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GENERAL CHECK ON ALL APPLIANCES:Dishwashers1) If the dishes are not getting clean: a) Make sure the water is hot enough - it should be at least 140 degrees, which is hot enough to burn you (very hot!) - If it is not hot enough, turn the hot water heater thermostat up to a higher setting. b) Make sure the lower spray arm is unobstructed and is "free turning". c) Make sure the bottom inside of the dishwasher is clean and free of debris. d) Make sure you are following the proper loading procedures. Use the proper amount of detergent and make sure the detergent is fresh (check expiration or "best if used by" date.). 2) If the door isn't closing: a) Make sure the latch assembly is unrestricted and latching properly. b) Make sure nothing is blocking the door from opening and closing properly. 3) If the unit is leaking: a) Make sure you are following the proper loading procedures, including proper type and amounts of detergents (run unit through cycle empty, if it doesn't leak it is probably a loading problem). b) Make sure the racks are positioned properly. c) Make sure the door is unrestricted around the opening. d) Make sure it is sitting level in the opening. Look at the space along both sides and across the top. This is normally more of a problem if the dishwasher was recently installed. Tech tip - If the inside of your dishwasher is beginning to brown and form mineral stains, put Lime-away (available at your grocery store) or Tang Citrus Drink into the tank during the wash cycle. The citric acid from these products will remove the mineral buildup and restore the finish. Tech tip - If your dishwasher is developing a film on the inside, put 6-7 drops of good quality, name brand regular liquid detergent (for hand washing dishes) in the bottom and put the machine through a regular cycle. This procedure will wash away soap scum, mineral deposits, and grit. It will also allow the machine to work better. Important note - do not use more than 6-7 drops of detergent. Be proactive, prevent potential floods! You can also use citris crystals to remove grim and build up, including Tang Citrus drink. There are a veriety of citrus products available over the counter. Call our parts department (410 682-3232 ext 100) and we can send some out to you within one day! If these suggested tips do not solve the problem, call us at (410) 682-3232 to ask additional questions or for fast, dependable service! RefrigeratorsToday's high effieciency refrigerators will run a lot more than older units. People typically think that because the new unit is running 90% of the time that it is costing them more money to operate. New refrigerators use a modulating compressor. Even though the refrigerator is still running it is doing so at a much lower power level than at start up. The compressor speed is regulated according to internal temperatures, which is based on the amount of times the door is opened, the room temperature, the amount of food stored inside, and other factors. New refrigerators cost roughly 25% of what a similar size box that is over 20 years old costs to operate! 1) If your refrigerator is not running or isn't cold enough A) Turn the thermostat up to the next highest setting...
3) If the door is ticking or not closing properly, wipe off the face of the gasket with a wet rag and make sure the interior shelves, drawers and food are not preventing the door from closing from inside.
If these suggested tips do not solve the problem, call Landers Appliances at (410) 682-3232 for fast dependable service. DryersMake sure your external venting material is compliant with your owners manual requirements. If you have the improper venting have it replaced as soon as possible to avoid any potential fire hazard from lint build up. If you are unsure, call or e-mail our office and we will help you determine if you are compliant or not. Many "Use and Care" manual's show pictures of the acceptable and unacceptable types of venting * Follow the proper loading procedure and machine operation.
