Archive for the ‘kitchen’ Category
Is your dishwasher acting up?
The dishwasher is one of the modern conveniences that we often take for granted - until it starts failing us and we realize how much easier it made our daily lives. If you have an annoying dishwasher, it's best not to put off the problem for the future. Instead, you can nip it in the bud by seeing if you can diagnose the problem and using some good old fashioned elbow grease. Here's how to fix an annoying dishwasher.
First it helps to understand how a dishwasher basically works. A dishwasher has a lot of water flowing in and out of it on a daily basis - first, it uses a heated water and detergent mix in order to complete a wash. This dirty water is then drained from the dishwasher. The dishes are then rinsed with water and a rinsing agent, and then this water is drained and the dishes are left to dry, often with heat added to the drying process. When you open up your dishwasher door again, you have a clean set of dishwasher and silverware waiting to be put away.
At least that's how it's supposed to work. If your dishwasher is having problems, empty it and take a look at some of the basic parts. For example, there is a water inlet valve which lets water in, a float that helps the dishwasher know when the water is high enough, and a motor which pushes water into a pump that sprays the dishes clean. If any of these parts look like they need to be replaced, replace them.
It helps to keep your dishwasher clean on a regular basis - dishwashers do have a lot of clean water going through them on a daily basis, but that doesn't mean the dishwasher itself will be clean; only your dishes. Make sure your dishwasher is clean and try another load to see if it cleared out whatever might have been causing the problem.
If you're still having trouble with your dishwasher, consult an owner's manual (it's best to keep your owners' manuals in the same secure spot) and see if there's anything you can do. Replace what needs to be replaced. If you're stuck, call in a repairman and see if they know what the problem is - as you do, be sure to have them explain the problem to you in case it ever comes up again. Chances are that you'll learn something about your dishwasher that just may come in handy in the future.
Photo Credits: zenobia_joy
Originally posted 2009-12-15 03:10:54.
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on January 27, 2012 in
appliances, Handyman, How to Fix, kitchen
Midnight kitchen raid anyone?
Your pantry cabinet in your kitchen can come in a lot of different shapes and sizes: while some people have simple shelves, others will have full-on walk-in pantries. But no matter how big your pantry is, there's no escaping the potential for a breakdown or the need for repairs. The question is simple: will you be able to repair it yourself? After you read this article, you will.
First, it's important to realize that there are essentially two different types of breaks. The break is either superficial or structural. For example, a scratch on your pantry door would fall under the "superficial" category, in that it diminishes the attractiveness of your pantry but doesn't mean you can't still us it. Structural damage, such as a broken shelf, can be a little more substantial and might even effect your quality of life - daily life, that is.
The best way to fix most items around the house is to understand how it is put together - and then take it apart. You'll have to take apart most items down to the point of the problem itself so that you can make the necessary repairs and build it back together again. That's why it's important to properly diagnose what's wrong with your pantry. If you can't get to the problem, you'll have to do some removing, including actions like removing screws. Hey, it's not home improvement without getting your hands a little diry!
Common structural problems with pantries involve broken or stuck sliding mechanisms (for shelves and doors), broken hinges on doors, and broken shelves. Oftentimes, you'll be able to make the repairs simply by re-attaching something to where it originally belonged. If there is more extensive damage, however, you'll have to look into repairing the parts themselves and, failing that, replacing them.
You can replace virtually everything in your pantry if you understand how to find each part. If you know what kind of wood to use and how to get it properly colored and stained, you can replace a dented piece of wood. If you know the specific parts to door hinges and slides, you'll be able to order many of those online or find them in a hardware store.
What you do to fix your broken pantry will largely depend on the problems you face. But don't fret; what's important about your do-it-yourself home repair isn't always the problem, but the can-do attitude you bring to the table. Don't let your pantry be broken for weeks and then months on end: it's time to stop the procrastination and to get things done!
Photo Credits: la fattina
Originally posted 2009-07-31 03:45:35.
