Washing Machine

Getting Your Appliance FixedHow do you know when to call?Here's when you don't need appliance service: Your refrigerator water filter needs replacement. You should be able to do this yourself. If for some reason you can't, a handyman can do this for you. Your washing machine has an inlet hose that is leaking. Replace the leaking hose (I'd replace both hoses). No need for a service call. The dishwasher is not getting your dishes clean. There could be many reasons for this other than a malfunctioning dishwasher. Maybe the incoming water is not hot enough. Hard water can be a problem. There's not enough or too much detergent. You might need to use a rinse agent, or additive.Here's when you do need to call for service: Your refrigerator is not cooling. You've plugged and unplugged, and tested the electric outlet so that you know your fridge is getting power. Nevertheless, your food is spoiling. Call for service. Your washing machine suddenly made a loud grating sound, and ground to a halt. Now you can't get it to do anything. You need a qualified service agent. The dishwasher will start, fills with water, etc. but it just doesn't do anything. No noise, no water movement, no nothing. Your neighbor says, it's probaly the pump and/or motor.You get the idea. Some simple things like changing filters are not reasons to call for service. When appliances have critical failures, that can't be fixed by turning the power back on, etc. it's time to

Maintaining Your Major AppliancesHere are some tips to maintaining, cleaning, and inspecting your washing machine and clothes dryer. You can save time and money by following this advice, and avoid breakdowns, or hazardous situations.Washing Machine It's a good idea to periodically check and replace the fill hoses on your washing machine. If you have rubber hoses, you should consider replacing them with braided stainless steel hoses. It is recommended that you replace your washer hoses every 3-5 years. While you are back there, take a look at the electrical connection. The plug needs to be firmly in place, the cord connection to the washer should have a restraint, and should not evidence any corrosion or burn marks. Also, you should periodically clean the inside of your outer washer tub. Whirlpool makes a cleaner called Affresh for this purpose. There are also a variety of home remedies including using combinations of bleach, vinegar, and/or baking soda. You can discover these cleaning remedies online, or just look on the aisles of your grocery store for washer cleaning products. If you have a front loading washer, pay special attention to cleaning the front gasket, especially at the bottom where it's possible for moisture to settle and mold to grow.Automatic DryerMake a habit of cleaning the lint filter in your dryer once a week. It's also very important to regularly clean the dryer vent. If you're lucky you'll have a short direct vent pipe to the outside that you can clean with a vacuum

Choosing the Best WasherGetting ready to buy a new washing machine? Here is the first decision you'll need to make. There are three basic types of washers to choose from. We describe each washer type below and provide an example from each of the three major brands.1. GE Traditional Agitator Type Top Loader WasherAgitator type washers were the primary type of washing machine used in the U.S. since the post WWII era up to the 2000's. They're still a popular choice for those who want a washing machine like Mom used to have and prefer the high-post agitator in the middle. Here's an example from GE.GE® 4.2 DOE cu. ft. stainless steel capacity washerGTW485ASJWS ENERGY STAR® qualified Stain PreTreat Speed Wash Rotary electronic controls with cycle status lights2. Whirlpool HE Top Load WasherHigh Efficiency top load washers have been around for about twenty years. They're absent the high post agitator of traditional washers. Instead, they have an impeller in the bottom of the tub that turns and moves the clothes in much less water than traditional agitator top loaders, but they still do an amazing job of cleaning clothes. Below is a Whirlpool HE Top Load Washer:4.3 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Top Load Washer with a Low-Profile Impeller Model #: WTW5000DWPresoak Option Deep Water Wash Cycle Clean Washer Cycle with affresh® Washer Cleaner Smooth Wave Stainless Steel Wash Basket Quick Wash Cycle 3. Electrolux Front Load WasherFront load washers have become very popular over the last 20 years. Originally popularized in

