Self Cleaning Ovens: Problems After Using Self Clean Mode

Its that time of year where we all start to plan and prepare for all the baking were going to do.  What's the first thing we usually do?  If you said clean our ovens, then your right.  More than likely your reading this page because you've already used the self clean mode and now have one or more of these problems.

Each year we get several calls that start with “I just ran the self clean mode”. Does not seem to matter what brand or if its gas or electric. The common problem is that the self clean feature was just used, and now its not working, the glass broke, the clock doesn't work, the door won’t open or the door won’t close.

The oven gets up to about 900 degrees so that it will incinerate everything in it so it turns to dust and you can just wipe it up when its done.   The heat will sometimes not only burn the grime up but will also burn things that should not burn up like the wiring, controls, and motors... The wiring and controls are built to withstand high heat, although taking the oven to such high temperatures pushes everything to the limit. If something is not insulated perfectly or has shifted a bit then the heat can cause it to fail. Repeated heating also wears the insulation out and causes it to break down. For this reason the self cleaning features should be used sparingly if at all. I have seen countless ranges that failed the first time trying it. I know why even bother having it ??? You have now been warned!!!

If your oven will not unlock after the cycle you have a few things you can try.

First make sure that you wait long enough before you try to open the oven. If it has not cooled completely it will not open. Do not run a clean cycle when you do not have the time to let it cool completely before you need it. Sometimes if you cycle the power to your oven off and then on again you can reset the oven and it will open. Turn off the breaker to your oven for a good minute or two before reapplying the power again.

If that fails to unlock the door try this Set the self-clean cycle again and only allow it to work for 15 minutes. Cancel the self-clean cycle and allow the oven to cool. Gently try moving the door lock lever (is so equipped) or opening the door.

If you've interrupted the clean cycle by opening the door and the latch engaged and now the door can't be closed, there may be a door activated switch on the front face of the oven. In this case you may need to manually press that door switch while at the same time canceling the clean cycle to get the latch to retract so the door can close fully again.

On some Frigidaire built ranges, the switch is located behind the RH side panel and activated by the RH door hinge. On such a model, that side panel may need to be removed to access a malfunctioning door switch.

Still not working

Most self cleaning ranges today use one of 3 different types of door locking systems. One design is solenoid driven, another is heat activated and the last, motorized.

* A solenoid type can be identified by the lever that must be set to lock the door, also a noise (sometimes loud) can be heard when locking or unlocking the door.

* The heat sensitive lock mechanism also has a locking lever but makes no noises. It instead utilizes a heat activated coiled spring to slowly lock the door as the oven heats.

* The motorized design has no lever to move, the motor locks the door by itself when the range is set for self clean. The motor may have made an audible whining or ratcheting sound when in use, a sure sign it failed.

A motorized or heat sensitive style lock will usually be located beneath the cook top on free standing ranges. The cook top would usually need to be lifted to access the locking mechanism. On built in ovens, the oven must usually be removed from its enclosure (or at least partially) in order to remove the top panel to gain access to the locking mechanism. Some will also require removing a cover on the back of the range to access the motor and micro switches (if equipped). On some built in oven models, the lock assembly may be able to be accessed by removing the control console.

Heat sensitive lock assembly on the heat sensitive style (illustrated), there are no electrical parts used to operate the lock which could fail, so the whole mechanism will usually need to be replaced if not operational. This is the least likely to fail in my experience.

