The pressure switch is one of the most problematic parts of the washing machine. It is because of this frequency that it is important to know how to detect defects in this component to perform an efficient service.

Do you know the main mistakes of this piece? If not, stay tuned!
1.      What is the pressure switch?
2.      What are the pressure switch components?
3.      The main defects of the pressure switch
4.      How to tell if the electronic board is good
5.      How to do the continuity test?

What is the pressure switch?
The pressure switch is responsible for identifying the water level inside the washer and sending this information to the electronic board.

As the water rises inside the tank, air pressure builds up and through this pressure; the pressure switch can measure the water level.

What are the components of the pressure switch?
The best way to fix something is by knowing its operation and each component that forms it. With this knowledge, it is much easier to detect defects and make repairs successfully.

The components of a pressure switch are:

• Hose - Path through which the air pressure that reaches the pressure switch passes;
• Air Cushion - Part of the tank that connects the hose through a nozzle;
• Wiring - Electrical component of the pressure switch, responsible for sending the information.
  

Let's go to what matters! The main defects of the pressure switch.

Have you ever had to deal with a non-stop washing machine? This is one of the most common defects of these devices!

In such cases, it is common for the problem to be identified in the pressure switch hose. If it is bent or punctured, the part will not receive air pressure and will not be able to identify the level correctly.

Another frequently occurring defect is when the machine does not stop throwing water to centrifuge even when there is no more water in the tank. This problem may also have to do with the pressure switch.

If the airbag is clogged as a result, it may end up trapping water in the hose. With this, the pressure switch will understand as if there was still water to throw away in the tank.

Since centrifugation only starts when you receive information that there is no more water inside the machine, this process will never happen.

There is a simple tip to know if the cushion is dirty and blocked air:
Fill the washer tank with water;

• Make sure the hose is properly seated in the cushion nozzle;
• Blow the opposite end of the hose. If it bubbles in the tank, it is clean and there is air passage.

And the electronics? Is it good?
The wiring is responsible for taking the information straight to the washer's electronic board. To know if it is working properly, a continuity test must be performed with the aid of the multimeter.

How to do the continuity test?
The continuity test shows if there is information passing between the lilac wire and other wires with the plate. This test tells you if the pressure switch is sending information to the electronic board.

First, to perform the test you must set your multimeter to the continuity option and then connect the black probe to the purple wire and the red probe to the other wire.

After this process, blow the pressure switch hose to simulate the washer air. If the multimeter beeps, it is because the electronics on this plug is working properly.

Now repeat the first step, but reverse the contact of the test points with the wires. If it makes no noise, it is because the pressure switch is not sending the information to the board.
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In addition to the multimeter, there are a number of tools, which are critical to making the technician's job easier and faster.

Summer season puts a lot of strain on the refrigerators. Every food item is kept inside the refrigerator in order to ensure that they remain fresh. Ice is one of the main summer ingredients, and guess where it is prepared? Refrigerators of course, so there is no doubt that refrigerators bear an unusual amount of burden, which is why extra upkeep is necessary. If you are using an appliance quite often, then you will have to understand that the parts and components inside it are generating more heat and thus, being worn off quickly. Therefore, you need to take necessary measures to ensure that the functioning of the appliance remains consistent. In the case of a refrigerator, you need to make sure that it cools as efficiently in summer as in any other season.

Here are some tips to keep your fridge cool during summers.
1.      Keep your refrigerator and freezer stocked, reason being, an empty refrigerator will consume more energy compared to a filled one, so make sure you have food stored in the refrigerator and jugs of water in the freezer.

2.      Clean Condenser coils because if these are cleaned, then your refrigerator will work more efficiently. To clean these coils, unplug the refrigerator using a brush or vacuum cleaner. Cleaned condenser coils will also reduce your utility bills.

3.      Defrost your refrigerator and freezer if there is no automatic defrosting feature available in your refrigerator. Frost build-up lowers the energy efficiency of the unit, so make sure to defrost the fridge if you see ¼-inch of ice forming inside it.

4.      You should also check the temperature settings, as it should be between 35 degrees to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Whereas, the freezer settings should be 0 degrees to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

5.      Also, check the door seals of your refrigerator whether they are airtight or not. Take a piece of paper and place it on the door. Then, shut the door in such a way that half of the paper is visible and half is not. If you are able to pull out the paper easily, then the door seal is weak and needs to be replaced. If you don’t replace the door seal, then the air will keep on escaping from the refrigerator, prompting the unit to use more energy to keep food cold.

6.      Keep your refrigerator away from any other appliance that emits heat such as, dishwasher or oven. Also, keep the refrigerator away from windows because sunlight will heat up the unit, thus making the food also warm. As a result, the refrigerator will consume more energy to keep food cold. Also, don’t open the refrigerator too often and for too long.
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Follow these tips and you will be able to keep your fridge cool in summer season without a problem.

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If your washing machine does not drain water at the end of the cycle, there are several possible reasons behind the problem. The most common is that an object is stuck in the evacuation system, but there could be a number of other reasons as well, so let’s find out some of the most common reasons for the drain function of a washing machine to stop.

1.      The drain filter is clogged by an object
2.      Drain hose is bent or clogged
3.      The drain pump is blocked
4.      Solenoid valve does not close properly
5.      There is too much foam when draining
6.      The belt is broken
7.      Water comes back from your pipes
8.      The program "stop full tank" is activated

Now that you know the possible reasons behind the inability of a washing machine to drain, let’s move onto the solution part.

