Ever used your self-cleaning oven feature? The consensus is that it smells. Bad. Typically, a self-cleaning oven works by using high heat to separate food molecules and turn them to ash that can be easily wiped away, although a few types use steam and lower heat instead. This feature can help save you time and energy when dealing with tough oven messes, but at what cost? What Causes Self-Cleaning ...
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Recent Posts in DIY Projects Category
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Clean but Smelly: Why Do Self-Cleaning Ovens Smell So Bad?
January 14, 2020 -
How to Make a Solar Oven Science Project
December 23, 2019 Solar power is a renewable energy source that can help you save on your monthly bills or reduce your carbon footprint and may be used for a vast array of applications including cooking. Whether you are camping or just experimenting for fun, building a solar oven can help you understand the science behind solar power, and it makes a fun project for all ages. Read on to learn how to make a solar ...Continue Reading -
Winter Warm Up: Your New Favorite Dutch Oven Bread Recipe
December 17, 2019 There is no scent that is more familiar, enticing, or comforting than that of freshly baked bread, but for many, the process of mixing and kneading the dough and then waiting for it to rise may seem intimidating. The best way to enjoy the taste and aroma of a warm loaf straight from the oven without all the fuss is with Dutch oven bread—a perfect alternative to a more traditional dough that is ...Continue Reading -
Microwave No More: How to Make Popcorn on the Stove
December 10, 2019 Microwave popcorn may be quick and convenient, but it is no match for the taste and quality of traditional stovetop popcorn. By itself, popcorn is a relatively healthy snack, and making popcorn on the stove allows you to control the amount of fat and salt you consume which can benefit those with health concerns or dietary restrictions. If you have ever read the label on a package of microwave ...Continue Reading -
Create Something Together: Helpful Tips for Baking with the Kids
December 3, 2019 One of the many challenges of parenting is finding fun activities to keep your kids engaged. In the summer, it’s easy to spend afternoons at the park, but during the winter, you may be cooped up inside. If you’re short on ideas, Mr. Appliance® is here to help! How about creating something in the kitchen together? There’s no better way to spend time with your kids on a cold and/or snowy day than ...Continue Reading -
Be Smart About Laundry—Invest in a Smart Washer, Dryer
November 26, 2019 Whether you love it or hate it, laundry is a chore that you can't avoid—but the right appliances can help to make the process much less daunting while saving you valuable time and energy. When it comes time to replace your laundry equipment, a smart washer dryer combo is a great option that gives you the flexibility and freedom to control your equipment from wherever life takes you using any wi-fi ...Continue Reading -
How Does an Air Fryer Work? Your Appliance Explained
November 19, 2019 Deep-fried foods are undeniably delicious, but high levels of fat and cholesterol can render them an unhealthy option for health-conscious individuals, or anyone who is watching their weight. Although it was once a near-impossible task to mimic the crispy exterior and juicy interior of foods that have been cooked in hot oil, air fryer technology has leveled the playing field—but how does an air ...Continue Reading -
Dryer Not Drying, Heating, or Spinning? Here’s What to Do
October 15, 2019 With an average lifespan of about 14 years, you can expect to enjoy years of reliable service from your dryer, but a lack of maintenance or old age may cause it to underperform or periodically break down. You can avoid downtime and costly repairs by paying close attention to warning signs and knowing when to call the experts. Read on to learn what to do if your dryer won't spin, heat, or dry, from ...Continue Reading -
How Long Do Dishwashers Last?
October 3, 2019 Dishwashers are a modern convenience that can be found in most kitchens across the nation, and like other common household appliances they have a relatively predictable lifespan. Learn what to expect from your dishwasher and some helpful tips on how to maximize your investment, with expert advice from Mr. Appliance®. How Long Should a Dishwasher Last? There are a number of variables that can ...Continue Reading -
My Dryer Won’t Start – What Do I Do?