With the motorized lock mechanism, an ohmmeter is required to try to determine why the locking motor will not operate. The failure could be in the motor itself or the power supply leading to it, including a door activated and/or console mounted switch and switches on the latch mechanism itself. Check the motor terminals with the ohmmeter you should have about 1 ohm on most . Also check from 1 terminal to a good ground you should have none. Inspect the motor and wiring for burn marks. If all is good make sure you have power going to the motor when activated. Check each micro switch if equipped for continuity. Sometimes the cam on the motor will be in between micro switches, in that case take a screwdriver and push in the tab on one of the micro switches to activate it. The micro switch should have no continuity when the tab is not depressed and should have continuity when depressed.
On solenoid activated designs, the solenoid coil is a common failure point which is often mounted on the back of the range. On many of these models, the lock mechanism can be accessed by removing the rear panel of the appliance. Some models such as built-in ovens or slide-in ranges may have the mechanism mounted towards the front, under the top.
Failure of a solenoid style lock is most often caused by a bad solenoid. Once the lock is located, the solenoid coil can be checked for continuity. If it has none replace it. Some latch assemblies also have micro switches in the power supply that will need to be checked (follow the above procedure).

Now if the control is not working at all. First check to see if power is reaching the control. If it does have power going in you will need to replace the main control. Now if you have no power going into the control your range may have a safety fuse that has blown. To check the fuse check it for continuity. If it has none replace it. To find out if you have a safety or thermal fuse enter in your model # above and check the diagrams. Most will be located on top of the oven compartment or the back up high.

Now you will probably never use the self clean feature again. If you do plan on using it bookmark this page you will need it.

I hope some of these tips will help you. If your still having problems please give Affordable Appliance Repair a call (972) 772-3680 we will be more than happy to come help.

Have a wonderful day! 

HELPFUL TIPS FOR YOUR WASHING MACHINE:

Here are some helpful tips to keeping your washing machine running smoothly and to prevent damage to your washer and home.

Washing rubber backed mats can cause problems by putting added strain on a washer and possibly causing unbalanced loads. In addition, the rubber backing can break down and separate, infiltrating the wash system clogging hoses, pumps, filters and valves. At the first sign of wear of the backing, you should discontinue washing it.

 

Any water leak should be tended to immediately. Water can damage bearings, motors and even the transmission. First look for leaking hoses, if you cannot determine where the leak is, call a service technician.

Unusual noises should be tended to quickly. A squealing or grinding noise may lead to a water leak or more extensive damage.

 

 

Before washing brassieres, check for worn edges. The under wires frequently separate from the garment and cause major damage to the washing machine and dryer components.

 

 

 

 

 

This little handy bra holder can be found in the laundry section at most local super stores. It holds your bra in its natural shape and prevents hook and straps from getting caught in washer.

 

Heavy clothing such as jeans and towels should be spread out over two or more loads. These fabrics absorb lots of water and can put added strain on the machine.

The water taps for the washing machine should be shut off when the washing machine is not in use. Most rubber fill hoses are not meant to withstand constant water pressure and can burst. If in an awkward position and difficult to reach, purchase high pressure, braided metal fill lines.

 

 

I hope some of these tips were helpful. As always if you do have a problem and don't know how to make the repairs yourself, please call a professional.  Trying to make repairs yourself could cost you more in the long run.  Call Affordable Appliance for all your household appliance needs (214) 731-4680. 

 

Have a nice day!

Refrigerator Repair Dallas TX; 3 Important Guidelines To Follow Before Hiring A Refrigerator Repair Company in Dallas and surrounding cities!

When your refrigerator stops working you must find Refrigerator Repair Dallas TX right away. The problem a lot of people have is searching for an experienced appliance repair company that is reliable and qualified, that also has reasonable prices.  Read on for 3 important guidelines to help you in your search.

 

Hiring the right Refrigerator Repair Company in Dallas TX can be difficult, especially if you have your Refrigerator break in the middle of the night and you don’t know who to call. Many people find it hard to find a company that is dependable and experienced.

Here are some important guidelines to follow when doing your research:

1: Look for dependability in your Refrigerator Repair Dallas TX
When looking for a Refrigerator Repair Company in Dallas TX be sure that you find a company that is reliable and honest.  Another important thing to look for is that they offer same day service because you never know when your appliance will break down.  Another important guideline when searching for Refrigerator Repair Company in Dallas TX is to be sure that they have quality technicians who are experienced in your area so they can get there in a timely manner.

