I’ve been an appliance repairman for almost 30 years, and I’ve seen a lot of things in that time. I’ve seen toilets overflow, dishwashers flood homes, and washing machines that have spun out of control.
But what amazes me most is how often people waste their money on repairs when they could be saving it by tackling the problem themselves.
So today we’re going to take a look at some simple DIY fixes that will help save you money and keep your appliances running better than ever!
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| – Many common household appliance issues can be fixed easily with a little bit of know-how and basic tools. |
| – DIY appliance repairs can save you money on repair costs and professional services. |
| – Regular maintenance can prevent common appliance issues from arising and help extend the life of your appliances. |
| – If you’re unsure about a repair, it’s best to call a professional repair person to avoid potential safety hazards. |
| – Upgrading to more energy-efficient appliances can save you money on utility bills in the long run. |
1. Give Your Washing Machine A Quick Clean
Run water through the machine to flush out any mold that may have built up inside. After, use a cleaning product designed for washing machines and run a cycle with hot water to clean the tub.
Next, rinse out your machine with cold water until it cools off again (this will help prevent mold growth).
Finally, take a toothbrush to clean out your filter screen this is often overlooked but important! Now you’re ready to put some vinegar/baking soda in there next time you do laundry.
- Clean Out Your Refrigerator’s Condenser Coil With Vinegar:
You can find this at the back of your fridge near where its power cord connects into wall or floor outlet.”
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2. Clean Your Coffee Maker’s Carafe With Vinegar
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a love-hate relationship with your coffee maker. I love that it can make me a cup of caffeinated goodness in just a few minutes but I hate how much time and money goes into buying filters and electricity to make it work.
Fortunately for us both, there is one way to save yourself some cash and help your coffee maker last longer: cleaning the carafe with vinegar!
All you need is white vinegar, which will get rid of any leftover gunk from your morning cup o’ joe. Simply fill up the carafe with white vinegar and let it sit for about an hour (you should also turn off the brewer).
After an hour has passed, rinse off the inside of the carafe with water before drying it with a clean cloth or paper towel
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3. Clean Your Dishwasher Filters To Improve Drainage
You can clean your dishwasher filters once a month to help prevent clogs. The easiest way to do this is by using white vinegar and baking soda to scrub the filter.
If you don’t have time for that, simply use hot water and soap but make sure you don’t soak it for long as that can weaken the plastic of the filter itself.
If you’re not cleaning your filters regularly, it could lead to drainage problems in your machine. So if you’re noticing that dishes aren’t getting cleaned as well or water isn’t draining properly from inside the appliance, check out those filters and clean ‘em up!
| Brand | Filter Location | Cleaning Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch | Bottom of the machine | Remove the bottom rack, remove the cylindrical filter, clean it under running water, and replace it |
| KitchenAid | Bottom of the machine | Remove the bottom rack, remove the filter, clean it with a soft brush and running water, and replace it |
| Samsung | Bottom of the machine | Remove the bottom rack, unscrew the filter cap, remove the filter, clean it with a soft brush and running water, and replace it |
| Whirlpool | Bottom of the machine | Remove the bottom rack, remove the filter, clean it with a soft brush and running water, and replace it |
| GE | Bottom of the machine | Remove the bottom rack, remove the filter, clean it with a soft brush and running water, and replace it |
This table provides a guide for cleaning the filter in some popular dishwasher brands. Regularly cleaning the filter can help improve drainage, prevent clogs, and ensure proper functioning of the dishwasher. The location of the filter and the cleaning procedure may vary based on the brand and model of the dishwasher.
4. Use Ice Cubes To Get Rid Of Your Microwave Smells
If you’re like most people, you probably use your microwave for everything from reheating leftovers to making popcorn.
Unfortunately, that means it can start to smell a little funky after a while, a problem that’s especially common if you’ve cooked something with garlic in it or if you’ve made an entire meal of leftovers from some takeout place.
Luckily, there’s a quick and easy way to get rid of those odors: fill up an ice cube tray with water and stick it in the center of your microwave for about five minutes.
The cool air will help eliminate any lingering smells without leaving behind any residue like cleaning products can sometimes do!
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5. Unclog Your Garbage Disposal With Vinegar And Baking Soda
It’s true: The solution to most of your kitchen drain problems can be found in your pantry. All you need is half a cup of baking soda and some vinegar, which will dissolve grease and clear up even the most stubborn clogs.
To get it done: Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup white vinegar in a glass and stir until they’re completely combined (use an old medicine bottle if you don’t have enough space).
Then pour the mixture down into your garbage disposal while running cold water at full blast and then let it sit there for 10 minutes before flushing out the rest of that delicious smell with more cold water.
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6. Unclog A Slow-Draining Dishwasher With Vinegar And Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda are two of the most natural and environmentally friendly cleaning agents you can find. They’re also safe for your plumbing system—and, if you haven’t yet tried this trick, they can even help unclog a slow-draining dishwasher!
Materials Needed:
- Dishwasher cleaner (optional)
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
7. Run Hot Water and Dish Soap Through The Dishwasher When Not In Use
Run hot water and dish soap through the dishwasher when not in use. This will clean the filters, which can get clogged over time if you don’t run this cleaning cycle occasionally.
Running this cycle once every few months will help keep your dishwasher running smoothly too! If you don’t have any dish soap, a cup of vinegar works just as well!
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8. Clean Your Washing Machine Filter Regularly To Keep It Running Smoothly
If you’re not sure what a washing machine filter looks like, it’s usually located in the front of your washer and is shaped like a square netting bag. The purpose of this filter is to catch any lint or other debris that may get into the machine while it’s running (which would cause damage to delicate parts).
