Cabinets | Carpet | Counter Tops | Dishwasher | Electric Coil Range | Electric Gas Top Range | Garbage Disposal | Gas Log Fireplace | Gas Range Oven | Hardwood Flooring | HVAC Heating and A/C | Laminate Flooring | Microwave | Plumbing | Refrigerator | Tile | Vinyl Flooring | Wood Burning Fireplace |
HOUSEHOLD TIPS, TRICKS & SOLUTIONS
COUNTER TOPS
• Always used a cutting board. You may not notice minor scratches at first, but over time they will dull the luster of even a hard ceramic tile finish.
• Wipe up spills promptly, especially those that are acidic.
• Natural stones are alkaline and acidic liquids will disfigure them.
• Some liquids, especially hot ones, will stain grout and plastic laminate.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners to prevent scratches.
• Never use cleaning products, waxes or polishes that are colored or tinted.
• Soapless cleaners are recommended for routine cleaning.
• Rinse thoroughly so residue won’t cause permanent damage.
• Set heavy objects down gently to avoid breaking or chipping counter tops.
CABINETS
Squeaky hinges can be lubricated with a tiny drop of lubricant or WD-40. Apply it to the top of the hinge and then open and close the door several times to work the oil into it. Wipe up any excess so it does not drip.
How to Fix a Door that Opens or Closes by Itself
• Remove the middle hinge pin
• Lay it on a flat surface that won’t be damaged, like a piece of scrap wood
• Use a hammer and tap the pin to put a slight bend in it
• Put the pin back in the door and test the door
DISHWASHER
Dishwasher will not turn on:
• Be sure the door is securely shut and the latch is fully engaged.
• Ensure the unit is plugged in and check your circuit breaker box to see if they are “tripped”. Reset the breaker if necessary.
• Check to see the proper buttons are selected for the cycle you have chosen and the “delay” cycle is not selected on your machine.
• Ensure the wall switch is in the “On” position (if applicable)
Dishes are not getting clean:
• Make sure there are no foreign objects in the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Make sure the dishwasher is loaded properly, do not overload.
• Adjust the dishes to ensure they do not obstruct the spray arms from fully spraying during cycles.
• Try switching dishwasher detergent.
• Use a rinse aid, like Jet-Dry substitute.
• Use a pipe cleaner or sewing needle to remove food particles or other debris from the spray arms’ small holes. This will keep the water flowing at its maximum rate.
(Never use a toothpick, as the tip can break off inside of the washer arm.)
There is a sewage smell coming from the dishwasher:
• Check the drain at the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Make sure the filter/screens are clean and there is no debris sitting at the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Make sure water has run (drains may be dry from no usage). Prime the dishwasher by adding 1-2 gallons of water to the inside of the machine and run the wash cycle.
• Check for moisture under the sink and near the dishwasher.
• If the drain line to the disposal is lying on the cabinet floor it can cause the dishwasher to not fully drain. This can cause disposal water to sit in the line.
ELECTRIC GLASS TOP RANGE
• If a heavy spill occurs and you can’t clean it right away, use a razor scraper to remove large food deposits.
• Apply a cooktop cleaner or baking soda mixture to get the cooked on food off (see below).
• Check for a blown fuse/breaker and reset if needed
How to Clean:
• Fill a bowl with hot water and add a little dish soap.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the stove top.
• Get a clean rag and immerse it in the bowl soapy water mixture.
• Lay the rag flat over the baking soda on the stove top, wait 15 minutes, then swirl the rag to gently rub the baking soda to clean off the cooked on food.
ELECTRIC COIL RANGE
Range Will not Turn On:
• Make sure the appliance is plugged in.
• Check for a blown fuse/breaker and reset if needed
One of the burners does not turn on:
• If there is power to the unit and it has electronic control, disconnect the power for 15-30 minutes then re-try.
• Unplug the burner and reinstall to a fully seated position to ensure it is securely plugged in.
GAS RANGE
IF YOU SMELL GAS, CALL THE GAS COMPANY! DO NOT TAMPER WITH GAS APPLIANCES!
Make sure the Gas is turned OFF!
• Stainless steel tops should be cleaned with heavy-duty degreaser and a non-abrasive pad.
• Take care not to use too much water when cleaning, especially around the knobs. If water drips down into the holes where the knob shafts come through, the burner switches can short out and cause problems with the spark ignition system.
OVEN
• Whenever you use the oven, it should be wiped clean of anything that overflows or spills.
• When you know there is a risk for overflow from the food you are cooking, place a piece of tin foil or an oven liner under the pan, at the bottom of the oven to catch any thing that may spill over.
Oven will not turn on:
• Check the bake element, a black tube near the bottom of the oven. Operating normally, the bake element will glow red hot. If it does not glow, the bake element may have burned out.
• Check the broil element, a black tube located at the top of the oven. If the broil element does not glow red hot, it’s possible it has burned out which can cause other components to short out.