2: Be sure your Refrigerator Repair Dallas TX is professional.
It’s essential that if you want your refrigerator repaired correctly you hire a company that has only the most professional and experienced technicians. A professional company will have good customer reviews and address any complaints. A professional Refrigerator Repair Dallas TX company will make sure that their technicians stay up to date on repairing all the different appliance brands and latest techniques.

3: Research your Refrigerator Repair Dallas TX
The most convenient and best way to research a company before you hire them is by going online. Review the company’s website first and be sure they meet all your Refrigerator Repair Dallas TX needs. Be sure to read all of the blogs, reviews or comments good or bad about the company to see if what they are offering is really what they deliver.

When looking for Refrigerator Repair in Dallas TX call Affordable Appliance Repair at: (972) 772-3680gin_of_the_skype_highlighting (214) 731-4680 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting. At Affordable Appliance Repair we offer the most Reliable, experienced, honest, and dependable technicians. We have same day services available and competitive pricing. Call Affordable Appliance at: (972) 772-3680 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (214) 731-4680 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting for Refrigerator Repair Dallas TX.

How to prepare your appliances for electrical outages

Its spring time here in Texas and all of us know that there's a big chance of thunder and lightening storms to occur.  Also, with a lot of construction going on in many neighborhoods the chances of your power going out are high.

Below I've listed a few things to do with your appliances when a storm is coming or you notice large electrical / construction company trucks around your neighborhood doing some work.

Disconnect any of your appliances that have an electronic control (that includes any unit that has a digital clock, but not including your refrigerator or freezer) when not in use. You can flip off the breaker or unplug the unit.

If you have a gas range you can still light the top burners by using a match or lighter even though it is unplugged.

If your power does go out try not to open the refrigerator doors or open them as infrequently as possible. And when you do have to open the door, be as quick as possible. You can preserve temps inside for as long as 48 hours or more when the doors remain shut. Fill a cooler full of ice and place all of your heavy use items such as milk and lunch meat or any foods that have an expiration date on it. This will allow your frozen foods to stay frozen longer and will preserve all your other refrigerated items for longer periods of time.

I hope you find some of these tips useful. As always if you do need appliance repair don't hesitate to give Affordable Appliance Repair a call (214) 731-4680, we will be happy to assist you.

Have a nice day!



Tags: electrical outages and storms can damage your appliances, prepare your appliances for electrical outages, protect your appliances from costly repairs, things to do to your appliances if power goes out, unplug your appliances during electrical storms, appliance repair Texas, refrigerator repair, electric range repair, stove repair, ice maker repair, gas range repair

Washing Machine Buying - Top Load Vs Front Load Washers

Washing machines in the past only have but few basic features - the control dial for wash cycle options (from delicate to heavy wash), the load size and the drier. But now, with better than ever technology, washing machines have innovated from simple to sophisticated home appliance. In this washing machine review, we will tackle the features that you should look for when buying a washer. But always keep in mind that the best machine for your washing is the one that suits your need; you don't necessarily have to get a washer with complete features.

1. Durability - Average washing machines have a lifespan of 10 years at the most, even longer than that with proper care and usage. You want to make sure that your machine will indeed last for 10 years. There are several machine reviews that offer a comprehensive report on the machine's performance tests; you can check the best washing machine brands when it comes to durability.

2. The tub - Would you prefer the plastic tub or a stainless steel one? How about porcelain? The steel tub/drum is more suitable for rinsing and drying than the plastic kind. The porcelain looks good, and is scratch-resistant. Nevertheless, they are all sturdy and long-lasting.

3. Load size - How much laundry do you wash per load? Do not forget to take the load size into account. Dumping a heavier load of laundry than the washing machine can normally allow for it to function properly may cause the appliance to break down.

4. Energy efficiency - How much energy does it consume? Nowadays, most washers are made to be energy-efficient.

5. Water efficiency - Does it require more gallons of water per kilogram of wash loads than the other machines? The best washing machine is water-efficient - the one that consumes lower amount of water per wash load.