October 1, 2019 So you’ve found yourself saying, “Help! My dryer won’t start!” This is a frustrating situation, but the solution may not be too difficult. Whenever an appliance fails, it’s best to start by looking for common (and simple) problems first. Try a few easy troubleshooting tips, like checking for a tripped circuit breaker or a broken door latch. Chances are, you can go from “Noooo, my dryer won’t ...Continue Reading -
How to Be a Good Host or Hostess
September 24, 2019 Your home is an intimate space that reflects your personal taste and style, and while it may be the place that you feel most comfortable the same may not always hold true for your guests. Whether you are having extended family over for an impromptu game night or hosting friends for a formal dinner party or informal backyard barbecue, Mr. Appliance® has some great tips on how to be a good host to ...Continue Reading -
The Best Gifts for Cooks
September 17, 2019 For some, cooking is merely a means to end but for others, it is a passion. Whether you know a well-seasoned chef or one who is just starting to learn, each will have their own unique sense of style and flair when it comes to creating a meal. While this can make it challenging to shop for these individuals around birthdays or holidays, the kitchen experts at Mr. Appliance® have a number of great ...Continue Reading -
How to Become a Soup Kitchen Volunteer
September 17, 2019 Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community in which you live and can be a valuable and rewarding experience. By becoming a soup kitchen volunteer you can help to provide hot, healthy meals to those in need and make a real difference regardless of how much time you have to spare. Read on to learn how to get started, with helpful information and tips from the dedicated team of ...Continue Reading -
Grandparents Day Gifts | Tips, Ideas, and Inspiration
September 3, 2019 In addition to signalling the start of the school year and the first days of fall, September is also a time to honour grandparents. As this special day approaches and you are searching for the perfect Grandparents Day gifts, the team of dedicated professionals at Mr. Appliance® has some great ideas to help inspire you. What is Grandparents Day? The origin of Grandparents Day dates back to 1973 ...Continue Reading -
How to Separate Laundry to Prolong the Life of Your Clothes
August 27, 2019 If you're like most, you have a love-hate relationship with your washer and dryer—where you love the idea of having freshly laundered clothes but hate the mishaps and disasters that can ruin your most cherished or expensive items. The best way to avoid damage and help your clothes to last longer is by taking the time to sort your laundry before you begin and setting the correct temperature in ...Continue Reading -
How to Clean an Ice Machine (and Why)
August 27, 2019 There is nothing more refreshing than an ice-cold drink, and the best way to preserve the quality and taste of your ice is with regular cleaning and maintenance. Read on to learn how to clean an ice maker and discover why it is such an important part of any cleaning routine. Signs You Need to Clean Your Ice Maker Once you've chosen the best ice maker to suit the needs of your family and lifestyle, ...Continue Reading -
How to Clean a Deep Fryer and Say Goodbye to Grease
August 13, 2019 Deep frying adds a unique flavor and texture to food that is impossible to replicate and is one of the main reasons that restaurant food is so appealing. You can achieve similar results at home with an electric or stovetop deep fryer, but it's important to ensure it is cleaned properly on a regular basis. Read on for some deep fryer cleaning tips from the experts at Mr. Appliance® to stop grease ...Continue Reading -
Troubleshooting Tips for When Your Dryer Won’t Start
July 30, 2019 Have you discovered that your dryer won’t start up? There are several possible reasons that a gas or electric dryer won’t turn on; hopefully, it’s a simple issue such as a tripped breaker, a broken switch, or a defective latch. These straightforward troubleshooting tips will help you pinpoint the problem and take appropriate action. You may be able to fix the problem yourself, but more complicated ...Continue Reading -
Know Your Appliances: What in the World Is a Garburator?
July 16, 2019 Modern conveniences are designed to save space, time, and money by performing any number of unpleasant household tasks quickly and efficiently. One such item that can be found in homes across the globe is a garburator, and while you may not know what one is you may be surprised to find that you have one in your kitchen. What's in a Name? Travelling the world is a great way to expand your horizons, ...Continue Reading -
An Easy, DIY Play Kitchen for Your Little Chef
June 11, 2019 It’s said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. If you’re a parent who spends any time there, there’s a high likelihood you’ve had offers to help from little hands which are also near and dear to your heart. From helping crack eggs to playing drums on the floor with pans, children love feeling like they’re part of cooking meals. In fact, this CBS News story shared research results showed that ...Continue Reading -
How to Make Slime with Laundry Detergent and Shampoo
June 11, 2019 When it comes to school science, experiments slime ranks number one, giving students a hands-on way to learn about chemical reactions, polymers, and viscosity. Creating slime at home is even more fun and can provide you and your children with hours of enjoyment using just a few common ingredients. Put away the electronics and get back to basics with these tips on how to make slime with laundry ...Continue Reading -
The Best Range Hoods to Keep Your Kitchen Ventilated
April 23, 2019 Ventilation is a key factor in the quality of your indoor air and the cleanliness of your home. When you consider that the kitchen is one of the most often used rooms and that which produces the most odours, grease, and steam, it's imperative that you choose a range hood that not only looks good, but also performs well. With so many different types of range hoods to choose from it can be hard to ...Continue Reading -
How to Clean Front-Load Washer Mould