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on January 12, 2012 in
Handyman, How to Fix, kitchen
Frosted Fridge?
We all love refrigerators because they keep our food cool and fresh, but when we want our food cold, we put it in the freezer, not the "fridge." So what happens when your refrigerator is running too cold? Instead of freezing all of your food and drinks, you can try a couple of simple steps to fix the temperature.
When a refrigerator is running cold, it means that the temperature settings or control are out of whack: much of the work you do to fix your refrigerator will include "diagnosis" work in which you try to figure out the source of the problem.
The Refrigerator Temperature Setting
The first thing to do is check the refrigerator temperature setting itself - is it set to cold? You may not have a problem with a refrigerator; instead, you may have a prankster on your hands. You can adjust the refrigerator temperature setting simply by adjusting the setting manually. You'll want your refrigerator to run at about thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit.
You can confirm the temperature of the refrigerator by placing a simple cooking thermometer in there and letting it sit for a good amount of time - give it a couple of hours just to be sure. If your refrigerator temperature setting does not seem to be the problem, it's time to test the temperature control itself. This will entail some more involved electrical work, so if you're not up to the task, simply be ready to call a repairman. They'll be able to help you, and be sure to tell them whether or not the refrigerator is powered.
Testing the Temperature Control
Note: Before you begin testing the temperature control, be sure that you unplug the refrigerator, disconnecting it from any power source. This will help you avoid electric shock.
In many refrigerator/freezers, the cooling system for the freezer is simply a vent that regularly lets in cool air from the freezer. To get started testing the temperatur control, remove the temperature setting controls, often by unscrewing them.
Once you've made it that far, you'll be able to find that the control within is connected to two wires - make a written note to remember where the wires are originally. For the next steps, consult these instructions which give you pictures explaining in greater detail.
If your refrigerator is still having problems, try and check with a professional and think about buying replacement parts - or even a replacement refrigerator.
Photo Credits: tranchis
Originally posted 2009-11-19 03:19:56.
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on January 8, 2012 in
appliances, Handyman, How to Fix, kitchen
Noisy dishwasher? No problem, we can fix that!
When you have a noisy dishwasher, you don't exactly feel like doing the dishes. After all, doing the dishes alone isn't the most entertaining bit of home maintenance in the world. The prospect of adding noise to the equation when you're trying to watch the game on TV or hear your favorite television show makes the idea even less appealing. That's why you'll want to fix your noisy dishwasher as soon as you can - so you can get back to quiet evenings after a rough day at work.
Of course, in order to fix your noisy dishwasher, you'll have to know what's causing the noise in the first place. This is where most of the work in fixing the noise itself will take place. First, try to find your dishwasher's owner manual: if it gives any warnings against improper dish loading that you've been violating, the reason for the noisy dishwasher might simply be human error. Oops. Do the dishes right next time and hopefully the noise will subside.
It's not always human error, however. If the problem wasn't you, you'll have to do some dishwasher inspecting. The first place to look? The pump at the bottom of the dishwasher. Make sure that it's not clogged with debris such as stuck silverware, food, or uneaten seeds. This pump should be perfectly clean.
If that's not the problem, you also might want to make sure that your dishwasher is level. If your dishwasher sits on "feet," you should be able to adjust them manually. Use a level to check that it is not leaning forward/backward or to any one particular side.
If none of these fixes has made the noise go away, there's a possibility that your inlet valve is the source of the issues. The inlet valve is not an easy thing to replace, but you'll probably want it replaced if you want to get rid of the noise. If you're out of answers, call in a repairman who will know what makes your dishwasher become so noisy, and ask about the possibility of replacing the inlet valve. This could be the source of your noise, but it's not an easy challenge to take on yourself.
Make sure that you keep your dishwasher clean, regularly cleaning it out of debris and gunk. Even though the dishwasher seems like a self-cleaning machine, you'll want to check how clean it really is from time to time.
Photo Credits: scampion
Originally posted 2009-08-17 03:00:21.