6. Spin efficiency - A washer with efficient spin cycle removes more water from the clothes, which means clothes will take minimum energy and time to dry.

7. Rinse performance - How well does it keep the dirt in the water and out of the clothes during the cycle? How well does it rinse the detergent? If you want to know how certain machine brands performed in this aspect, you may check the data in washing machine reviews. Basically, the fewer amounts of detergents left in clothes after washing, the better its rinse performance. This is an important consideration since detergent residues in clothes may cause skin irritation.

8. Noise level - If you do your laundry in the basement where few people go, noise may not be much of a problem; but if you do it in a room that is adjacent to other rooms, especially bed room, it can be a problem. Consider the location of your laundry area.

9. The controls - Dial or digital? Dial-style controls are easier to use; however, the digital controls offer more options, such as setting the exact water temperature and wash settings.

10. Other features - LCD display, time delay capability and extra rinse may be some of the features that you look for.

Hope some of this pointers will help you find your next great washing machine.

Happy shopping!

HELPFUL TIPS - DISHWASHER

I know we all depend on our dishwashers to help us out after a long days work.  The last thing we want to do after cooking dinner is to clean. So what do we do....we hide our dirty dishes in the dishwasher.  Below are a few helpful tips for keeping your dishwasher running smoothly.

 

With a low 40 decibels, this Jenn-Air® TriFecta™ dishwasher with 40 dBA is the quietest model we offer. This luxury dishwasher also brings you thoughtful features like the One Hour Wash and Rinse Only cycles, beautifully meeting your entertaining needs.

 

 

Keep items of different metals separated in the silverware basket of the dishwasher. Cutlery can discolor if dissimilar metals (stainless steel, silver, etc.) are touching when washed. The heat and water can cause electrolysis to occur that blackens or pits the surface of metal utensils.

 

 

Scrape your plates free of solid food particles before washing them. Large particles can get into or puncture seals causing water leaks and clog filters resulting in wash ability issues. But do NOT rinse under a tap prior to washing.

 

Bread bag clips, corners cut from bags of milk and elastic bands can unknowingly get stuck to the underside of bowls and plates and get put into the dishwasher. These items can clog up the pump and lead to expensive repairs. Be sure to dispose of these items into the garbage.

 

Upon finding a broken glass in your dishwasher, do an extensive search to find all the broken pieces. Check the filter and at the bottom of the unit. Glass shards can get into the pump and cause serious damage and even water leaks.

 

Check the bottom of the silverware basket for holes. Cutlery can extent through the hole and inhibit the spray arm from turning, causing poor wash ability. When the technician arrives and the load has been removed, the problem cause may not be apparent.

 

Any water leakage should be looked into immediately. Water can get into motors causing major damage, or cause flooring to rot.

 

Only use a rinse agent if you have hard water. If you use it with already soft water, foaming can result which could lead to poor washing and leakage.

 

 

As always if you are not sure how to do minor repairs and self cleaning call to have a professional appliance repair technician come and service it for you to avoid further damage. 

 

Affordable Appliance Repair serving the DFW area is the place to call (214) 731-4680.

 

Have a great day!

 

HELPFUL TIPS: REFRIGERATOR

Here are some helpful tips on how to help keep your refrigerator running smooth and efficiently.

Its Spring Break time and alot of us are taking vacations and will be away from home for over a week.  Its a good idea to turn the water off to your refrigerator and washing machine to help prevent to risk of leaks and flooding while your gone for a long period of time.

 

Use the energy saver switch on newer models. This controls an electric heater built into the front perimeter of the cabinet. In humid weather it keeps moisture from collecting there, but is seldom required in the dry winter months.

 

When putting freshly washed vegetables into the fridge, dry them before hand. Excessive moisture can make the appliance work harder and use more energy.

 

To find out if your refrigerator is keeping the proper temperature, put a container of water on the middle shelf. Let it stand overnight and then test the water temperature. Because the air temperature varies so widely, this is the only accurate way to find out. Also see 'The Cold Facts' for the proper way to set your controls.