a) Make sure the dryer has not pushed back against the rear exhaust duct causing an air flow restriction. Tech Tip - BAD ODORS! If you are painting, refinishing wood products etc., in your house or one of your apartments, don't be surprised if the clothes that come out of your dryer smell funny. In fact, sometimes the odor will be in the air and people believe they have a chemical problem coming from their dryer. Air out the house by opening some windows and re-launder the clothes. The problem will go away in several days. If these suggested tips do not solve the problem, call Landers Appliance at (410) 682-3232 for fast, dependable service. Stain Removal TipsWorst case: Red shirt in the white wash and now everything's pink - Solution: Rit Color Remover. This product is specifically meant to remove dye color that's been transferred to washable white fabrics. Where to find: Fabric stores and drug-store chains. Worst case: Crayons went through the wash and melted over the clothes and the dryer - Solution: For the dryer drum: To be very sure the wax is cleaned out, before you use the dryer on a normal load, first dry a load of rags for 30 minutes. Worst case: Wool sweater shrunk - Solution: Not guaranteed, but this is worth a try. Soak the sweater for a few minutes in a bucket of water to which you've added a couple of capfuls of hair conditioner. The hair conditioner will loosen up the fibers enough so that you can lay the sweater on a dry towel and gently pull and stretch it back to shape. Allow to dry thoroughly. Worst case: Stained underwear or lingerie - Solution: Apply a solution of three percent hydrogen peroxide to the stain, let it bubble up, rinse. Repeat until the stain is gone. Worst case: Clothes left too long in dryer are wrinkled - Solution: Return everything to the dryer, put a damp towel into the load and re-dry. Or press garments with a pressing cloth dampened with diluted white vinegar. washer and dryer, try "Mary Ellen's for Those Days." It works on whites and colorfast items like magic. Worst case: White sweater hand-washed with dark clothes is dingy - Solution: First soak the item for half an hour in a quart of warm water with a tablespoon each of ammonia and liquid dishwashing detergent. Rinse, and then soak it in a quart of warm water mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar. Finally, rinse well and dry. Worst case: White tablecloth has yellow stain - Solution: Yellow stains are very tricky and can be caused by a variety of reasons. Sometimes the whiteners and brighteners used in the manufacture of a white item simply turn color. Or, as in the case of underarm stains, the fabric itself has been damaged. Both situations are irreversible. Sometimes white linen items can be salvaged. If you've tried bleach without success, check out "Mary Ellen's Formula One for Set-in Stains" -- it's good for white and colorfast items. Over the years, women have written to tell me it even removed stains on old christening gowns. Where to find it: maryellenproducts.com Also, you'll avoid yellow stains on white fabrics if you never store them with plastic coverings (such as dry cleaning bags). Taken from House Beautiful Magazine 10/04 Washing Machines* Follow the proper loading procedure and machine operation. If the machine is a front loader or a high efficiency model you should probably be using HE detergent to maximize the washers effectiveness. Read the owners manual to determine the type of detergent that is recommended for your machine. Laundry detergents are designed for specific purposes. Liquid is better at removing household stains including grease and powders are better at removing dirt stains. As a general rule farmers and gardeners should use powder and domestic engineers should use liquid! 1) If the machine is dead: a) Make sure the lid is closing properly.
Tech Tip - WELL WATER! If you are on a well system or have high sediment content in your water, insert screened hose washers in the end of both washing machine fill hoses where they attach to the external supply faucets. These screens will prevent the washing machine fill valve from collecting the debris in its screens and clogging up causing slow fill times. You may have to replace these screens periodically. It is not recommended to try and clean the screens. If these suggested tips do not solve the problem, call Landers Appliance at (410) 682-3232 for fast, dependable service. Microwaves1) Always use microwave safe dishes. Do not microwave your food using styrofoam or any freshness wrap products. 2) Do not use aluminum foil or anything with metal on it (unless your microwave specifically allows it. Check your owners manual). 3) Wipe the seal off with a wet rag and dry it thoroughly as often as needed. 4) Do not twist, bend, or slam the door in any way. Tech Tip - FLASHING NUMBERS! If your microwave begins flashing numbers, won't take commands, or shows all 8's, unplug the unit and leave it off for several (15-20) seconds and plug it back in. Sometime this simple trick can reset the microprocessor and the unit will begin to work again! If these suggested tips do not solve the problem, call us at (410) 682-3232 for fast, dependable service! Electric Ranges1) If your coil top burners are not heating make sure they are sitting straight and in their proper position. 2) If your oven is not heating, make sure the clock is set on the manual cycle and not the automatic time bake cycle. Gas Ranges1) Raise up the top and keep the area clean and free of grease build up. 2) If the top burners are not lighting, wipe off the burner head with a hot, damp rag and the dry completely. 3) If oven is not heating make sure the clock is set on the manual and not automatic cycle. If these suggested tips do not solve the problem, call us at (410) 682-3232 for fast, dependable service! Cooking Safety TipsCooking Safety Tips The way we cook our food is as important as the way we prepare and store it. Inadequate cooking is a common cause of food poisoning. Most foods, especially meat, poultry and eggs, should be cooked thoroughly to kill most food poisoning bacteria. Some people are more at risk from food poisoning than others. Vulnerable groups include pregnant women, young children, the elderly and anyone with an illness. Special care should be taken when preparing, cooking, serving and storing food for these groups.
