances serve basic functions such as cooking, cleaning, and storage, but they also encompass part of your home's value. Due to the importance of these appliances, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential. Cleaning your stove and microwave may be priorities, but you must also focus on your refrigerator and ice maker. Considering that repairing your refrigerator make take 2 to 3 hours of labor plus the cost of parts, maintaining this appliance is key to avoiding expensive repairs. Using this guide, you will be able to clean and maintain your refrigerator and installed ice maker, which will prolong the lifespan of these expensive appliances.

Interior

You may already wipe down the interior of your refrigerator periodically, but preventing your food from contamination requires the right cleaning solutions. To get started cleaning your fridge, remove all food items from the refrigerator and freezer. Place in a cooler or on top of your counter. Be sure to dispose of any expired items.

In a spray bottle, combine the following:

• 2 cups of warm water
• 2 cups of white vinegar

Shake the bottle to mix before dousing the inside of your appliance. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before wiping down with a damp microfiber cloth. Use a second cloth to dry the interior.

The vinegar solution will remove visible food particles and residue while killing bacteria that may be lingering inside the appliance.

Ice Maker

After cleaning the interior of your refrigerator and freezer, spend some time on the ice maker's dispenser. In side-by-side or French door models, the ice maker dispenser is located on the front of the door. After the ice maker makes the ice, it is dispensed through this part of your refrigerator.

During this ice-making and dispensing process, the ice maker, water lines, and actual dispenser may become dirty and contaminated, so cleaning the entire system is important. Use the following steps to address issues with your ice maker and dispenser:

1. Use an ice pick to break apart and remove old ice and frost from around the dispenser unit.
2. Spray the above vinegar solution on a towel or microfiber cloth before washing the dispenser opening and surrounding areas.
3. If you notice the dispenser is dripping or excessively moist with condensation, you may have air bubbles inside the ice maker's water line. To alleviate the air, fill up numerous bowls and cups with water from the dispenser. This continuous dispensing of water through the system will decrease air pressure in the lines, releasing the air bubbles to stop the dripping.

Ice Maker Issues

While cleaning your refrigerator, freezer, and dispenser, you may notice some issues with your ice. Fortunately, repairing these issues is simple using a few troubleshooting tips.

If your ice has an unappealing taste or odor, you may need to replace the ice maker's filter. Consult the manufacturer manual for the recommendation timeframe to replace the system's filter. However, a bad flavor and foul smell are sure signs you need a new filter.

Ice should be almost perfectly clear. Unfortunately, dirt and debris may form into your ice cubes, creating specks and spots. If you notice these imperfections, clean your ice bin thoroughly to remove any foreign debris that may dispense out into your glass or cup.

Discolored ice is also an issue. A yellow or brownish tint in your ice is a sign that you have an issue with your water supply. You may have an issue with water quality, so unhook your ice maker immediately and consult a plumber or appliance specialist.

Cleaning your refrigerator and ice maker may not seem like an important part of home maintenance, but it can reduce the risk of expensive repairs and replacements. Using these tips, you can clean, maintain, and protect this important appliance. To tackle big problems, contact a company like ASAP Appliance Repair, Inc.