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Do you feel like your washer’s spin cycle isn’t extracting enough water? Do you feel like your laundry isn’t getting as squeaky-clean as you’d like? Or do you find that your washing machine looks unbalanced and even creeps forward a few inches while in use? All of these concerns could be the result of an improperly loaded washer.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about the best way to load each type of washing machine for optimal results. Let’s dive in!

How to Load an HE Front-Loading Washer

• Add your detergent.
• If you’re using liquid detergent and/or fabric softener, pour it into the appropriate section of the dispenser drawer. Use the minimum amount required for your load’s size.
• If you’re using a single-dose pod or dry additive (e.g. baking soda, borax), place it directly into the drum of the washer before any laundry is added.
• Load laundry one item at a time.
• Put heavily stained or soiled items in first so they are exposed to the cleaning solution for a longer time.
• Be careful not to tangle items.
• Do not overfill the washer drum with laundry.
• To be safe, fill the washer drum two-thirds of the way so there is ample space for items to move freely.
• You may want to consult the manufacturer’s manual for their recommended maximum capacity. 

How to Load a Standard Top-Loading Washer

• Add your detergent.
• If your model does not have an automatic dispenser, add the detergent to the washer drum while it’s still empty. This applies to liquids, powders, and single-dose pods.
• Note: You want to make sure you maximize the amount of exposure those single-dose pods get to water so they dissolve properly.
• Load laundry one item at a time.
• Place large and/or heavy items in first.
• Balance the load’s weight by adding items evenly on all sides of the center agitator.
• With oversize items like bedsheets and quilts, be careful not to wrap them around the center agitator.

How to Load an HE Top-Loading Washer

• Add your detergent following the same steps as the standard top-loader.
• Load laundry one item at a time.
• Avoid dumping all items into the center of the drum.
• Instead, place items evenly around the perimeter of the drum.
• Do not overfill with laundry.
• Consult your manufacturer’s manual for specific guidance on maximum capacity.
• If you don’t have access to the manual, try this formula.

We hope this helps you optimize the way you do laundry! And if you’re still having trouble with your washer’s performance, please don’t hesitate to call us. All Brands Appliance Repair is here to help!

When it comes to choosing an appliance repair company in Middlesex County, what are the main factors that sway your decision? We’re willing to bet price is in your top three factors, if not the number one factor.

That must be why All Brands Appliance Repair has become one of the most popular appliance services in Wilmington and surrounding communities! We’ve always been committed to providing affordable services that don’t break the bank.

How We Save You Money

To set ourselves apart and give our customers the best deal possible, All Brands Appliance Repair offers:

• Free service calls with completed repairs (i.e., we apply the service call fee to the cost of your repair)
• Special discounts for military and seniors
• Reasonable rates that are competitive within our local market here in the Wilmington area

So, whether you need oven repair, dishwasher repair, or emergency refrigerator repair, you can rest easy knowing that our crew is looking out for your appliance as well as your wallet. When you have All Brands Appliance Repair on the scene, you’re getting the absolute best bang for your buck in Wilmington!

We Do More Than Just Low Prices

In addition to giving our customers a low price tag, we also give you some of the most reliable customer service around. We’re highly responsive, delivering super-fast turnaround times for the vast majority of our jobs. In fact, same-day service is common!

Furthermore, we’re known for our punctuality and courtesy on service calls. We treat your time and home with the utmost respect. 

So, why take a risk on a local appliance repair company that can’t guarantee fair prices or customer satisfaction? Instead, call All Brands Appliance Repair for the VIP treatment you deserve!

Have you noticed that your refrigerator seems to be working harder than it used to?

Do you have a pet that sheds lots of fur and hair onto the floor?

Do you forget the last time you cleaned your refrigerator coils?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then it’s time to get to work on those coils!

Cleaning your refrigerator coils (sometimes called “condenser coils”) will keep your unit running efficiently and extend its lifespan because clean, unobstructed coils will allow for easier and faster cooling.

See, when dirt, dust, hair, and other gunk are blocking the coils, your refrigerator consumes a lot more energy attempting to transfer the coolant. So, to keep your unit running at peak performance, you’ll need to periodically remove all that debris from your refrigerator coils.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Unplug your refrigerator from the wall. Don’t worry–the cleaning process should only take about 15 minutes, so there won’t be enough time for your food’s temperature to be affected.
2. Figure out where your refrigerator coils are located. On older units, the coils are usually at the back of the fridge. On newer units, they’re usually hidden behind a panel at the front-bottom of your fridge.
• If your coils are at the back of your fridge, pull the unit away from the wall so you can access them.
• If your coils are at the front-bottom of your fridge, remove the panel (it should easily snap off) so you can access them.
3. Using a soft-bristled brush, scrape the coils to remove dust, dirt, and grime. Make sure you get between the coils, as well.
4. Using a vacuum attachment, preferably a narrow nozzle, to suck up the residual dust, hair, and debris.
5. Repeat this process until all of the debris is gone.
6. Once finished, replace the front panel or push the unit back towards the wall.
7. Plug the unit into the wall and restore power.
8. For optimal performance from your fridge, do this twice a year!

If cleaning your coils still doesn’t solve your refrigerator problems, give us a call! One of the qualified technicians from All Brands Appliance Repair would be more than happy to come out and take a look.

Having a chest freezer in your basement or garage is a super-convenient way to ensure you’ll always have plenty of space for food storage. However, when your chest freezer is not freezing food all the way and isn’t getting cold enough in general, then all of that convenience goes right out the door. Ugh!

Thankfully, if you’re scrambling to find out why your chest freezer isn’t doing its one and only job, All Brands Appliance Repair has some guidance for you. Keep reading for the full scoop below!