March 19, 2019 Front-load washing machines are famous for being quiet, efficient, and gentle on clothes, but they’re infamous for accruing nasty mould and mildew. Here’s how to clean front-load washer mould, along with tips to limit the machine’s susceptibility to future growth. What Causes Front-Load Washing Machines to Mould? Front-load washers are all the rage, but their design makes them more prone to mould. ...Continue Reading -
Does Stainless Steel Rust? (Stainless Isn’t Always Rust-less)
March 12, 2019 Stainless steel is used in any number of applications including medical equipment, automotive parts, and indoor and outdoor appliances. There are several misconceptions about this versatile material—the biggest one being that it doesn't rust when exposed to water or the elements. While stainless steel may not corrode in the same manner or at the same speed as ordinary steel it can happen under the ...Continue Reading -
Freezing Baby Food 101: How to Freeze Baby Food
February 26, 2019 Caring for a new little one comes with many questions and concerns. How should you dress your baby? What temperature should you keep your baby’s nursery? What baby food should you buy? Your questions are never-ending, but fortunately, there’s often more than one right answer. For instance, many parents choose to make their own baby food and freeze it for later. This is a healthy and cost-effective ...Continue Reading -
How to Install a Garburator
February 12, 2019 A new garburator can enhance your lifestyle, saving you time while helping to reduce your impact on the environment. Whether you need to replace your old or worn out appliance or you are installing a new garburator as part of a kitchen remodel or renovation, it's important to follow the proper procedures to ensure optimal performance and safety. The experts at Mr. Appliance® are pleased to provide ...Continue Reading -
Does Coconut Oil Need to Be Refrigerated?
February 5, 2019 Coconut oil has gained popularity over the past decade among those looking for a healthier alternative for cooking, grooming, skin care, and more. With so many different applications and benefits, it's easy to see why coconut oil has become a staple in homes across the country—but while many people can name a dozen different ways to use it not everyone knows the right way to store it. Take the ...Continue Reading -
How to Hide your Kitchen Appliances in Plain Sight
January 22, 2019 Regardless of whether your kitchen is decorated in a modern, traditional, or contemporary style, nothing can ruin the overall appearance more than your kitchen appliances. One of the best ways to enhance the look and feel of the most often used room in your home is by hiding your appliances, both big and small, in plain sight—but how? The team of professionals at Mr. Appliance® has a number of ...Continue Reading -
Clever, Easy Ways to Hide a Washer & Dryer
January 15, 2019 The washer and dryer may be two of your most treasured appliances, but that doesn’t mean you want to stare at them all day. Unfortunately, not every home or apartment is lucky enough to have a dedicated laundry room. Avoid airing out your dirty laundry for all to see with these ways to hide a washer and dryer. Places to Hide Laundry Room Appliances Every living space is unique. Some layouts don’t ...Continue Reading -
How to Fix a Clogged Garburator
December 18, 2018 A garburator is a modern convenience which can help to significantly reduce the amount of waste that your home produces. What is not convenient, however, is a clogged garburator , which can occur for any number of reasons. Read on to learn some helpful tips to prevent clogs from recurring and great advice on how to fix a clogged garburator from the experts at Mr. Appliance®. What Causes a ...Continue Reading -
Preventative Maintenace For Kitchen Appliances
July 3, 2018 Kitchen appliances are not only expensive investments, but they're also the ones that can cause the greatest inconvenience when they stop working. The good news is that with regular maintenance, you can help your appliances not only last longer, but also operate more efficiently to cut down on energy expenses, too! Here's what you need to know about preventive maintenance for kitchen appliances. ...Continue Reading -
Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking?
May 15, 2018 Are you concerned about the puddle of water you just found on the laundry room floor? Don’t panic – all you need is to uncover the reason why the washer is leaking and perform the required repair. Many times, a simple DIY fix is all that’s required, though you can always schedule appliance repair with a knowledgeable appliance repair technician. How to Locate the Washing Machine Leak First, make ...Continue Reading -
How to Clean Your Washing Machine
April 23, 2018 It might seem strange to have to clean a machine that does the cleaning, but over time, soap scum and detergent buildup can start causing problems. Your washing machine--and your clothing--will benefit from a periodic cleaning. From the inside out, here is what you need to know to keep your washing machine in top shape. Collect Your Materials There's no need for harsh cleaning agents here; all you ...Continue Reading -
From Our Kitchen to Yours: The Many Uses of Lemons - Cleaning
April 17, 2018 Lemons aren't just for enjoying in our favorite beverages, they also make an excellent household cleaner. According to Readers Digest there are 34 Uses of Lemons. Some of the most commonly asked questions include; Can you clean with lemon juice? How do I clean my counters and appliance surfaces with lemon juice? Are there homemade lemon juice cleaners? Refreshing the Refrigerator Easily remove ...Continue Reading -
Appliance Cleaning Tips that Can Prevent the Need for Repairs
March 6, 2018 It’s easy to take your kitchen and laundry room appliances for granted, but if you neglect them, you might end up with a premature appliance repair on your hands. Fortunately, a little cleaning goes a long way. Here’s how to maintain some of the major appliances in your home to help prevent repairs in the future. Refrigerator & Freezer Cleaning Tips to Avoid Repair Clean the refrigerator coils: ...Continue Reading -
Home Maintenance Schedule: Check Your Appliances!
