Many people do not think it’s necessary to clean the inside of a washing machine, but keeping it clean can actually reduce the likelihood that you’ll need appliance repair services. For tips on cleaning your washing machine, watch this video clip. If you need washing machine repair in Birmingham , be sure to contact a leading appliance repair company in Alabama.

To begin the cleaning process, fill your washing machine with hot water. Add a quart of bleach and begin a washing cycle. After several minutes of agitation, stop the machine and let it sit for an hour. While the washing machine is soaking, use an all-purpose cleaner to wash and wipe down the exterior of the machine. Next, restart the wash cycle. When it’s complete, restart the process with a quart of white vinegar instead of bleach. Complete this cleaning process two or three times per year to keep your washing machine in top shape.

Maintaining your washer and dryer is not just about keeping them clean and efficient—it’s also a safety issue. A poorly maintained dryer can actually create a household fire, and a malfunctioning washing machine can spill hundreds of gallons of water in just one hour. For tips on how to maintain your washer and dryer, contact a company that provides washing machine repair in Birmingham and take a look at the information below.

Perform Important Upgrades
Washing machines come with rubber hoses that become prone to cracking open over time. You can replace these rubber hoses with steel-jacketed hoses that won’t split. Your dryer also comes with a fragile vinyl duct that is actually quite flammable. You can replace this vinyl duct with a metal one to reduce your risk of causing a household fire.

Clean the Lint Trap and Dryer Duct
Dryers cause thousands of fires and millions of dollars in property damage each year. To greatly reduce the risk of causing a dryer fire, always remove lint from the dryer’s lint trap before running the dryer. You should also have a dryer repair company inspect and clean the ductwork every six to 12 months.

Replace the Hoses
Inspect your hoses every six months to be sure there are no signs of damage or wear. Many dryer repair experts recommend replacing your hoses every five years so that your appliances last longer and use less energy.

Install a Drip Pan
Place a drip pan underneath your washing machine. A pan with a drain will collect water that would otherwise leak onto the floor or wall and promote mold growth. This is especially important if your washer is on the second floor, as any water that leaks out of the washer can get into the ceiling of the first floor.

Your washing machine can encounter a range of problems that may require you to schedule washing machine repairs in Birmingham . If your washing machine does not seem to be performing at the same level it used to, be sure to contact a reputable appliance repair company. For a closer look at common washing machine problems, read on.

Unresponsive Washing Machine
You may not need to call an appliance repair company if your washing machine is not turning on—it could be that your washer simply isn’t getting power. Check the circuit breaker, fuse box, or lid switch. Once you are sure the washing machine is receiving power, make sure the washing machine has cooled off; sometimes, the motor overheats and won’t restart until it has sufficiently cooled off. If your washing machine won’t turn on after you’ve taken these steps, it’s time to call a professional washing machine repair company.

Washer Not Spinning
If your washing machine isn’t agitating or spinning, make sure the lid is closed and make sure the water level control switch is not stuck. If you hear a humming noise when the washer is full of water, there may be something stuck in the drain pump. Check the belt, which is the part that is responsible for spinning and agitating the basket, and have it replaced if it is worn or damaged. Inspect the drive pulley and replace it if it has uneven spots, wear marks, pits, or other signs of damage. The coupler, which connects the motor to the transmission, can also get worn out and cause the washer to stop spinning.

Washing Machine Not Draining
If the water will not drain at the end of a cycle, check your washing machine’s drain hose for kinks and check the drain line to see if it’s plugged. Make sure the drain system isn’t plugged and that the washer drain hose is above the water level in the drain tub. A jammed pump or worn transmission gears can also cause draining issues.

Washer Won’t Finish Cycle
If the washing machine will not finish a cycle, it typically means that the timer has failed or stalled. The experts at an appliance repair company can remove the control panel and look at the contacts for signs of damage.

A dirty dryer vent can cause a number of problems, including dryer failure or even a household fire. At Holloway Appliance Repair of Birmingham, we recommend inspecting and cleaning your dryer vent at least once per year. If you need a dryer repaired in Birmingham , you can turn to our appliance repair company for high-quality service. Continue reading to learn about the steps of cleaning a dryer vent.

Did you know that the dryer is the number one source of fires in the home? Removing lint buildup from the dryer vent hose can help reduce the likelihood of a household fire occurring because of a clogged dryer vent. It is especially important to frequently clean your dryer vent if you have an electric dryer, as electric models are more likely to cause household fires than gas dryers. To clean a dryer vent, simply pick up a dryer vent cleaning brush kit. Remember to disconnect the different sections of your dryer vent to be sure you are catching all of the lint that has built up.