Buying an Appliance for Valentines Day?The question of the day is should I get my love a new appliance for Valentine's Day? Let's review.Is an appliance romantic? Not necessarily. A washing machine could make your loved one think of drudgery. On the other hand, a built-in coffee maker/espresso machine like this Jenn-Air might make your loved one's heart flutter. We can help you with that at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center.Should I add a Valentine's card or a ribbon to the gift? If you're surprising your spouse with a dishwasher, we'd suggest you start with a dozen roses and a box of chocolates to accompany the dishwasher. We've got just the dishwasher for you, too! Not just a dishwasher, but this Miele Dishwasher. It's an unbelievable price for one of the world's highest quality appliance brands.Wine is always appreciated. Get a bottle of his or her favorite wine, and accompany it with a new wine reserve like the Sub Zero below: Finally, a really top-notch countertop appliance, such as the Wolf Gourmet Countertop Oven might be just the thing to put a smile on the face of your significant other.If you're in a relationship, take it from me. Whatever you do, Don't forget Valentine's Day.Call or visit Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today for relief from impending Valentine's Day distress.  

Taking care of your appliancesFour Appliance Tips to Keep your Appliances Fit Clean your dryer duct. There's a reason why this is the first tip. Supposedly, the number one cause of house fires is clogged dryer vents. The lint trap on your dryer should be cleaned after each use, but the external vent hose and in-wall vent should be checked annually, and professionally cleaned if necessary. If your clothes are taking longer and longer to dry, or if your clothes come out of the dryer and/or the dryer cabinet gets very hot, those are good signs that your vent is clogged. In some cases, with short direct vents you can clean them yourself. Otherwise, you may need to have them cleaned professionally. Change your refrigerator water filter. This one you can do yourself. If it hasn't been done in the past year, you should definitely replace it. Otherwise, check the use and care manual. Clean your oven (if it is dirty). There are now a lot of different oven cleaning systems, such as Aqualift®, steam clean, and the familiar pyrolytic self-clean systems. Depending on your oven brand and type your cleaning system may vary. If all your oven needs is to be wiped down with hot soapy water, then you're good to go. Otherwise, use the cleaning system provided for your specific oven. Check your washer fill hoses. Make sure that there are no leaks, and no cracks or split hoses. If the hoses are old or brittle, they should

What's New in Appliances at CESOddly, CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) has become THE place for several appliance manufacturers to show their latest innovations. It's odd, since the rest of the appliance industry seems to have settled on the joint IBS (International Builders Show) /KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) to display their wares. The IBS/KBIS show is to be held near the end of January also in Las Vegas. This year's CES hosted appliance manufacturers showing refrigerators with touch screens, fridges that revealed their contents with a knock on the door, and a refrigerator that claims to have re-invented ways to organize your refrigerator. Not to mention an interesting update on a washing machine within a washing machine that was launched at last year's CES.Knock on the door of this refrigeratorThe "smart" refrigerator from LG is loaded with high tech features, but the most interesting feature requires a manual knock on the door which activates a lighting system that reveals the contents inside the fridge.Washer Washer DryerIn 2015, LG first launched this washer within a washer, eg. a full-sized washer with a mini washer in a bottom compartment. This year, it appears that the full-sized washer has been converted to a combo full-sized washer/dryer still with mini washer at the bottom.Easy to Organize French Door RefrigeratorFrench Door refrigerators have become so popular partly because of the ease of seeing and arranging the contents. In this new CES award winning refrigerator from Whirlpool, redesigned lighting, shelves and compartments as well

Holiday Gift Suggestions at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterA dishwasher may not be a good Christmas gift.There's a saying, "When you're a hammer everything looks like a nail."For someone who spends their days, months, and years around appliances, bringing home a new dishwasher as a Christmas gift for your wife just makes sense right?....not! Take it from me, that's a lesson you'll never need to learn a second time.However, that doesn't mean that an appliance cannot be a good Christmas present under the right circumstances. For example, in my case, a nice wine cellar or built-in ice machine would be a gift that I'd love. For both of us, a built-in espresso machine would be a superb gift to ourselves.Think of what your spouse would really love to have in the house that would make this Christmas special. Hint: it may not be new washing machine (even a red one)! And by the way, if it is a new Wolf Countertop Convection Oven, show your good taste by topping it off with a long stemmed rose, accompanied with a gift card to her favorite restaurant! Theres still time. Stop by one of the Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center showrooms for more last minute ideas from our appliance and plumbing fixture experts.  