February 27, 2018 Your home appliances hum effortlessly along, helping you throughout your busy life, never asking much in return. Although, the truth is that a little attention every now and then helps appliances last longer and work more efficiently, saving you money. With so much experience repairing and servicing appliances, Mr. Appliance knows firsthand how a little maintenance can go a long way. ...Continue Reading -
Clean the Refrigerator Gaskets in 3 Easy Steps
November 8, 2017 Your refrigerator’s gasket helps to create a vacuum, air-tight seal, forming a barrier for the cool inside your refrigerator and freezer. It’s located along the edges of the appliance doors. Clean this important part of the appliance with these three steps: Make Your Cleaning Solution General Electric recommends mixing of 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. You can also use with a ...Continue Reading -
How to Get the Worst Stains Out
April 5, 2017 Ketchup on your brand new white blouse? Remnants of the chocolate bar you just ate on your jeans? Grease on your button down from changing a car tire? We’ve all been there. Stains are an inevitable part of life that tend to occur at the worst moments. Luckily, there are tricks that can ease your worries when it comes to those pesky marks that do not seem to go away. Here are the top six worst ...Continue Reading -
Make Dryer Lint Fire Starters for Spring Camping Trips
February 28, 2017 Spring camping is something that many families take part in as the weather starts to get warmer. And those beautiful warmer days will be here before you know it. Many memories (and s’mores) can be made around the campfire during this time. But, before you get there, you must build the fire. Now, we know that dryer lint is flammable and can be hazardous if you leave it in the dryer; however, it is ...Continue Reading -
Organize your Pantry to Start the New Year Off Right
January 1, 2017 Do you enjoy cooking during the holidays, or does stepping foot in your pantry increase your stress level to an unhealthy degree? Pantry organization isn’t the same as organizing the rest of your kitchen because you constantly draw from and restock the pantry. If you’re not careful, this could lead to a state of constant disarray, not to mention food waste as expiration dates come and go. Now’s ...Continue Reading -
Clean Everything Else
December 7, 2016 This is the time of year to prepare your home – especially your kitchen – for the holidays. If you’re hosting dinner parties for family and friends, a clean, functional kitchen will help everything go smoothly. You’ve already learned how to clean your oven and refrigerator – now it’s time to tackle the rest of the kitchen as part of your yearly holiday preparations. Dust High Areas This is a great ...Continue Reading -
How to Clean Your Refrigerator
December 1, 2016 In your efforts to prepare the kitchen for the hectic holiday baking season, you may have already cleaned the oven. Now it’s time to think about cleaning the refrigerator so there’s room for holiday leftovers without any funky smells or sticky spots to slow you down. Use these tips to achieve a clean refrigerator and keep it looking good for months. How to Clean Your Refrigerator Ready to deep ...Continue Reading -
Art Displays: Alternatives to the Fridge
October 21, 2016 With the holidays approaching, your children might start bringing home lots of pumpkin-themed crafts and art from school! Their little creations will certainly be sentimental and you will probably want to hang them up; however, they will fill up your fridge fast. With all of these pretty art pieces, you might lose sight of your family calendar or invitations to holiday events. Here are a few ...Continue Reading -
Scary Lunchbox Snacks
October 14, 2016 Silly Apple Bites These eye-catching snacks are a great treat, especially with Halloween coming before we know it! What you’ll need for eight bites: 2 green apples Sunflower butter 32 sunflower seeds 2-3 strawberries 1-2 candy eyes per apple bite Optional: whipped cream. How to make: Slice the apples into quarters and cut the middles out of each quarter of the outside of the apple to create a ...Continue Reading -
Coolest Lunchboxes
September 13, 2016 Lunchboxes were and have always been a staple at school lunches. You may remember in middle school, how “cool” someone seemed based on his or her vintage metal lunchbox. Lunchboxes are sort of like a time capsule, throwing everyone back to their younger years. However, recently, the style of lunchboxes has changed; they are now more modular and have the ability to pack a variety of items into one ...Continue Reading -
4 Beautiful Outdoor Kitchens
June 7, 2016 Summer is upon us, and it’s time to start thinking about the barbecues and backyard parties you will be hosting this season. Here are four beautiful outdoor kitchens to give you inspiration for your own outdoor kitchen. 1. The Patio Kitchen This beautiful outdoor kitchen sits on the patio against the home’s back wall. The stone on the kitchen walls looks elegant next to the house. It is small yet ...Continue Reading -
