Washing machines are indispensable household appliances that make our lives significantly easier. However, like all machines, they can sometimes malfunction. One of the most inconvenient and potentially damaging issues homeowners face is a washing machine flood. To help you avoid this messy situation, here are four top tips:

1. Regularly Check the Hoses: The hoses connecting your washing machine to the water supply are crucial. Over time, these hoses can wear out, leading to leaks or even bursts. It’s essential to inspect them regularly for any signs of wear, cracks, or bulging. If you notice any issues, it’s time to replace them before they become a bigger problem.

2. Inspect the Seals: The door seal or gasket ensures that water remains inside the washing machine during its cycles. However, these seals can degrade or get damaged, leading to leaks. Regularly inspect the seal for any signs of wear or damage, and ensure it’s clean to prevent any debris from compromising its function.

3. Follow Washing Machine Instructions: It might sound basic, but adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines is crucial. Overloading your washing machine not only strains the motor but can also lead to water spilling out. Ensure you’re loading the machine correctly and using the right amount of detergent as per the machine’s guidelines.

4. Install an Automatic Shutoff Valve: This is a preventive measure that can be a real lifesaver. An automatic shutoff valve detects any leaks or potential flooding from the washing machine. If it senses a problem, it will automatically shut off the water supply, preventing any further damage. It’s a worthy investment, especially if you frequently use your washing machine.

In conclusion, while washing machines are designed to be robust and durable, they aren’t immune to issues. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of a flood and ensure your appliance serves you well for years to come.

Morris County’s Top Choice For Appliance Repair Since 1962

If you ever face any issues with your washing machine or any other appliance in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to Morris County Appliance Repair. With our expertise and commitment to top-notch service, we’re here to address all your appliance repair needs in Morris County, NJ. Give us a call today!

Like most appliances, your dryer is a huge asset to your home life—when it’s working correctly. Sadly, even the most reliable of machines will eventually have problems. This doesn’t automatically mean, though, that you’re in for a big dryer repair bill. Here are some common reasons why your dryer won’t dry your clothes, as well as some solutions to try.

Exterior Vent Issues

If you go to get your clean clothes out of the dryer only to find them still damp, the problem could be as simple as a blocked exterior vent. In most cases, this is an issue that you can easily address with a little sleuthing and some minor adjustments.

To complete the drying process, your dryer pushes hot air and moisture through a vent to the outside. If that vent is blocked at the endpoint, the warm, damp air can’t escape. This means that your clothes remain damp even if your dryer goes through a full cycle.

If you suspect that the vent could be the culprit, take a field trip outside to check it out. Often, natural materials are the culprit. Vegetation, hornet nests, and even spider webs have been known to block vents. Once any blockage is cleared out, though, your dryer should work just fine.

Lint Accumulation

Dryer lint is inevitable and can cause a lot of problems if it gets out of control. If your dryer has a buildup of the fluffy stuff, it may end up performing less than optimally.

If your dryer isn’t delivering the warm, dry clothes you expect, check the lint trap for any accumulation of lint. Even if the screen on the trap is clear, it’s worth looking a little deeper into the trap space for any lingering fibers. Removing all the lint could well be the answer to your dryer woes, especially if you find and remove large amounts.

Lint can also build up in the dryer vent. That can be a little harder to handle on your own. Your local appliance repair pros will be able to help assess that situation and help clean it out if needed.

Check Your Settings

While it can be hard to admit, operator error may be at the root of ongoing dryer issues. In some cases, you may be priming your dryer for failure by choosing the wrong setting for the type of load you put in.

Maybe a machine you used before could dry a load of towels on the “low” setting with no issues, but this one won’t. Or, maybe you think a small load should be able to dry in 20 minutes, but your dryer really takes 30 to fully remove all the dampness.

Whatever the case, tweaking the setting or drying time could make all the difference. Before you shell out for expensive dryer repairs, experiment a little bit to see if an alternate setting can take care of the problem.

If you’ve explored these options and you’re still having dryer issues, call in the pros. Your local appliance repair company will be able to assess the state of your machine and advise on what to do to get it working properly.