Holloway Appliance Repair of Birmingham is available around the clock to perform appliance repair in Birmingham and surrounding areas. As the lead refrigeration mechanic for Disney for four years, we have the experience and expertise many people are looking for in an appliance repair company. If you are looking for appliance repair services, keep reading for a list of factors you should consider as you search for the right company.

Clients
Ask the appliance repair company for a corporate reference. If the appliance repair company is successful, it will have a number of repeat customers, such as real estate agents, rental agents, warranty companies, and appliance rental companies. These clients have seen many appliance technicians and will be able to speak to what makes an appliance repair company good or bad.

Business Experience
Ask your appliance repair company how many years they have been in business. A certified service center, Holloway Appliance Repair of Birmingham has been in business for over 50 years.

Emergency Hours
If you just stocked your GE refrigerator with food and it breaks down, you may need to schedule GE refrigerator repair right away so your food doesn’t spoil. If your dryer breaks down but you have an outfit you need to use for an important interview or meeting, you may need to call for dryer repair after hours. To make you’re your appliances will be fixed in an emergency, be sure your appliance repair company conducts 24-hour repair services.

Same Day Service
Some appliance repair companies will respond right away to your requests if it’s early enough in the day. Holloway Appliance Repair of Birmingham promises same day service if you call before 10 a.m., or your service call is free.

Accreditation
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers accreditation to businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to customer service. Holloway Appliance Repair of Birmingham is not only accredited by the BBB, but it has an A+ rating from them as well.

If you want to avoid unnecessary appliance repair and extend the life of your appliances, then the key is regular maintenance. By maintaining your appliances, you can stop small problems from becoming bigger ones that need attention from an appliance repair company. Maintenance is easy and doesn’t require a major time investment. Something as simple as running a vacuum over the coils of your refrigerator or promptly cleaning up food spills in your oven can make a tremendous difference in the longevity of your appliances. What are the best ways to maintain your major appliances? Holloway Appliance Repair of Birmingham , an appliance repair company serving Birmingham, explains in this infographic. Use this information to keep your appliances in top shape, and when repairs are necessary, give us a call. Help your family and friends avoid costly appliance repair services and get the most out of their units by sharing this information with them.

Garbage disposals are very easy to break, so it’s recommended that you clean yours regularly to reduce your chances of needing an appliance repair service. If you need to schedule a garbage disposal repair in Birmingham , Holloway Appliance Repair of Birmingham—with over 50 years of experience—is the appliance repair company to call.

If your garbage disposal is smelly, put two cups of ice with one cup of rock salt or vinegar into the garbage disposal, and engage the garbage disposal with cold water running. Let it run for five to ten seconds before turning it off. If there is a clog, remove any large objects using tongs. Then, plug the drain and fill the sink with four inches of cold water. Remove the drain plug and run the garbage disposal to clear the debris. Watch the video for more garbage-disposal cleaning tips.

Depending on the age, type, and efficiency of your refrigerator, it may be more economical to schedule refrigerator repair rather than replacing the unit altogether. For quality Mayfair and GE Refrigerator repair in Birmingham , contact Holloway Appliance Repair of Birmingham. If you are unsure whether to replace or repair your refrigerator, here are some tips that will help you decide.

Age
Refrigerators typically last somewhere between 10 and 20 years. The older your refrigerator is, the more likely it is that repairing it will be expensive. If your refrigerator is older than 15 years, it should probably be replaced. And if your refrigerator is eight years old or less, it should probably be repaired. If your refrigerator is between eight and 15 years old, consider the type of refrigerator, its efficiency, and your desire to get a new refrigerator to help you decide whether it should be repaired or replaced.

Type
Some refrigerators can be very costly to repair. In fact, Consumer Reports found that built-in refrigerators are typically less expensive to repair, while side-by-side refrigerators are more expensive to repair. If your side-by-side refrigerator is more than five year old, it might need to be replaced. Bottom freezers that are malfunctioning should be repaired if they are seven years old or less, or replaced if they are older. Failing top freezers should be replaced if they are over seven years old.

Efficiency
According to Energy Star, a 10-year old refrigerator uses twice the energy of a new Energy-Star certified refrigerator. If your old refrigerator is inefficient, investing in a new Energy Star refrigerator can save you money on your energy bills. If you are considering refrigerator replacement , keep in mind that manual-defrost units and units with top-mounted freezers are more efficient than their counterparts.

Overall
Assess the amount of damage on your current refrigerator. If there are several damaged parts, it may be a better idea to replace the unit. If your faulty refrigerator is under warranty coverage, make a claim before replacing it, because you might be able to get it repaired for free.