MICROWAVE OVEN
• Ensure that you never place any substances in your microwave that have the potential to harm it. For example, don’t place metals, plastics or Styrofoam containers inside your microwave as these contain toxic chemicals which can potentially get into your food.
• When heating liquids, ensure that the liquid container is covered with a vented lid.
• Avoid spills inside the microwave. If your microwave does not feature a removable glass plate, then place the food item on a paper towel before heating.
• Wash your microwave regularly, using very mild detergents or the chemical free recipe below.
• Do not use any abrasive materials to clean your microwave.
How to clean the microwave:
• Place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside the microwave
• Run it at max power for 5-7 minute. The citrus will cut the grease and the water vapor breaks the dirt crust down.
• Once the microwave stops, just wipe it out.
GARBAGE DISPOSAL
• Turn on the cold water before starting the disposer. Drop food waste slowly into the unit. Let the water run a few seconds after the waste is disposed to allow it to flush away.
• Corn husks, celery, onion skins, rice, potato skins, artichoke leaves, olive pits, bones and solid or liquid grease may cause your disposer to jam or overload.
• Clean garbage disposal blades by grinding up ice cubes. Freshen the smell of the disposal with vinegar and citrus fruit rinds.
• Turn the power switch to “Off” before taking any action, should your disposer suddenly malfunction. DO NOT use your fingers to pull out clogged matter; use pliers or tongs.
• Clean your garbage disposal by making vinegar ice cubes to use weekly. This helps to eliminate bacteria which can cause odor. You could also, take a bottle brush and scrub inside the disposal. This small maintenance step will go a long way to keeping it fresh.
Motor will not work or turn on:
• Ensure the unit is plugged in.
• Check for a tripped circuit breaker and reset if needed.
• Ensure the unit is not jammed and push the reset button (usually located on the bottom of the unit) to restore power to the unit.
Disposal is making an unusual amount of noise:
• Unplug the disposal, use tongs or pliers to clear all items that are jamming the blades.
• Push the reset button to restore power to the unit and plug the unit back in.
• Toss a couple in the disposal once a week to keep it fresh.
REFRIGERATOR
• Replace ONLY with the same appliance type bulb already provided in the unit.
• Put a box of baking soda inside the refrigerator and one inside the freezer. This will absorb and eliminate a lot of odors.
PLUMBING
• If that doesn’t work, pour 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of salt down the drain. Let this mixture sit a few hours or overnight. Follow with at least 2 cups of boiling water.
Toilets
• Avoid putting any pressure against a tank by leaning back against the tank.
• Replace the flapper if it has become warped or damaged/not creating a good seal. If you cannot find an exact replacement for your model toilet, a universal brand flapper is adequate.
• If the problem does not stop, turn off the water at the shut off valve behind the toilet. Catch any water with a pan or bucket before and during repairs.
• Test the flush valve mechanism by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Check the bowl after 15 minutes, if the water in the toilet bowl has changed color, the ball or flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced.
CARPET
• To add years to the life of your carpets, have them professionally cleaned every six months.
• Let the spot dry for a day or two before sweeping and then vacuuming. (Cover the spot with a bowl or plate so baking soda isn’t kicked around).
TILE
• Stains can be removed from natural stone tile using a little bleach.
• Wait 5-10 minutes & scrub
HARDWOOD
VINYL
• Rubber-backed rugs will discolor vinyl floors.
LAMINATE FLOORING
• Never use wax, sand, lacquer, steel wool or abrasives on laminate flooring.
WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE
GAS LOG FIREPLACE
• Never put wood or other materials in your gas fireplace. The sealed gas unit is not designed to burn wood, paper or other materials and doing so could actually render the gas logs useless.
HVAC – HEATING and A/C
• If power to the AC system was turned off for winter, turn it on and wait 24 hours before you run it. This will give the compressor time to warm up before it operates.
1. Identify where the filter is located in your home. Before removing the air filter, be sure to turn off the AC unit for safety precautions. Filters can be located at different places within each home. In many cases it will be located behind the grate of the air intake vent found near the thermostat. Filters can also be located behind large intake vents on the ceiling (add picture) or inside the main air handling unit in the attic or closet. Once you have located the filter and turned off the unit, it is safe to now open the grate by pulling on the tabs and swinging open the door.
2. Identify the filter type and size. You will need to determine the type of filter and dimensions to ensure the correct replacement. Filters can be purchased from local home improvement stores.
3. Install the filter. Once you have the correct type, remove the old filter and replace with the new. On the filter, you may find arrows stating which side to put in first. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure that the filter and unit are working properly. Now, close and refasten the grate. It is now safe to turn the unit back on and have air flowing again.
• Confirm AC disconnect switch is attached and fully engaged.
• Ensure the temperature is set to at least 3 degrees higher than what it is currently set at to ensure the thermostat registers the difference and turns “on”.