 

If you have to transport the fridge you can lay it on its side (after securing its shelves and doors). After moving, it should be left to stand upright at least an hour before plugging it in. This is because when horizontal, the oil in the compressor will seep into the refrigerant lines plugging them. The idea is to give the oil time to settle back into the compressor harmlessly. However, the less time it's on its side and the less jostling it gets in that position, the better.

 

If you're planning to leave a refrigerator unplugged or turned off for a length of time, be sure to keep both doors ajar. Put something between the door gaskets and the front frame of the cabinet and use masking tape to hold the doors in place. Moist air trapped inside the fridge will produce mold and mildew that will be difficult to clean out.

 

Frequently clean the door gaskets and the mating refrigerator surface. Any sticky buildup will put added stress on the gasket material and lead to premature failure.

 

When storing items in the door, place the heaviest items closest to the hinge side. This will minimize the distance these items travel when the door is opened and closed, reducing stress on the door and inner door panel.

 

To increase cooling efficiency and reduce power consumption on a manual-defrost fridge, defrost it often. However, DO NOT use a sharp object to break up the ice. The refrigerant gas travels through tubing molded into the freezer box (evaporator), and is easily punctured. Major repairs will be required to fix it and if the fridge is not unplugged immediately, moisture will be drawn into the compressor. In this case it will certainly not be economical to repair.

 

On frost-free models with a condenser fan motor, clean the dust from the fan and condenser area periodically. Excessive build-up can lead to premature compressor failure and does result in higher energy consumption.

 

Do not attempt to use regular plumbing solder to repair copper or steel refrigerant lines. This requires special silver-alloy solders such as Silfoss or silver solder to withstand refrigerant pressures. In addition, once tried, it may not be possible to remove the household solder to weld the lines properly.

 

 

I hope some of the tips were helpful to you, if so pass it along to your friends and family, we love to share.

 

If you need assistance with anything or have a problem you need to call a service tech for, please call Affordable Appliance Repair 214-731-4680, we will be happy to schedule an appointment for you.

 

Have a wonderful day!

HELPFUL TIPS - DRYER

Here are a few helpful tips for you clothes dryer.  Next week I'll give you some tips for your washing machine.  Hope this helps some of you. Have a good day!

If your electric dryer is not heating, the first things to check are the fuses/breakers in your house fuse panel. There are two separate fuses for your dryer and if one of the two should fail, it is possible for your dryer to run but not produce any heat.

When you hear grinding or squealing noises, have it tended to quickly. There are many inexpensive parts on a dryer that can wear out. If they are not replaced in a timely fashion it can lead to extensive repairs.

Clean the lint filter every time you use the dryer and inspect the vent pipe and vent cover operation yearly. Poor air flow uses more energy and can cause lint build-up in the internal ducting, leading to a fire hazard.

Never vent a gas dryer indoors! Carbon monoxide gas can be expelled with the exhaust air and can build-up inside your home to poisonous levels.

As always if we can help you in anyway please don't hesitate to call us 214-731-4680 and setup an appointment for one of our professionally trained techinicians.

Washing Machine Tips

If you’ve ever called for appliance repair in the DFW area, chances are that your washing machine was the reason. Washer repair is the most frequent of appliance repairs. The Washing Machine is probably the hardest working appliance in our homes.

We would like to get many years of service out of our investment. Here are 5 important tips I’ve put together to help make your washer last longer with fewer repairs.

1. Always empty everything out of your clothes pockets!Before loading your washing machine, it is very important to check all the clothes pockets. Leaving items like coins, nails, screws, pens, etc., in your pockets, can damage your clothes and your machine. It is not uncommon for drain pumps to fail prematurely because of a foreign object getting stuck in the impeller. A forgotten fountain pen can destroy your favorite shirt.

2. Never overload your washing machine!This is the best piece of advice I can give you to avoid calling for washing machine repair.  Just because your brand new washer has a large tub doesn’t mean you should fill it to the rim with clothes! Heavy loads put a strain on all the moving parts of your machine and will cause it to break down sooner than if you were to do medium size loads. Most people try to get their laundry done as soon as possible but if you want your machine to last, with fewer repairs, follow this important tip!