High risk foods and the temperature danger zone
Cook all food to a temperature of 165°F
Foods with raw eggs
Cooling and storing Things to remember
Garbage DisposalsAlways run water in the sink when you operate the unit. 1) If the unit jams/hums: a) Turn the unit off. After turning off, remove anything that has fallen into the grinding chamber. 2) If the unit is dead, push in the red reset button located on the bottom of the disposal - if the unit begins to hum and the reset trips again, it is jammed, see above and then push the red reset. Tech Tip - NOISY! Garbage disposals can become noisy from the swivels on the cutter blade becoming stuck of frozen in place. You can loosen the swivels by dumping a tray of ice cubes into the grinding chamber, the same way you would grind food. If these tips do not solve the problem, call us at (410) 682-3232 to ask additional questions or for fast, dependable service! Freezers / Chest & Upright1) Follow all procedures outlined under refrigerator heading. 2) Do not pack the freezer. 3) If the unit is not self defrosting and the temperatures begin to rise, check the frost build up on the inside of the freezer. If it is heavily frosted, manually defrost the freezer by turning it off at the thermostat, unplug from wall and allow 12 hours for the unit to defrost, with both doors open. 4) If the unit is not an automatic self defrosting model, defrost the unit once a year or as often as needed. Follow proper defrosting methods (do not use a knife, pick, hammer, chisel, screwdriver, etc. Or any sharp object). If these suggested tips do not solve the problem, call Landers Appliance at (410) 682-3232 for fast, dependable service. Green Appliance InformationRefrigerators. These are the mass-energy consumers in your household, as they’re in use 24 hours a day. If investing in an ENERGY STAR-labeled fridge is not possible at this time, set your fridge thermostat around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Also dust off or vacuum your machine’s condenser coils twice a year for increased efficiency. Freezers. These units are also big consumers, as they too are generally on 24/7. ENERGY STAR products will help to increase energy efficiency and cut costs. Keep in mind that top and bottom unit freezers are more efficient than fridge-freezer units next to each other. If you keep an extra freezer, place it strategically in a cool area—not in the garage where heat tends to collect and require more energy for cooling. A separate chest freezer is your best bet. Clothes Washers. Beyond ENERGY STAR (which—you guessed it—applies here too), there also are some additional features that can maximize your energy efficiency. Front-loaders conserve water and energy by 40-50%! Washing full loads and washing with cold water as much as possible, pushes this figure towards the high end of the scale. If you currently have a top-loader, utilize a range of features available for adjusting temperature, selecting load size and varying cycles. Exercising your discretion with these features can boost the conservation impact of your machine. Dryers. Dryers are not currently part of the ENERGY STAR program, as energy consumption is similar for all models across the board. If you’re not in a position (or climate area) to set up an old-fashioned clothesline for sun-drying, here are some tips to save energy during drying: · Find a model with automatic shut-off, or one that alerts you when loads are done. · Designate one or two days per week "laundry days" and string loads one after another in order to maximize the heat left over from previous loads. · The chest freezer logic applies here as well—place dryers in a warm part of the house so that less energy is required to generate heat. Dishwashers. Much more effective at cleaning and much more water efficient than washing by hand, the more energy-efficient units come with settings that allow you a great amount of control over energy expenditure. Most of the energy used by this process goes to heating water before it even gets to your machine. Here are a couple of tips: · Always wash a full load and select the shortest cycle appropriate. · Don’t utilize the pre-rinse function on your machine unless necessary. Ovens. While gas stoves are definitely more efficient than electrics, they can prove to be a hazardous nuisance to those with respiratory sensitivities. If you are using an electric range, here are some tips to optimize energy use: · When heating water and cooking dishes that allow for it, cover your pots and pans to trap heat and reduce cooking time. · Turn off burners shortly before cook time is over—the burners will remain hot enough to complete your culinary masterpiece. · Use pans that completely cover a burner to maximize your heat energy usage. Air Conditioners and Fans. Keeping filters clean and turning off ACs when you’re out cuts costs and saves energy. Ceiling fans can be paired with air conditioners to help a room feel colder, which is a great summer tactic. During the winter, make sure the fan operates in a counterclockwise direction—this pulls heat upwards and the fan’s rotation then distributes air down the walls. Information found on www.greenlivingideas.com Energy Saving Laundrying TipsClothes Washers and Dryers Best Practices and Energy Saving Tips Clothes Washer Tips
