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Modern washing machines offer numerous specialty cycles. Most of them are self-explanatory and have to do with either the type of laundry you’re washing, such as “delicates” or “colors,” or the soil level of the items. But what about the mysterious “prewash” cycle? Read on to learn how it works and why it’s one of your washer’s best-kept secrets!

How the Prewash Cycle Works

The prewash cycle on your washing machine is a quick wash cycle—usually just about three or four minutes—that you activate in addition to a regular wash cycle. Before starting the prewash, make sure you have detergent in both the prewash and regular wash compartments.

During the prewash cycle, your machine fills with water, agitates your laundry, then spins and empties the water. After that, it automatically moves on to the regular wash cycle you’ve selected.

Why Choose to Prewash?

The process of the prewash cycle is pretty straightforward, but the question remains: why prewash your laundry when you’re already washing it? Isn’t that overkill? 

If your clothing is only lightly soiled, then a prewash cycle may be unnecessary. However, the prewash cycle is a lifesaver if you have heavily soiled laundry items such as:

• Sports uniforms
• Cloth diapers
• Grease- or dirt-encrusted work clothes

Whether you’ve been out on a mud run or been doing heavy-duty yard work, there are many scenarios in which you might be faced with extremely dirty laundry items.

In these cases, the prewash cycle loosens and disposes of the worst of the soil, leaving the regular wash to clean and disinfect your laundry completely. This extra prewash cycle is instrumental in preventing stains and odors.

In short, without the prewash, heavily soiled laundry would not get fully clean. So, the next time you have extra-dirty laundry, try the prewash cycle and see what a difference it makes!

If you have questions or concerns about your washing machine or laundry cycles, reach out to the team at All Brands Appliance Repair. With over 46 years of experience, we’re your go-to appliance experts in Wilmington, MA, and the surrounding area. Call us today for all your appliance repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting needs!

Your home appliances are the things that you count on to make your life comfortable. From washing your clothes and dishes, to cooking meals or running a shower, these devices have to work properly and efficiently every time you need them. Ensuring that your home appliances are always in good working order can be costly, but there are options that can help you keep your costs down. Buying an appliance warranty is one way to save money in the long run, but you may be wondering if it’s worth it. Read this article to find out what the pros and cons of purchasing an extended warranty on your home appliances are.

What is covered under a standard warranty?

When you purchase an appliance, it usually comes with a standard warranty at no extra cost to you. These standard warranties usually cover the appliance for a set period of time, and are intended to cover defects in materials and workmanship, but may also cover certain repairs. However, it is important to note that most standard warranties do not cover damage from normal wear and tear, accidents, or improper use. 

What is not covered by a standard warranty?

There are a few things that are not typically covered under a standard appliance warranty. These can include:

• Damage from abuse or neglect
• Improper installation
• Normal wear and tear
• Certain types of repairs (like those that require replacement parts)

If you want some of these items covered, then you may need to purchase an extended warranty. If you’re unsure about what is and isn’t covered under your appliance’s warranty, be sure to read the fine print before making a purchase.

What are the pros and cons of purchasing an extended warranty?

When it comes to appliance warranties, there are pros and cons to consider. On one hand, a warranty can give you peace of mind in knowing that your appliance is covered in case of a problem. With lots to worry about already as a homeowner, having one less thing to worry about can be a real blessing. Also, having a warranty means that you could spend way less in the long run on repairs than you would without having any warranty. 

On the other hand, warranties can be expensive and may not cover everything that could go wrong with your appliance. The cost of an extended warranty may not always be worth the investment, especially if your appliance is older or not very valuable. Additionally, you may never end up using your extended warranty, meaning that you would have wasted money on something that you didn’t need.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to purchase an appliance warranty is a personal decision based on your needs and budget. Before purchasing an extended warranty for your home appliance, think about your budget and how likely you might be to need an extended warranty. If you know you’re going to use a particular home appliance more regularly than some others, it may be a good idea to spend the extra money up front to have peace of mind!

Because refrigerators are one of the home’s most used and most expensive appliances, it’s important for them to last a long time. But just how long are our refrigerators meant to last? No one wants to be shelling out hundreds of dollars every couple of years for a major appliance, and, fortunately, most refrigerator manufacturers say that their products are meant to last at least 10 years. 

Keeping Your Fridge Going Strong 

Just because your refrigerator is meant to last a decade does not mean that you won’t have to work hard to keep it running strong. With a little work and maintenance, your refrigerator has the best chance of staying in great shape. Here are a few key activities that will help add some life to your refrigerator: 

• Vacuum the Condenser Coils: Your fridge’s condenser coils will collect dirt, dust, pet hair, and more, and this can eventually cause them to break down. If you gently vacuum the coils every six months or so, you’ll be more likely to keep them in working order. 
• Don’t Use the Top of the Fridge: While the top of your refrigerator may seem like an ideal storage place, it can actually interfere with your fridge’s ability to dissipate heat. This means your refrigerator will need to work harder, and this wear and tear can reduce the lifespan of your refrigerator. 
• Clean the Door Gaskets: The gaskets around your refrigerator door help to ensure that it’s sealed properly, so that your food stays cold. Food or spilled drinks can build up and prevent your gaskets from doing their job of creating a good seal. This can cause your refrigerator compressor to work harder, which could cause it to break down sooner than expected. 