For dryer repairs in Morris County and the surrounding area, call Morris County Appliance Repair today. Our dedicated appliance repair team has over 50 years of combined experience and we work on all major appliance brands. We also stock appliance repair parts, so we’re sure to have what you need if a new part is called for. Our customer service is second to none, we’re licensed and insured, and we offer both regular appointments and emergency service for your convenience. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

Your refrigerator is an essential part of your kitchen and having a well-organized fridge can have a huge impact on your day-to-day home life. Here are some essential tips for organizing your refrigerator like a pro so that it works the best it can for you and your family. 

Group Items for Ease of Use

It’s frustrating when you have to root around in your refrigerator trying to find a specific item. You can avoid that pitfall with these tactics:

• Group like items together
• Use storage containers to group and store small items
• Use consistent locations for each grouping of foodstuffs
• Label everything—no more mystery containers!

Keeping similar items together and always putting them in the same area is the backbone of having an organized fridge. When you always know where to find things, it’s much easier to keep track of them. You can see when you’re running low or have extra, and you never have to reach far to find what you need.

Keep Your Refrigerator Clean and Tidy

It may not seem directly related, but one of the best ways to keep your fridge organized is to clean it regularly. You don’t have to do a deep clean every week, but taking a moment to wipe down surfaces and handles will help your fridge stay spick, span, and organized.

When you wipe down your fridge, you naturally have the opportunity to assess all of the items you see. You can get rid of anything that needs to go and make sure that everything is where it’s supposed to be.

Getting rid of things is also key when it comes to keeping your fridge organized. Don’t let mystery leftovers get pushed to the back and forgotten—if anything is past its “sell-by” date, ditch it! This helps eliminate unnecessary clutter so that you can more easily see and keep track of the food items you actually want to keep. 

Keeping your fridge organized doesn’t have to be an onerous chore. With a solid organizational approach and consistent cleaning plan, your fridge will shine.

If you need help with your refrigerator in Morris County, call the team at Morris County Appliance Repair today! Our pros are ready to put their 50+ years of experience to work for you. Whether you need urgent refrigerator repair or routine service, we are here to help. We are licensed and insured for your peace of mind and we service most home appliance brands and models. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

When you need appliance repairs, it’s important to find the right company to address your specific situation. Here are some key questions to consider when choosing a home appliance repair company.

Do They Service My Appliance?

Not all appliance repair companies provide service for all appliances. When choosing a company, it’s important to find out if they service both the type and brand of appliance in question. Finding out this information at the beginning of your search will avoid any miscommunication or hassle down the line.

If a particular company that you contact does not service your appliance, ask them if they know of anyone else in the area who does. Getting this information from an appliance professional can help expedite and streamline your search.

Am I In Their Service Area for Appliance Repairs?

Most appliance repair companies work within a specific service area. This means that they will only travel a certain distance to make a service or repair call. This distance differs company-to-company, so don’t assume that your home falls within a company’s service range—especially if you live in a rural area or on the outskirts of a town or city.

When researching or contacting different appliance repair companies, make sure you ask what their service area is. If they don’t work with customers in your location, you’ll be able to move on to the next company on your list.

What Kind of Reviews Do They Have?

From independent review sites to social media to a company’s own website, there are many ways to find reviews for any appliance repair company you’re considering. Before you make contact, check out an array of sources to see if you can get a sense of a company’s workmanship and customer service.

It’s also helpful to track how a company handles negative reviews. No matter how good they are, it’s likely that most companies will have a negative review somewhere along the line. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, though, especially if the company handles the negative feedback in a constructive and respectful way.

What Is Their Experience Level?

Nothing beats on-the-job experience in terms of building a professional’s capacity to accurately diagnose and repair an appliance. When selecting an appliance repair company, it’s helpful to look at their years of experience to gauge if they’ll be able to effectively help with your appliance.

If a company you’re looking at is on the newer side, see what information you can find about any apprenticeship terms, education, or experience working with other companies. While a particular company may be young, it’s possible that the folks working there have significant experience under their belts.