3. Make sure your load is well balanced!When loading your machine, make sure the load is evenly distributed around the tub. An off-balance load will make the tub bang against the sides and cause unnecessary damage. Sometimes, through no fault of your own, a load can become off-balance during the agitation cycle. If this happens, you’ll hear the loud banging sound your machine will make during the spin cycle. As soon as you hear this, shut your machine off, or lift the lid, and re-balance your load!

4. Make sure your machine is sitting level and flat to the ground!Sometimes, especially after an off-balance load, your machine may become un-level and not flat to the ground. If you leave it that way, it will shake and walk like an egyptian. The best way to check this is grab the left-rear and right-front of the machine and see if you can rock it back and forth. If you can, then you need to adjust either the left-rear leg or the right-front leg so that it is flat to the ground again. Do the same procedure using the right-rear and left-front. Adjust whichever leg leaves the machine the most level.

5. Never start your machine and leave the house or go to bed!It is very convenient to start a load of laundry before leaving the house or going to bed but what if the machine never stopped filling? Believe it or not, this happens more than you would think! A faulty inlet valve or water level switch can cause a washing machine to keep filling until someone notices the water leak on the floor and turns it off. If no one is around to notice, the damage to your house can be overwhelming!  If you’re around, you can shut the machine off before any damage can happen.

If your washer does break down, you can call for washer repair for an estimate. 

Have a good day all!

Refrigerator temperature: What temperature should a refrigerator be set at?

Your refrigerator likely comes set at the factory-recommended temperature, probably a “mid-setting,” but what is that?

If you set the temperature too low, your food will freeze. Set it too high, however, and your food will spoil quicker due to increased bacterial growth.

The recommended temperature for your refrigerator ranges from 35 degrees to 38 degrees.

I keep my refrigerator at 37 degrees and try to keep it stocked well with food, because — believe it or not — a fully stocked fridge holds its temperature better than one with a couple condiment bottles in the door.

But the best test for your refrigerator’s temperature is a beverage. If you don’t like the temperature of your beverage, adjust the fridge. If you think your refrigerator is too cold, increase the temperature by 1 degree and allow 24 hours for the compartment to adjust. Obviously, do the opposite if you think your refrigerator is too warm.

To ensure proper temperatures, air has to be able to flow between the refrigerator and freezer sections.

As shown in the super sweet illustration, cool air from the refrigerator enters through the bottom of the freezer section and moves upward. Most of the air then flows through the freezer section vents and recirculates under the freezer floor. The rest of the air enters the refrigerator section through the top vent and flows down the back of the refrigerator compartment.

Make sure the air vents aren’t blocked by some errant food thing. Otherwise, it might block the flow of air to the refrigerator, which in turn causes temperature and moisture problems and melty ice cream, etc.

Also (word to the wise), last time my refrigerator was too warm — and I had cranked it up to the coldest setting — I (my dad) finally popped off my kick-plate to find a veritable lint blanket.

Lesson: if your refrigerator can’t exhaust properly, it can’t cool properly. So, vacuum the condenser every three months!

2013: The year the smart kitchen finally arrives?

For years now, we have been hearing about the smart kitchen. Has the time finally come? Appliance makers at CES 2013 seem to think so. And mobile devices are ready to agree.


January is a time of renewal. It also happens to be when appliance makers show off their visions of what is to come. The event is CES 2013 and this year, according to those that make kitchen gadgets and appliances, everything is going to be very, very smart. While we have been promised automated kitchens in one form or another since the time of the Jetsons, there is one important factor in the modern world that may see the smart kitchen finally grow up: mobility.

The year 2013 is going to be one marked by plenty of smartphone and tablet sales. All those mobile devices are going to need something to control. Like what's for dinner.