If you want to be sure that your refrigerator lasts as long as possible, take the time to do the required maintenance. Also, call on the refrigerator repair pros at All Brands Appliance Repair if you’re ever in need of refrigerator services. We’re here to help keep your refrigerator running as long as possible! 

Having a working washing machine is a must in any household. Here are a few tips to handle some of the most common dishwasher problems out there! 

Washing Machine Making Unusual Noises 

Strange noises are one of the most common problems that homeowners face with their washing machines. If you’re washer is vibrating or making a weird noise, the reason why depends on the specific sound its making. Oftentimes, washing machines will vibrate because either the floor is uneven or their appliance legs are uneven. You can usually fix this problem by ensuring that the washing machine is level. 

Washing Machine Won’t Turn On 

If your washing machine won’t turn on, or if it stops in mid cycle, your laundry pile is going to grow quickly. One of the most common reasons that washing machines won’t turn on is due to a faulty door or lid switch. These can wear out over time, but they’re usually an easy fix, especially if you call on a washing machine repair professional. 

Washing Machine Water Won’t Drain  

Another common problem that homeowners face with their washing machines is when water won’t drain from the machine. If you’re facing this problem, the issue could be with your washer’s drain pump. If the drain pump on your washer is old or has been damaged in some way, you could find yourself with a load of wet laundry. Fortunately, one call to a washing machine repair pro will help you fix that drain pump and get your machine up and running again. 

To handle these or other washing machine issues, call on the pros at All Brands Appliance Repair. We’re your source for expert washing machine repair in Wilmington and beyond!

Taking care of your home appliances with regular service and maintenance is crucial. Not only does routine maintenance keep your appliances running smoothly, but it ensures that they’re running safely as well.

Healthy Appliances for a Healthy Home

It’s easy to take appliances for granted because we use them every day. Just like any machine, though, parts can wear out, break down, or get clogged. Not only is this inconvenient, but it can be dangerous as well.

Appliances are often connected to electricity, gas, and water lines. If something goes wrong with the appliance, it can often compromise those connections. In some cases, this can lead to a fire hazard or a water backup. A clogged dishwasher, for example, could cause a kitchen flood and water damage. A malfunctioning oven or dryer is at risk of starting a house fire.

Keep Calm and Appliance Service On!

Don’t panic, though! A fire or flood issue is a worst-case scenario that can be avoided by taking care of your appliances with regular maintenance. The best part is that you can do a lot of that maintenance on your own by:

• Keeping appliances clear of dust and debris
• Regularly cleaning filters
• Monitoring for any drips, leaks, or unusual noises

It sounds simple, but following these actions can have a huge impact on keeping your appliances functional and safe in the long run. And, by keeping an eye on your appliances, you’ll also be able to tell when something’s not quite right. If that happens, you’ll be able to call an appliance repair specialist for professional service before there’s a major problem or safety issue.

If you need home appliance repair or service in Wilmington or the surrounding region, call the team at All Brands Appliance Repair. We have over 45 years of experience and we’re 100% invested in keeping your home safe and your appliances in top shape. All Brands Appliance Repair—Reputation You Can Count On.

Cleaning up after meals can be hard work, but thankfully dishwashers make clean up after meals so much easier. Of course, that all depends on whether your dishwasher drain is working properly.

How Water Gets in Your Dishwasher

When you start your dishwasher, water gets pumped into a basin through a hose connected to the machine. Your home’s water supply line connects directly to this hose on your dishwasher. It pumps cold water into your dishwasher that is warmed up with a heating element and then forces it up pipes on the side the machine, which are connected to the dishwasher spray arms.

How Water Drains from Your Dishwasher

Once the washing and rinsing cycles have finished, the water drains down to the dishwasher’s basin again, and then is pumped out. Depending on the type of dishwasher you own, the drained water might go directly into the pipes under your sink or through your garbage disposal.

Handling Dishwasher Drain Clogs

If the water wont’ drain from your dishwasher, it could be for a clog or a problem in one of the following areas:

• Filter basket
• Drain hose
• Garbage disposal

If there’s just food stuck in the filter basket, you can easily remove it and clean off the food particles. You can also soak the basket in vinegar to get rid of any grease buildup. If there’s a clog somewhere else, though, it may be time to call the pros.

If you’re having any issues with your dishwasher draining and you’ve run out of DIY solutions, you can call on the dishwasher repair pros at All Brands Appliance Repair. We’re here to help folks in Wilmington and the nearby area solve their dishwasher problems!