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on December 23, 2011 in
appliances, Handyman, How to Fix, kitchen
Replace that broken fridge handle quickly and easily.
Around the house, the refrigerator is probably one of the appliances we take most for granted. It keeps our food fresh for days, keeps liquids cool, and the freezer can store foods for months. If you have a broken refrigerator handle, you've already experienced what it's like when this appliance doesn't work like it usually does. You probably have one thought: "I need to get this fixed immediately!" Though the handle breaking can be a minor inconvenience, it's something you'll want to taken care of. Here's how to fix it yourself.
Fortunately, repairing a refrigerator handle is an easy thing. Why's that? Because the simplest way to do it is simply to replace the door handle itself. And in order to accomplish this, you'll follow a few, simple steps.
First, you'll want to get rid of the old door handle. Presumably, you've left this handle on. Identify the areas on the handle that are attached to the refrigerator via screws, and then loosen the screws. Make sure to keep those screws in case you need to use them with your new refrigerator handle. Even if you buy the exact model of refrigerator handle from the manufacturer, there's no guarantee that they'll include the right screws you need. Rather than go through the trouble of finding new ones, simply save the old ones! (This is unless, of course, the screws were the problem in the first place).
Next, it's time to install the new handle. Line it up with the matching holes and twist in the top screw - this will allow the refrigerator handle to hang. Don't necessarily tighten this screw right away, as you'll want some flexibility for later. Next, twist in the bottom screw to near tightness with some flexibility. Now, use the flexibility of the new handle's position to align it correctly with the refrigerator. Tighten the top screw and then the bottom one. Voila!
Often times, repairs like this can be as simple as going online and ordering the right parts. Some manufacturers will even replace broken parts for free - some will do this while requiring that you send them the old part. In either case, make sure to explore your options and take care of this right away: don't let your house deteriorate. You never know when a guest might show up unexpectedly and try to open your refrigerator.
Photo Credits: Avoir Chaud
Originally posted 2009-08-10 03:13:33.
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on December 22, 2011 in
appliances, Handyman, How to Fix, kitchen
Dirty Dishes.
Let's face it - after a good meal and all of the preparation that went into it, the last thing you want to do is clean out some scrubby-looking pans. But, like it or not, you're stuck with them. That's why you'll want to find out some quick, no-nonsense tips for cleaning your pans that will help you finish the process and move on with your night. Here are some of those tips.
Remember: water is the universal solvent. If you don't want to clean out a pan right away, but don't necessarily want to let the caked-on food dry out and become hard, either, try filling it up with a good amount of water. Soaking the pan in water isn't the most attractive solution, but it will make it easier for you later on when the food comes off much more easily. Water is considered the universal solvent in the chemistry world, and you should put that bit of scientific knowledge to good use. One tip: don't use water and soap for this soaking - the water will work fine by itself.
Be mindful of temperature. Of course, you don't necessarily want to add cool water and bring your pot or pan from boiling to room temperature in zero seconds flat. Instead, give the pots and pans some time to cool off before you start cleaning them: this will help them remain durable and strong.
Read the directions after you buy some cookware. Like it or not, the directions are there to help - they can make you aware of any individual needs these pots or pans might have. So if there are certain cookware items that simply don't respond to different types of cleaning, you can save yourself the trouble simply by reading the instructions right after buying a new pot or pan.
Buy re-usable towels, rags, and cleaners. If you're going to be cleaning out your cookware on a regular basis, you'll want to do the cleaning with something you can re-use, as well. Paper towels can be great around the kitchen, but you constantly need to re-stock your supply. You can instead use an old rag to do a lot of your wiping and simply throw it in the laundry from time to time to keep it fresh and clean.
Save room in your dishwasher. Some of your cookware will go well in the dishwasher - remember, check your directions first - and you can use an empty dishwasher to your advantage simply by throwing in a couple of your pots and pans. This isn't always ideal, but it will help you to clean up the pots and pans without working too hard after a long day.