To clean it: remove the filter from the machine and wash it with hot water and dish soap, then let it air dry completely before replacing it in your machine. Also make sure you regularly clean out any lint that may have accumulated in your lint trap—you’ll find this right behind where you insert clothes into your machine.
| Brand | Filter Location | Cleaning Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| LG | Bottom front of the machine | Twist the filter counterclockwise to remove it, clean it under running water, and replace it |
| Samsung | Front or back of the machine | Open the small cover to access the filter, remove it, clean it with a soft brush and running water, and replace it |
| Whirlpool | Bottom front of the machine | Open the filter cover, unscrew the filter, clean it with a soft brush and running water, and replace it |
| Bosch | Behind the kickplate at the bottom of the machine | Unscrew the filter, remove any debris, rinse it under running water, and replace it |
| Maytag | Bottom front of the machine | Open the filter cover, rotate the filter counterclockwise to remove it, clean it with a soft brush and running water, and replace it |
This table provides a guide for cleaning the filter in some popular washing machine brands. Regularly cleaning the filter can help keep the machine running smoothly, prevent clogs, and extend the life of the machine. The location of the filter and the cleaning procedure may vary based on the brand and model of the washing machine.
9. Try These Five Fixes For A Flooded Washing Machine
If you’ve checked all of the above and still can’t find the problem, then it may be time to clean your washing machine’s pump filter. This is a small piece that filters out lint from entering into the drum when it’s spinning.
It should be cleaned regularly for optimal performance; if you don’t clean it, lint will build up inside and cause issues with water flow.
To access this part, turn off your machine (you might want to turn off any electricity source), then remove its front panel using a screwdriver or wrench.
Now look at where the hoses connect on both sides of your washer: On one side there should be a circular white plastic piece; this is called an inlet valve assembly or “pump filter.”
Using pliers or another tool like them (like a wrench or screwdriver), pull this part out so that you can access its insides and clean them out with water and vinegar or other cleaning solution recommended by your manufacturer (eBay sells replacement parts like these).
10. Check This If Your Top-Loading Washing Machine Is Not Spinning Properly
If you have a top-loading washing machine that isn’t spinning properly, here are some things to check:
Lid switch. The lid switch is what tells the washer when to turn on and off. If this is broken or damaged, your machine won’t be able to spin. You can test this by moving the lid up and down manually while it’s running—if it stops spinning when you do that, then there’s no way for it to know when the lid has been opened or closed.
Lid lock assembly with motor coupler, belt and pulley (the motor coupler connects all of these together).
This assembly will determine whether or not your washing machine can spin without damaging other components such as bearings inside of it which could cause even more damage after time passes by without being fixed properly by professionals who specialize in appliance repair services such as those available at Appliance Repair Men –
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Lid switch | Broken or malfunctioning lid switch | Replace lid switch with a new one |
| Drive belt | Worn or broken drive belt | Replace drive belt with a new one |
| Drive pulley | Worn or damaged drive pulley | Replace drive pulley with a new one |
| Motor coupling | Broken or worn motor coupling | Replace motor coupling with a new one |
| Clutch assembly | Faulty clutch assembly | Replace clutch assembly with a new one |
This table provides a list of potential causes and solutions for a top-loading washing machine that is not spinning properly. Some common issues include a broken lid switch, worn drive belt or drive pulley, broken motor coupling, or a faulty clutch assembly.
By identifying the root cause of the problem, homeowners can purchase the necessary replacement parts and fix the issue themselves or call a professional for assistance.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many ways you can make your appliances last longer and save money. If you have any more tips, please share them in the comments below!
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about home appliance repair and money-saving tips, check out these additional resources:
The Ultimate Guide to Saving Money on Appliance Repair Services – This comprehensive guide provides tips and tricks for saving money on appliance repair, including hiring the right repair person and performing DIY repairs.
Time-Saving Hacks for Washer and Dryer Repairs for Busy Moms – This article is filled with practical tips for busy moms who need to keep their washing machines and dryers running smoothly, including troubleshooting common issues and performing basic maintenance.
Home Hacks to Save Money – From DIY repairs to energy efficiency, this article provides 40 money-saving tips for homeowners that will help you save money on home maintenance and repairs.
FAQs
How much does it cost to repair household appliances?
The cost of repairing household appliances depends on the problem and the type of appliance. In general, hiring a professional repair person can cost anywhere from $50 to $500, with most repairs falling between $100-$200. However, performing DIY repairs can significantly reduce the cost of repairs.
What are some common appliance issues that can be DIY repaired?
Some common appliance issues that can be easily repaired at home include leaks, clogs, broken parts, and electrical issues. With some basic tools and a little bit of know-how, homeowners can save money on repairs by performing these common repairs themselves.
How can I save money on appliance repair?
To save money on appliance repair, consider performing basic DIY repairs, conducting routine maintenance to prevent issues from arising, and getting multiple quotes from repair services to find the most affordable option.
When should I replace an appliance instead of repairing it?
If an appliance is old and constantly breaking down, or if the cost of repairs exceeds the cost of replacement, it may be time to replace the appliance. Additionally, if an appliance is no longer energy-efficient and is costing you more money in utility bills, it may be time to upgrade.
Are there any safety precautions I should take when repairing appliances?
Yes, safety is very important when repairing appliances. Always unplug the appliance before performing any repairs, wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves and goggles, and ensure that the area is well-lit and ventilated. If you are unsure about a repair, it is best to call a professional repair person to avoid any potential safety hazards.
Hello, everyone! My name is Hellen James and I’m the founder of Unified Fix. I’ve been a home improvement enthusiast for years, so when we started this blog, I knew that it was important to me that we shared our knowledge with you.