Tips to help reduce your water usage when washing clothes.Since over 20% of the average family's water use comes from doing laundry, reducing water usage in the laundry room can have a big impact on your total household water consumption. Here are a couple of tips to save water and save money in the laundry room.Wash full loads.Whenever possible washing a full load is far more efficient and saves water over partial loads. It will also save electricity or gas when drying clothes.Wash less frequently.Nobody's suggesting that we should wear dirty clothes, but really how often do we need to wash those denims when we only wear them for light day to day use? Remember Grandma talking about Monday laundry day, and that was the only day laundry got done? The next time we're loading the washer, let's take a good look at the clothes. If a high percentage of the laundry looks like it might be just fine to use another day or two, then seriously think about saving the time, the work, the energy, and water usage by laundering less frequently.Use Energy-Saving WashersSuprisingly, there is not much else we can do to save water in clothes washing except to use a high-efficiency front-load or top-load washer. Basically, that means if we're really concerned about saving water we should not be using a traditional top-load washer with an agitator post in the middle. Agitator type top-load machines will use up to 3X the amount of water that a high-efficiency

Buying Appliances in a Hurry What to do when your old appliance breaks down When the old fridge quits cooling, the clunky washing machine stops clunking, or the 50's cooker quits cooking, you need a new appliance NOW!! Here are a few tips on getting the appliance you need in a hurry without breaking the bank. Do a quick needs assessment. Do you want a direct replacement for the faulty appliance. Same color, brand, or style? Or is there something else you'd like? For example, if you're replacing your old top freezer refrigerator and have always wanted a French door model, now is your opportunity. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center can help. They carry all the major brands - Electrolux, Frigidaire, GE, KitchenAid, Maytag, and Whirlpool as well as most of the premium and luxury brands such as Dacor, Jenn-Air, Bosch, Miele, Thermador, Sub Zero, Monogram, Viking, Wolf and many more. Narrow the search. Let's face it. You don't have time to make a personal visit every appliance outlet in your area. Don't ignore today's modern conveniences. Let your fingers do the dialing and make a phone call. Use email and the internet. Call - Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. 1 800 387-2011 UAKC is open 7 days a week. E-Mail - UAKC even has a contact us link on their website Website - www.uakc.com Visit - Two showroom locations in Southern California with complete displays. Think about a budget. Most folks don't have an extra thousand dollars or two

Choosing Your New Washer at UAKC Best Selection, Prices, and RED Models Available TOO If you've been washing clothes in boring white washing machines for decades, and want to dress up your laundry room with a splash of color, a new RED washer may be just what you need. No matter what your color preference, the best place in Southern California to purchase a new washer is Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC). Most appliance brands have new washers available in colors, and red is certainly a popular choice these days. Here are some of the leading washing machine brands to choose from: Electrolux, Frigidaire, GE, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool. Since you're sure to be able to get a great new washing machine in RED, what are some other criteria that are important? 1. Top Load (HE) vs. Front Load. That beautiful new washer is going to be available in both a Front Load configuration and as an HE Top Load model. Take a look at our previous comparison of Front Load and Top Load washers. Click Below: Front Load vs Top Load Washers 2. Dimensions. Let's make sure that your new washer will fit in your laundry room. Measure the space available and take those dimensions with you when you visit UAKC to pick out your new washer 3. Features. Other than color, are there specific features you want? Truthfully, all washers are NOT created equal. For example, do you want a washer that has a steam feature?