Photo Credits: kbc kevin
Originally posted 2009-07-20 08:00:48.
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on December 20, 2011 in
How to Fix, kitchen, Make Clean
Loose or Broken Tile?
Whether your kitchen floor is new or old, there's nothing that disturbs the balance of a room quite like a broken tile. After all, tiles were installed with a pattern in mind: break one link in the chain and the whole thing falls apart. That's why it's important to know how to fix a broken tile - like learning how to change a tire, sometime it pays to know how before you have to do it.
First, we can assume that the conjoining material between each tile is already hard, which means that you'll have to do a little work that might include dust and debris. Make sure to wear protective eye goggles - you might even want to cover your mouth to prevent inhaling too much dust into your lungs.
Next, you'll have to destroy and remove any leftover spots from the previous tile. Most likely your tile is still in place, unless the whole tile itself came out already. In order to remove tile chips, you're going to want to follow a precise pattern: break the tile in the center using a hammer and nailset, and then cut the tile into an X pattern using a glass cutter. Then you can use the hammer to chip away the rest of the tile - beginning in the center - and pry up the pieces using a metal tool.
Once the area is cleared of the main tile bits, it's time for you to dry it out - suck out the remaining debris with a vacuum cleaner. It might not hurt to sand down any protruding areas that might get in the way for the new tile, so be sure to vacuum after you've done the sanding, as well.
Now that you have a clear area where your tile used to be, it's time to replace the tile. First you're going to want to fill the area with latex primer and allow it to dry - you should probably make sure to protect this area so that no one steps in it, particularly small children if you have them. After the primer has dried, you can apply tile adhesive, making sure to move it left and right to make sure it settles in properly. It's important to keep the tile level, so use a mallet to make sure that it gets in far enough. Any extra tile adhesive that comes out of the sides can be scooped up with a stick or screwdriver.
Give the tile some time to dry and you should be all finished. You've covered up the spot in your kitchen that detracted from all the rest. Now if you could just get a new set of cupboards.
Photo Credits: wakingphotolife
Originally posted 2009-08-04 13:55:27.
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on December 14, 2011 in
Floors, Handyman, How to Fix, kitchen
Crusty Ice Maker
An ice maker can be a great convenience around the homes, but they're not a necessity. For that reason, when an ice maker breaks down, it's tempting to put off its repair for a while, simply choosing to live without the convenience of ice-on-command. But what if you did know how to fix some common ice maker problems, or at least knew what the problems might be caused by? You might be a little more inspired to get the thing up and running again - hopefully in a flash.
If your ice maker is making too much ice, you're probably looking at a problem with the shutoff arm - test the shutoff switch to make sure that it's working properly.
If there's ice but it won't come out, you might be looking at an ejector gear problem. ice makers have "ejector gear" in them that helps the ice come out when you place a cup underneath it to capture the ice. In this gear, you'll find an ejector motor - be sure to check that and be sure that it's working. Other problems can include the thermostat and the ice mold heater.
If your ice maker is making no ice, there are a lot of problems you might be having. You'll want to check the shutoff gear, including the shutoff arm and checking the shutoff switch. You'll also want to check the water supply line so that you're sure that water is actually pumping into the ice maker. The temperature is something that contributes, of course, to having ice or not having ice, so be sure that the temperature in the ice maker is correct. You can check the thermostat as well. Be sure to check the water inlet valve as well. You can find an excellent resource for fixing these problems here.
If your ice tastes bad, be sure to check the basic supply lines like the water inlet valve. You'll also want to wash out the ice maker as well as the surrounding area. If you're still having problems, check the places in your refrigerator that your ice water might travel through. If only your ice cubes taste bad - and not your regular water supply - there is probably something along those water lines.
If water is leaking, check the water inlet switch and water inlet valve, as well as the refrigerator's level - consult this guide for a little more information on that. You'll also want to make sure the supply line is running adequately as well as the fill cup alignment (click here).