When you take the time to go through these questions during your search for an appliance repair service, you’re much more likely to find a good fit. A few strategic questions at the outset can make a big difference when it comes to finding the right appliance repair company.

If you need appliance repairs in Morris County, call the team at Morris County Appliance Repair today! We are here to put our combined 50+ years of experience to work for you. We service most appliance brands, including specialty brands such as subZero, Bosch, Viking, Dacor, Miele, and Wolf. Our team is fully licensed and insured and we offer emergency service as well as weekday and weekend appointments. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

If you’re in the market for top-of-the-line appliances, you’ve probably come across the Gaggenau brand. This German manufacturer creates exceptional appliances that seamlessly balance functionality and design. Let’s look at what sets Gaggenau appliances apart and who will get the most out of choosing the Gaggenau brand for their home.

Superior Design

Gaggenau appliances are created with extreme attention to every detail. The overall look of the Gaggenau range is one of elegant minimalism. This lets the handcrafted nature and high-quality materials of the appliances speak for themselves. 

Whether you’re looking at a refrigerator or an oven, one of the defining features of Gaggenau appliances is their sleek profile. You won’t see any bulky handles or vents. Instead, you’ll see a seamless presentation that helps each appliance almost magically blend with the rest of the space.

Focus on Functionality

While Gaggenau appliances are beautiful, that’s not all they have. These elegant machines also offer professional-grade action and cutting-edge features that set them apart from the crowd. From ovens that open hands-free to wine cabinets that maintain the perfect temperature no matter what, Gaggenau appliances are guaranteed to wow with their features as well as their looks.

Perfect for Lovers of Form and Function

Who should choose Gaggenau appliances for their home? Anyone who wants their kitchen to feel sleek and elegant with appliances that offer optimal functionality with precision and versatility.

While Gaggenau appliances are professional-grade, you don’t have to be an expert chef to use or appreciate a Gaggenau cooktop or refrigerator. Experts and occasional home cooks alike can enjoy the beauty and the utility of these exceptional machines.

If you have questions about Gaggenau appliances or need assistance with Gaggenau appliance repair in Rockaway or the region, call the team at Morris County Appliance Repair today. We love working on Gaggenau appliances and bringing them back to perfect health when needed. We do all of our work in-house and we are fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind. Founded in 1962, we are here to put our combined 50+ years of experience to work for you. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

It can be a little worrisome when your dryer starts making strange noises. For most of us, having a working dryer is essential to keeping our households running smoothly. If your dryer is making a rattling sound, there could be a number of different sources. When in doubt, call your local appliance repair pro to identify and fix the issue.

Common Causes of a Rattling Dryer

If you notice that your dryer is making a rattling noise while tumbling a load of clothes, it’s possible that there may not be a problem at all. Exposed zippers, loose change, or other heavy objects caught up in the laundry can be the culprit if you have occasional noises during a cycle. Simply remove the offending items and the noise will disappear.

If something in a load of clothes isn’t the source of the noise, however, there may be an internal problem. One of the most common causes of a rattling noise in your dryer is the blower fan blade. The blower pulls dry air in and blows damp air out as part of the drying process. If a fan blade gets loose or breaks, it can cause a rattling noise when the dryer runs.

The motor that operates the dryer blower also turns the drum. If a pulley in this motor comes loose, it often causes a rattling noise as well. 

Do You Need Dryer Repair Help for a Noisy Machine?

If your dryer is making noises, calling a qualified appliance repair company might be the best course of action. These pros will be able to tell if the problem lies with the dryer blower or motor or if the noise is caused by something different. They’ll also have the tools and the expertise to efficiently address the problem so that your laundry routine can get back on schedule.

If you try your hand at dryer repairs without the proper knowledge or tools, it’s easy to actually cause more damage. Calling an appliance repair service is often the best way to address the problem and minimize downtime for your household appliances.