All cooking consists of a step-by-step process; a process that lends itself remarkably well to being transcribed as a set of directions. Having these recipes readily available (not to mention with enhanced content) has become an enticing reality for phones and tablets. Perhaps the next step in the process is the integration of technology into the cooking device itself. Look for the Dacor Wall Oven with Discovery IQ Controller for Android to land sometime in summer 2013. Not only will the oven be able to tell you what's for dinner, but also how to cook it. The fact that it can keep track of what you cook leads to interesting possibilities for the future. Perhaps recommendations based upon eating preferences? Couple recipe choices with what's actually in the fridge and suddenly shopping lists sent to phones can be viewed in a whole new way. The first steps have been taken.

The dream of connected appliances is happening. LG's Smart Home Service looks to integrate communication among appliances via its SmartControl app. Naturally, LG isn't the only appliance maker looking to dominate the living space. Haier showcased their Smart Living system in an effort to win over future consumers. In what is soon to be a crowded field, Whirlpool announced a new line of appliances featuring their 6th Sense Live technology. When available, the connected kitchen and laundry room appliances still won't be able to actually cook you dinner just yet, but expect to be able to exert simple control over common appliances when they become available for purchase in March.

If the thought of a matched set of smart appliances seems out of reach you are not alone. (Pay attention, appliance makers: make your devices play nice!) Belkin has teamed with Jarden Consumer Solutions (JCS is the maker of Sunbeam, Crock-Pot, Mr. Coffee, and Oster appliances) to bring connected capabilities to everyday kitchen gadgets and appliances via the WeMo SMART platform. Belkin's existing WeMo technology, app development, and cloud server allows for JCS to bring familiar products to market quickly and easily. Look for the first of these to be available later this year.

Smartphones and tablets have certainly changed how we view and interact with the world around us. Now, they look to transform the hearth of the home. With real steps being taken to that future throughout the year, 2013 looks to be the year when long promised smart features finally come home.

Cleaning Electric, Gas and Ceramic Cooktops

…And then there were dirty cooktops.

Your kitchen appliances work their hardest over the holidays, so a deep clean is necessary to keep them working well. Cooking several dishes at once means there’s probably food in places you never thought possible. A thorough cooktop cleaning will help prolong its lifespan.

For all ranges with removable parts, fill your sink with hot water and a small amount of dish. Soak all removable parts, except electric burners, while cleaning the surface.

In this article we’ll go over how to clean:

Electric cooktops

Gas cooktops

Ceramic cooktops



How to Clean an Electric Cooktop, Burners and Surface
 ■Lift up the coiled burner element and unplug it.
 ■Remove the drip pans from the stove and soak.
 ■Take a damp, soapy sponge or and wipe down the surface with warm water—be careful not to wet   the wiring inside and underneath of the cooktop.
 ■Scrape off crusted food with a dull blade like a putty knife (sharp items will damage the surface.) Do not use steel wool or similar products as these will damage the surface over time
 ■Clean drip pans with warm water, sponge and baking soda. Some people cover drip pans in tinfoil and replace after each use.
 ■Replace drip pans and plug in burners after they’ve dried.



How to Clean Gas Cooktop, Burners and Surface

Shown: Electrolux EI30DD10KS

 ■Soak grates and burner caps.
 ■Wipe down the surface with warm water and soap or baking soda.
 ■Scrape off crusted food with a dull blade like putty knife—do not use steel wool or similar products as these will damage the surface over time!
 ■After soaking burner grates and caps, clean them with warm water and soap, then rinse. Replace after they’ve dried.


 

How to Clean Ceramic Cooktops

Ceramic cooktops are trickier to clean because their surfaces cook spilled food instantly.

 ■Make sure the cooktop has cooled down all the way before cleaning.
 ■Take a damp sponge with warm water and soap and wipe down the surface
 ■Soak  crusted food and other stains rather than scraping. This will prevent scratches.
 ■Optional: Use a ceramic cooktop cleaner like Ceramabryte cleaner. This will restore the cooktop’s shine and make it look like the day you bought it!