Photo Credits: Wyscan
Originally posted 2009-12-22 03:25:11.
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on December 3, 2011 in
appliances, Handyman, How to Fix, kitchen
Oven repairs.
When your oven's broken, you know it right away. A broken oven isn't something that can wait for the winter - when you need something cooked, you need it cooked for tonight's dinner! That means that your repairs can't wait, and neither should you: that's why this article will give you a quick summary on how to repair a broken oven and how to address some of the most frequent problems that arise.
The first thing to consider is the oven type itself. Most ovens will either be an oven run by gas or by electricity. If you've cooked before, you should probably have an idea of which one it is, but if you're new to the place and haven't had the time to investigate, now is the time to double-check. Do you have an electric oven or a gas oven?
Once you know the type of oven you have, it's important to understand the type of problems these different types frequently face. For example, a gas oven will usually have problems that effect the ignition of the gas or the supply of the gas. IMPORTANT NOTE: With gas stoves, make sure there are no leaks. If you're not sure, you'll want to call in a professional.
The other most frequent oven type, the electric oven, has its own typical problems. When it comes to these electric appliances, you'll usually encounter your problem with the heating devices located within the oven itself. If you really want to find out what's wrong with your electric oven, be sure to be careful that you don't touch anything that is charged. It's best to be extra cautious when working with either a gas or an electric oven.
Once you've made sure that the gas and electricity to your oven are turned off, you'll be able to finally make some repairs. The first thing to do to fix your broken oven is actually to take the oven apart. If you've never worked with an oven before, you'll want to keep detailed notes about how you took the oven apart so that you can put it back together again.
Huh? Take the oven apart? You heard me right. As you take the oven apart, you should be able to find the problem, if you haven't already. Taking the oven apart will help you to identify the problem, and either fix it or identify the need for a replacement. In doing so, you'll also learn about how your oven works for future reference.
Photo Credits: SuperFantastic
Originally posted 2009-10-12 03:08:07.
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on November 26, 2011 in
appliances, home repair, kitchen
Got a kitchen drawer mess?
Your broken kitchen drawer can feel like a major nuisance - after all, who wants to struggle with opening a drawer when all you want to get is a simple knife or fork? Believe it or not, however, these drawers are put together simply, and fixing them can be just as simple once you take a look inside. If your drawer is broken, you should be able to fix it by setting aside a small block of time and a little persistence. Of course, you'll need a little knowledge, too.
The first step to fixing your broken kitchen drawer is diagnosing the problem you're facing. Usually, the problem is one of two things: a split in the wood itself, or a problem with a mechanical joint that is forcing the drawer to fail. Either way, your job will essentially be to re-build and re-attach either broken part so that your drawer looks like the other (working) drawers in your kitchen.
Pull out the drawer as far as you can and take a look at the problem. Is the drawer not coming out far enough? Then you're probably looking at a potential jam or blockage at some part of the roller. If you have trouble getting to your drawer, be willing to move out some nearby parts in your kitchen, including other drawers.
Since the problem usually arrives either with the wood or the mechanism itself, you'll have two ways to fix your drawer. For problems with the wood - often a wood split - you'll want to purchase some wood glue and re-set the wood so that it is even again. Let the glue dry for a while before testing out the kitchen drawer again.
Problems with mechanical joints in your drawer can be fixed in a similar way, though you'll probably want to be more careful. Make sure that the area is clean first, and make a mental note of where the old glue appears to be. You'll probably want to clear away some of this glue in order to make way for a new, stronger adhesive. Again, let the glue set before you test out the drawer.
If you get lost, try to use your functioning drawers as blueprints for how this drawer should look. Remember, a drawer is not a complicated device. There are only so many things that can go wrong. Once you diagnose the problem, you can set about fixing it right away.
Photo Credits: put that down
Originally posted 2009-08-05 13:55:30.
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on November 22, 2011 in
Handyman, How to Fix, kitchen
Stumble
Reddit
Digg
Del.icio.us