If you need help with a rattling dryer in Morris County or the surrounding area, call the team at Morris County Appliance Repair today. We’re ready to put our 50+ years of appliance repair experience to work so that we can get to the bottom of any strange dryer sounds you might have. Our team is licensed and insured for your peace of mind and we pride ourselves on providing superior customer service on each and every job. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

Cleaning your oven might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! Follow these four key steps (and a regular cleaning routine) to keep your oven looking and working great. Not only will your food taste better, but you’ll extend the life of your appliance and avoid the need for oven repair work down the line.

Step One: Gather Supplies

The first step is easy. Gather everything you’ll need so that you’re not searching for an essential item in the middle of the process.

Key oven cleaning tools and supplies include:

• Cleaning brush with stiff bristles
• Dish soap or laundry detergent
• Dishcloth or rag
• Soft towels
• Silicone spatula
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle

With these on hand, you’re ready. Next, it’s on to the cleaning process.

Step Two: Clean Oven Racks

Oven racks can collect a lot of grime and stuck-on food. To remove this you first need to soak them in hot, soapy water. You can do this in a large sink or bathtub. If you use a bathtub, you might want to line it with rags or towels to prevent scratching.

Soak the racks for 2–12 hours using laundry detergent or dish soap. Then,

• Scrub with a bristled brush
• Wipe clean with a dishcloth
• Rinse and dry

Don’t forget to scrub the top, bottom, and sides of the racks. Once they’re done, set them aside so that you can clean the rest of the oven.

Step Three: Clean the Oven Interior

Spills and dishes that bubble over can lead to grease, grime, and food debris getting stuck on your oven’s interior. Not only can this transfer burned smells into your food, but it can also contribute to your oven not working as well, especially if heating elements or sensors are affected.

Here’s an effective way to clean away any residue on the inside of your oven:

• Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 3 tablespoons water to make a paste
• Spread the paste on all interior surfaces with a silicone spatula
• Leave the paste for 20 minutes or several hours depending on the soil level
• Wipe the paste away and scrub any stubborn spots to remove food residue

You can use this paste on the inside of the oven door as well. You may, however, still need to give that door some TLC. Spray white vinegar on the inside of the glass door and wipe it away with a cloth to remove all traces of food splatters and cleaning paste.

Step Four: Clean the Oven Exterior

Now that the inside of the oven is clean, it’s time to address the outside. You can use the same vinegar spray that you used on the inside to clean the outside of the glass door. Spray and wipe down the door to remove any food, grease, or fingerprints.

Next, use a cloth to gently clean around any dials or controls. Never use abrasives in these areas as these can damage the numbers and other setting/indicator information. Once that’s done, return the oven racks and you’re good to go!

If your oven has a lot of baked-on debris to contend with, it may take some time to get it clean. That’s why it’s helpful to go through this cleaning process on a regular basis. Routine oven cleaning is a great way to keep your oven in good condition. It can even prevent the need for oven repair service. Stuck-on food debris in the wrong place can cause your oven to malfunction. Avoid those issues—and extend the life of your appliance—with regular cleanings

If you do need oven repair help in the Morris county area, don’t hesitate to call the team at Morris County Appliance Repair. We have over 50 years of combined experience in the appliance repair business and we’re here to help with both regular and emergency service. We are licensed and insured for your peace of mind. Call us today for all of your oven and other appliance repair needs. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

Have you ever looked at your washing machine and wondered—what on earth do all these different cycles do? If so, you’re not alone! Read on to learn what the different cycles mean and when to use them. 

Washing Machine Cycles: The Basics

Most washing machine cycles follow the same basic pattern. Your machine fills with water, agitates your laundry to wash it, rests, rinses, and then spins to get the water out. It’s a tried and true method to remove dirt, stains, grime, and odors.

As technology has advanced, though, this basic wash cycle has been adapted for different types of laundry and different levels of soil. From delicates to bulky items, modern washers offer numerous cycle options. What do these different cycles do, though, and how do you choose the right one for each load?

The Nitty Gritty of Cycle Options

The names of most washing machine cycles have to do with the type of laundry, the level of soil, or both. That means you can choose a cycle based on what you’re washing and how dirty it is. Most machines will auto-select the appropriate water temperature based on the selected cycle. You can typically select the size of the load to further customize the process.