Possible Reasons Why Your Chest Freezer Won’t Freeze

First things first: These tips are only for chest freezers that are definitely running and simply aren’t getting cold enough. If your unit won’t even turn on, that’s a whole separate issue! 

So, with that being said, here are some potential culprits in your chest freezer’s freezing problem:

1. Frost buildup on coils is preventing cold air from circulating. This means the freezer’s self-defrosting system could be the issue. If it doesn’t defrost effectively, ice crystals will continue to accumulate until the evaporator fan is no longer able to move cold air across the coils. This reduces your freezer’s cooling ability to nearly zero.
• How to check: Empty out your freezer, turn off the thermostat, leave it open, and let it fully defrost for 48 hours. Then, turn on the thermostat to its normal setting and wait for it to start cooling properly. If it does achieve the desired coldness, then you’ll know the issue was the frost buildup and thus your defrosting system.
2. Faulty gasket is forming a poor seal on the door. If your door or lid gasket isn’t creating an airtight seal, then you’re bound to have a cooling problem. After all, if cold air is constantly leaking out, then the inside of the freezer is never going to reach the desired temperature. 
• How to check: Visually inspect the gasket and determine whether it’s loose. Also check for deterioration, dirt, debris, or anything else that would get in the way of a proper seal. 
3. Dirty condenser coils are blocking airflow. Over time, dirt, dust, hair, and other gunk will coat your freezer’s condenser coils, which prevents them from cooling efficiently. 
• How to check: Take a look at the coils and see what kind of state they’re in. Most likely they’ll need to be cleaned with a condenser brush and/or vacuum attachment.

If it’s not any of these, then it is likely a problem with low refrigerant levels or a compressor malfunction, both of which require professional equipment to diagnose.

Lucky for you, All Brands Appliance Repair happens to have the skilled technicians you need for an accurate diagnosis! Give us a call to set up an appointment today!

Are you buying a new washing machine but feel overwhelmed by all of your choices? We don’t blame you. The options on the market right now are endless! High-efficiency, low-water usage, agitator, non-agitator, steam wash, ENERGY STAR certified, super speed… the list goes on. 

But first, before you can even decide on those specific features, you have to answer one question: Should you get a front-loading or top-loading washer? 

For most homeowners, All Brands Appliance Repair recommends a front-loading washing machine. It’s more efficient when it comes to energy consumption, hot water usage, and drying time. It also gets your clothes cleaner and only requires minimal maintenance to prevent mold and mildew. Unless you’re in the aging population or have back problems, a front-loading unit will serve you well. 

For a more detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of front-loading washers, keep reading!

Benefits of a Front-Loader

• Cleans better: Several controlled tests conducted by Consumer Reports, Reviewed.com, and CNET show that front-loading washers are better at cleaning and removing stains from laundry than top-loading washers.
• Conserves water: Front-loaders use significantly less water than top-loaders–even high-efficiency top-loaders. In fact, tests estimate that front-loaders use five less gallons per cycle than top-loaders, which amounts to roughly 2,000 gallons per year!
• Saves energy: Not only are front-loaders more energy-efficient in and of themselves, but they also reduce the extra amount of energy needed to heat your water and run your dryer. This is because they use less water overall, and they have faster spin cycles that remove more water from laundry and thus cut down on drying time.
• Stacks conveniently: You can maximize floor space by stacking your dryer on top of your front-loading washer! For this to work, you have to buy them in a matching set and install a bracket-mounting kit for safety.

Drawbacks of a Front-Loader:

• Requires hunching over: If you have chronic back problems or are a senior, bending down to reach into the drum of a front-loading washer may be physically challenging. However, special pedestals can be installed underneath your unit to raise its height and ease the strain on your back.
• Is prone to mold/mildew: The design of front-loading washing machines makes them prone to mild and mildew growth. You must be diligent about wiping out the door and gasket between every use and using the correct detergent in the correct amount.
• Overloads easily: In front-loaders, the bearings that allow your washer’s drum to spin freely can easily be strained under too much weight. To avoid prematurely wearing out these bearings, you should wash heavy loads sparingly and mostly stick to medium-size loads. This may mean you have to do laundry more frequently.

As you can see, the drawbacks of a front-loader are minor when compared to its amazing benefits. That’s why we believe most homeowners will be happy with their purchase of a front-loading washing machine. 

Happy shopping!

Source:

McCabe, L. (2016, October 25). “Should You Get a Front-Load or Top-Load Washing Machine?” Wirecutter. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/should-you-get-a-front-or-top-load-washing-machine/

We’ve all been there: You’re doing your usual kitchen cleaning routine when you suddenly notice some specks of crud on your stove’s front burner. Then, as you inspect the stove more closely, you realize there’s caked-on debris and grime everywhere. You’re shocked. How did you not notice this before?! 

Don’t beat yourself up! It’s easy for gunk to hide away in the coils of your electric stove’s burners. This happens all the time to even the most fastidious cleaners. 

But now that you’ve discovered your dirty stove coils, you need to clean them—fast. Here’s how to do it!

Things You Need

• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• Water
• Dish rag or scrubbing brush
• Your muscles!

What to Do

1. Before you begin, make sure the burners aren’t hot!
2. Remove the burners by tilting them up and gently pulling them out.
3. Apply a dab of dish soap and a splash of water to your rag or brush. Carefully wash the burner coils and rinse them without submerging them in water or getting any part of the electrical connection wet.
4. Now, for the caked-on crud: Combine baking soda and water to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to the crud and let it sit for 20 minutes. Scrub with your rag or brush and rinse. 
5. Towel off your sparkling-clean burners and then let them air dry. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back on your stove.

And there you have it! With these simple steps, you’ll have clean, gunk-free electric stove burners in no time. Good luck!