Clean Laundry Jokes
May 17, 2016 Like doing the dishes, laundry is one of those household chores with which you’re never truly done! In honor of National Humor Month , we decided to gather up some of the best laundry-related jokes to make the chore a bit less of a bore. Go ahead and procrastinate folding your clothes by reading some of our clean jokes. 1.Q: How much fun is washing your clothes? A: Loads. 2.Q: What happened to the ...Continue Reading -
Creative Drying Racks
May 9, 2016 Running your dryer less often is also a good way to save energy and money. Plus, some clothes are just too delicate for the dryer. To help your little black dress, wool sweater and favorite lingerie last longer, it’s better to air dry these items. But what if you don’t have a drying rack? You can easily make your own so you have a dedicated space to hang clothing you don’t want to run through the ...Continue Reading -
Cook Dinner in Your Dishwasher? Kitchen Appliance Hacks
May 1, 2016 You spend your day multitasking, so why shouldn’t your kitchen appliances juggle more than one job, too? Dishwashers can poach salmon. Freezers can wash your clothes. Microwaves can help you squeeze orange juice. Granted, there are risks to hacking home appliances—especially the fact that it could render your warranty moot, warns Doug Rogers , president of Mr. Appliance , a national appliance ...Continue Reading -
5 Tips to an Organized Refrigerator
May 28, 2015 http://www.sweethaute.net/2013/08/diy-refrigerator-shelf-liners.html “I’m so excited to clean out the fridge today,” said no one ever. There’s absolutely nothing fun about cleaning the fridge. It’s amazing how quickly it can go from organized and clean to a hot mess of smelly and expired food that isn’t even recognizable. But how in the world do you even begin the process of organizing your ...Continue Reading -
DIY Summer Lemonade Stand
April 29, 2015 What says summer more than a couple of kids sitting outside at a lemonade stand? The refreshing taste of the lemonade paired with the adorable entrepreneurs makes for a classic American summer memory that everyone can recall. Why not take the lemonade stand up a notch from old plastic wagons and card tables, and make this super cute stand for your kids? It’s a project the whole family can be ...Continue Reading -
Renew, Retreat, Rewash
April 29, 2015 Tired of your man retreating to his man cave after dinner while you are stuck folding laundry? It’s time to create a space for a weekly refuge that is just for you by building your own mom cave. Transform the one room in your house your husband would never think to look, the laundry room! See how a coat of paint and the strike of a match can turn a cinderblock basement into a sanctuary of suds. A ...Continue Reading -
Decorate Easter Eggs with These 5 Ideas
April 29, 2015 Hop out of the box with your Easter egg decorating this year and follow these Pinterest-inspired nontraditional techniques. Glue and Glitter Dip your eggs in glue and then roll them around in glitter, beads or sequins. For polka dots, drop dots of glue and then sprinkle glitter. This method also works great with sprinkles. Pretty patterns Using a Sharpie or other fine-pointed writing utensil, draw ...Continue Reading -
Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for a Summer to Remember
April 23, 2015 Woo hoo! Summer is here. Wallace Stevens once said, “The summer night is like a perfection of thought.” And we couldn’t agree more. Seriously, what’s there not to love about summer? Sunshine, flip flops, good food, and old friends – roll that all together and you’ve got yourself the makings of a perfect party on the patio. But don’t stress if you don’t have the end-all, be-all of outdoor kitchens. ...Continue Reading -
10 Ways to Reuse Lonely Socks
April 23, 2015 Have you fallen victim to the mystery of the missing sock? Two socks go into the dirty laundry pile, but somehow only one sock makes it out clean. Where in the world is the other sock? No need to worry. We have 10 amazing things you can do with those lonely socks. Make Sock Puppets This is a classic solution: If you have a collection of unwanted socks, allow your children and their friends to make ...Continue Reading -
Simple Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
February 23, 2015 With the birth of spring comes backyard cooking and barbeques. Creating a picture-perfect outdoor kitchen may seem stressful and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Building a backyard cooking space can be easy and affordable with these simple ideas. Purchase a pre-made grill structure A stylish and multifunctional grill is the main centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen, but don’t want to feel ...Continue Reading