The Usual Suspects: Regular, Delicates, and Heavy Cycles

Let’s start with two of the most standard cycle options. A “regular” cycle is best suited to everyday clothes and laundry in sturdy fabrics that have a normal level of soil. This cycle uses warm water and a high spin speed. A “delicates” cycle, on the other hand, is for laundry items made of easily damaged materials like silk or lace. It uses cool water and a gentle spin speed.

Many washers also have a “heavy” setting for laundry that is heavily soiled and/or features thick or dense fabric. This cycle uses hot water and a high spin speed to ensure an effective cleaning process.

Color Care and Bulky Loads

Next up are two settings based on laundry color. A “whites” setting is, as the name suggests, used for a load of all-white laundry. It uses hot water and you can add bleach to the cycle in order to remove stubborn spots and stains from white garments. A “colors” setting uses cool water to keep colors intact when washing dark and color-rich laundry.

If your washer has a “bulky items” setting, this is best suited for sheets, blankets, comforters, and anything else that takes up a lot of space. It uses a large amount of warm water and a low spin speed to fully clean bulky items without damaging them or the washer.

Special Cases

Many washers feature additional cycle options that are based less on the type of laundry and more on the action you require from your machine. For example, a “quick wash” cycle is just that—an accelerated wash designed to clean a few items fast so that you can get them out as soon as possible.

Your machine might also have a “rinse and spin” cycle. This is great for items like swimsuits that just need to be rinsed out rather than having a full wash with detergent.

A “drain and spin” cycle is even more bare bones. It doesn’t use any water, but rather drains away water that’s present and spins the laundry to remove additional water. You might select this cycle if you need to remove water from hand-washed items or from thick fabrics that have retained water even after a regular wash and spin process. You can also use it if you interrupt another cycle and need to drain and reset the washer.

The moral of the story—don’t be intimidated by the cycle options on your washing machine! They’re each there for a specific purpose and you can confidently use them based on what you’re washing and how dirty it is.

If you have washing machine questions or need washing machine repairs in Rockaway or the Morris County area, call the pros at Morris County Appliance Repair today. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience in washing machine repair and we’re licensed and insured for your peace of mind. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

Your dishwasher is one of the most important appliances in your kitchen. Follow these key tips to keep it running smoothly for years to come!

Keep Your Machine Clean

Even though your dishwasher is designed to clean your dishes, the appliance itself sometimes needs cleaning as well. Over time, soap, minerals, and grease can become stuck on interior surfaces. The good news—there’s an easy fix!

You can clean your dishwasher with a  pre-made citric acid or dishwasher cleaner, or you can use white vinegar for a DIY solution. If you use a prepared cleaner, follow the instructions on the packaging. If you’re going the DIY route, simply pour a cup of vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher, select a deep clean cycle, and run the dishwasher using the hottest water possible. This will wash away any accumulated grime and leave your dishwasher as fresh as new.

Check Your Drain Filter

When your dishwasher removes food particles from your dishes, those mostly get washed away through the drain at the bottom of your machine. If there are particularly large bits of food, though, the drain filter will likely block those so they don’t create a clog.

This is great for keeping the drain clear but can cause issues with draining and overall functionality. It’s easy to keep an eye on the drain filter, though, and to clean it out when you notice any debris. Just remove the filter, soak it in hot, soapy water, and give it a scrub with a dish brush or sponge. You can even make this part of a monthly cleaning routine so that your filter stays clear all year long.

Give Your Door Seal Some TLC

Your dishwasher door seal has a simple, yet essential function. It keeps the water inside your dishwasher when you run a cycle. If this seal accumulates any buildup, mold, or mildew, that can lead to leaks or compromised cleaning action.

You can keep the door seal in tip-top shape by wiping it down regularly with a vinegar solution. If there are any food particles present, gently scrub those away with warm, soapy water to make sure the seal stays intact.

Get Rid of Mold and Mildew

Even if your dishes come out dry, it’s likely that there is still a fair amount of moisture present in your dishwasher after a cycle. Over time, this can lead to mold or mildew growth, which will create an unpleasant smell and an unsanitary dishwasher interior.

