DIY repairs - Many people want to fix appliances themselves, remember always unplug and switch off before carrying out any type maintenance.These help tips are basic and can be easily checked without tools, but unplug first.

Before calling an engineer it is best to check the following:

• Washing Machines.
  • Regularly check filter and door seal area for objects
  • Maintenance service washes - Depending on your area I recommend placing the washing machine on the hottest wash empty, use soda or washing machine cleaner every 2- 3 weeks. This will minimise the smells and build up of bacteria associated with washing machines being used at 30-40 degrees and use of liquid detergents.
  • Always use different temperatures in accordance with care labels.
  • Wash bed linen on at least 50 degrees.
  • Whites / lights cotton towels and tea towels 60 or above with a biological powder
  • Choosing the right detergent for the job.
  • Biological powder contains bleach so ideal for whites or lights.
  • Colour powder for dark items to reduce fading or bobbling
  • Woollen / delicate powder specially designed for delicate items, only use on hand wash or wool program and only wash a few items at a time to prevent friction and damage to clothing.
  • Not Spinning and or pumping out - check filter and size and position of load, if the water is below door you can switch off the appliance and open the door, remove load and bail out the excess water the check filter (usually located behind the lower plinth).
  • Common fault not spinning can be load related, too little, too heavy. Always remove the load and try empty spin if it works then you know it was balance of the load.
  • Leaking - check door seal for holes.
  • Intermittent leaking usually related over foaming too much soap powder in dispenser draw. I recommend placing detergent directly in the drum.
  • Not working / starting - check mains plug and that it is switched on.
  • Check that the door is closed properly.
  • Noisy - objects in pump or filter. 

• Tumble dryers
  • Not heating
  • Check filters, condenser box and water containers after every cycle.

• Washer
  • Bearings noisy
  • Suspension / springs
  • Unbalanced heavy / light loads

• Fridge Freezers
  • Frost free
  • Noisy not cold enough in fridge  - ice build up (due to door left open too long) or drain hole blocked.

• Dishwasher
  • Poor wash results - Dishwashers are not waste disposals clear all excess food from plates / pans.
  • Clean and check filters
  • Wipe seals 
  • Always use salt, even if your detergent says it contains it.

 

More detailed information on washing care can be found at http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/help/stains-marks/washing-machine-stains.html