Clothes Dryer Tips ENERGY STAR does not label clothes dryers since there is little difference in the energy use between models. Here are some ways to reduce energy consumption when using your clothes dryer:
To learn more about clothes dryers and energy efficiency, please visit the U.S. Department of Energy's tips on energy efficient laundry Energy Star Appliance InformationAppliances Did you know that the average home spends about $2,000 on energy bills every year? Change to appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR, and you can save $75 a year in energy costs, while saving the environment. Save Energy, Save Money When buying an appliance, remember that it has two price tags: what you pay to take it home and what you pay for the energy and water it uses. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10–50% less energy and water than standard models. The money you save on your utility bills can more than make up for the cost of a more expensive but more efficient ENERGY STAR model. For top performance, premium features, and energy savings, look for energy-efficient clothes washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, room air conditioners and dehumidifiers that have earned the ENERGY STAR. This mark may appear on the appliance, the packaging or the EnergyGuide label. Residential Clothes Washers
Want to save money and protect the environment? Ask for ENERGY STAR... An ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer can save you $550 in operating costs over its lifetime compared to a regular clothes washer. ENERGY STAR qualified washers are also better for the environment because lowering energy and water use means less air pollution from power plants and less water going to waste. Refrigerators & Freezers Determine your Refrigerator Annual Operating Cost - go to: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=refrig.calculator ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators require about half as much energy as models manufactured before 1993. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators provide energy savings without sacrificing the features you want. Earning the ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator models use high efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms to improve energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator models use at least 20% less energy than required by current federal standards Many ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator models include automatic ice-maker and through-the-door ice dispensers. Qualified models are also available with top, bottom, and side-by-side freezers. ENERGY STAR qualified freezer models use at least 10% less energy than required by current federal standards. Qualified freezer models are available in three configurations:
ENERGY STAR compact refrigerators and freezers use at least 20% less energy than required by current federal standards. Compacts are models with volumes less than 7.75 cubic feet. Remember, saving energy prevents pollution. In most households, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy consuming kitchen appliance. Replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 with a new ENERGY STAR qualified model would save enough energy to light the average household for nearly four months. You may also be interested to know that you can reduce the amount of energy your refrigerator or freezer uses, whether with a standard or an ENERGY STAR qualified model:
Dishwashers Replacing a dishwasher manufactured before 1994 with an ENERGY STAR qualified dishwasher can save you more than $30 a year in utility costs. Earning the ENERGY STAR means a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy.
Remember, saving energy prevents pollution. By choosing ENERGY STAR, you are helping prevent global warming and promote cleaner air without sacrificing the product quality and performance you expect. You may also be interested to know that you can save extra energy while washing dishes, whether with a standard or an ENERGY STAR model:
Power Outages and your Refrigerator and Freezer!With the warmer spring weather, comes the typical spring storms that often cause power outages. The following information is important to remember if you encounter a prolonged power outage:
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| Landers Appliance 7032 Golden Ring Road Baltimore, Maryland 21237 410-682-3232 Toll-Free: 877-633-5154 |
Landers Appliance Sspecializes in Maytag, Amana, and Sears Appliance Service & Sales, Baltimore, Maryland, MD.Maytag Sales Baltimore
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Sears Sales Annapolis | Maytag
Sales Dundalk Serving Baltimore, Annapolis, Westminster,
Bel Air, Columbia, Dundalk, Towson, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Dundalk,
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