If you notice a moldy or musty odor, you can fill your detergent dispenser with bleach and run an empty cycle to clean everything out. If you have a stainless steel dishwasher, you can also try an unsweetened citrus drink mix as a cleaning agent—the citric acid will clean the detergent dispenser and dishwasher interior so it’s as good as new.

While each of these steps addresses a specific issue, they all contribute to keeping your dishwasher as clean and functional as possible over the long run. With regular care, you can avoid costly repairs and extend the life of this essential appliance.

If you need dishwasher assistance in Rockaway or the Morris County area, call Morris County Appliance Repair today. Our team has over 50 years of experience providing comprehensive appliance repairs and we make customer service a priority on every call. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!

Shoes get dirty just like any other item of apparel. Cleaning your shoes in your washing machine can be a great way to freshen them up. Read on for best practices when it comes to putting your shoes through a machine wash cycle.

Are Your Shoes Machine Washable?

Step one is to determine if your shoes can handle being put through the washing machine. The material the shoes are made of is the big factor here. You should only machine wash shoes if they’re primarily made of fabric or textiles. So, canvas sneakers are a “yes,” but leather boots are definitely a “no”!

Additionally, shoes that feature lots of detail or ornamentation are probably not well-suited to going through a wash cycle. The agitation of the washing machine can loosen glue or stitching, resulting in a ruined pair of shoes rather than a clean pair.

Give Your Shoes some Pre-Wash TLC

When you’re ready to wash your shoes, take some time to pre-treat any stains or marks. This will help make sure the cleaning process is a success!

You can use an eraser-type cleaning pad to address marks or scuffs. For spots or stains, you can pre-treat with stain remover products as needed.  

Get Ready for the Wash Process

As you’re pre-treating any stains, you should also strip the shoes down to the bare essentials. Remove the laces and insoles (which can be washed, but will clean up better on their own). Take out any inserts and orthotics—you can clean these by hand if they need a bit of a spruce.

Once your shoes are on their own, it’s helpful to put them in a wash bag of some kind. A lingerie bag will work for this purpose, as will a pillowcase. If you use the latter, just make sure you secure it so the shoes stay inside. A rubber band or a loose knot should do the trick.

Putting the shoes in a bag will keep them from banging around too much in the washer. This will reduce the wear and tear on your shoes and on your appliance!

If you’re washing shoelaces or cloth insoles, you can pop those in a separate lingerie bag. They can go along for the ride as long as they’re not attached to the shoes themselves.

Finally, try adding a couple of towels to the machine. This will help balance the load and reduce the noise quotient as well.

Choose the Right Cycle, Water, and Detergent Combo

When you’re ready to start the wash, pick the shortest cycle you can so that your shoes get the minimum amount of bouncing around. The gentle cycle is often the best bet, but check your machine since each one is different.

For water temperature, select “cold.” A warm or hot wash could damage your shoes by loosening the glue that holds parts together or shrinking different sections of fabric.

In terms of detergent, pick a liquid laundry soap (powdered soap can cake on different shoe surfaces). You definitely don’t need as much detergent as you’d use for a normal load. A small amount will go a long way!

Skip the Dryer and Air Dry

Once your shoes are done in the wash, take them out and let them air dry. The heat of the dryer could cause irreparable damage.

In order to restore the shape of your shoes, you can stuff them with old newspapers or rags. This will help keep any weird dimples or ridges from forming and brings the added benefit of soaking in some of the water!

You should be prepared to wait a while for your shoes to dry. Depending on the material they’re made of, it could take a few hours or even overnight for them to dry completely. Make sure you budget for that drying time before you make plans to wear your shoes again!

Cleaning your shoes in the washing machine can work miracles. Just follow these steps so that you can take care of your shoes and your washing machine in the process.

If you have questions or need assistance with your washing machine, call the team at Morris County Appliance Repair. We provide washing machine repair and general appliance services in Rockaway and the greater Morris County area. With over 50 years of combined experience, we’re ready to handle any appliance repair issue you might encounter. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!