The Washing Machine Does Not Drain – The Solution
Check what is blocking the drain system
You won’t believe but a key or pen in the pocket of your trousers can block the drain pump. So, make sure to take out all the items from your clothes before putting them in the washing machine. If the drain is blocked already, then remove that object from the drain pump. Also, remember to unplug the washing machine before operating.

Check the drain hose
The drain hose of the washing machine may also be clogged or twisted. If this is the case, then you will have to put the drain hose back in its right place, but before checking the drainpipe. Again, do not forget to close the water tap and unplug the water supply in order to avoid any risk of electrocution.

Check the lid
Some washing machines do not work when their lid is not properly closed. It must, therefore, be ensured that it is properly closed. In many washing machines, there may be a 3-minute break between cycles as the timer moves forward one-step. Do not advance the timer manually if it stops after the shake cycle, otherwise you may miss the drain cycle. Wait a few minutes.

So, this is how you can fix the draining problem in your washing machine. If the aforementioned steps fail to fix the problem, then you should take the help of washing machine experts instead of trying any other solution because there could be a chance that your washing machine is dealing with some other problem as well.

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A home without home appliances is like a car without fuel. You can’t survive a single day if the basic home appliances like your refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer, etc., are not working. You need to take good care of these appliances in order to ensure that they work smoothly year after year. You must clean them from time to time and especially after parties or other similar occasions where your appliances were used more than usual. Also, when there is a dust storm in your area, you should clean your appliances after the storm to get rid of the dust and dirt accumulated on them. Here is how you can effectively clean a number of your household appliances.

Refrigerator
To clean the exterior, dilute some mild detergent in hot water and rub the surface with it. Then, make a mixture of water and vinegar and rinse the surface with this mixture.
To clean the interior of your refrigerator, first take out all the food, cutlery and utensils and set the temperature setting to a minimum. Mix warm water, white vinegar, and lemon, and sprinkle bottom, sides, and plates. Clean with a sponge from top to bottom and wipe with a soft cloth.

Microwave
To clean the microwave, heat a bowl of lemon juice for 2 minutes at full power and clean the walls with a sponge. 

You can also clean your microwave in the same way with a bowl of vinegar water.

Kettle
Boil for a few minutes a glass of white vinegar with 2/3rd liter of water in a kettle. You can add coarse salt. Leave it all night and the next morning, rinse with water several times.

Dishwasher
To descale and degrease, place a large glass of white vinegar on the top of the dishwasher and let it run empty.

Remember to clean the removable parts and the vinegar water filter twice a month before rinsing it.

Washing machine
Pour 1 liter of household vinegar and a glass of coarse salt into the drum and let stand for 1 hour, then run empty with a high-temperature program.

Toaster
Flip it over and shake it gently to clean crumbs and bits of burnt bread. Use a dry microfiber cloth to clean the rest.

To clean a stainless steel toaster, mix a cup of hot water, 1 soap spoon and a white sugar spoon. Rub with a sponge and dry it. For a white toaster, use baking soda diluted in hot water.

Electric coffee maker
Mix the water and white vinegar evenly and fill the tank with your coffee maker. Run and fill with clear water. Repeat one to two times to rinse thoroughly.

Teapot
To clean a teapot, rub a lemon on the walls. You can also mix water and baking soda for 1 hour in the teapot before rinsing and drying.

Blender
Once used, turn soapy water into your blender (2 drops of dishwashing liquid) and let it run for 30 seconds. Then rinse with clear water.

Freezer
Empty your freezer and place bowls of boiling water in each compartment to melt the ice. To clean it, mix some white vinegar and lukewarm water.

Moving into a bigger house at a better location is a dream of many, and if you are able to fulfill this dream, then that’s great. But, now, you will have to shift your attention towards transporting the items from your current house to the new one, which is going to be a daunting task, to say the least. The most difficult items to relocate are appliances such as TV, refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, and other similar appliances.

If you are scared to move your appliances thinking they would break, then you can go through the five tips to find out how to safely relocate appliances from your existing home to a new one.

Take Measurements Of Your Appliances
The relocation process of your appliances begins with measuring the size of your appliances to be sure if they will fit through the door. If the door is not spacious enough, then you will have to detach it, which is not easy at all. If you have taken the measurements of your appliances and the main door to your new house, then you can arrange something to get the appliances through the door.

Clean The Floors
You shouldn’t overlook the cleaning of floors because if the floors have dirt, stones or foreign objects, then the appliances placed on them will get damaged. Make sure to clean the floors before placing the appliances on it.

Ensure Floor Protection
After making sure that there are no dirt and debris on the floor, you should cover the floor with a protective material such as carpet. You can use an old carpet for the job, which will provide a smooth and safe passage to the appliances. If you don’t have a spare carpet at home, then you can buy temporary flooring.

Preparing The Appliances
Before moving your appliances from one location to another, you need to prep them. For example, if you are relocating the refrigerator, then you need to take everything out of the inside of the refrigerator such as food, utensils, and cutlery. Then, tap or wrap the refrigerator’s door to prevent it from swinging open. Secure the fridge to avoid any damage during the relocation process.

Teamwork Is Required
Even if you feel you are strong enough to carry out the relocation task on your own, be smart and take the help of your family members or a relocation specialist to move your appliances from your existing home to the new one.

With these tips in mind, you can proceed with the relocation process. Outline a plan and work according to it, and you will not find any difficulties in moving your expensive home appliances.

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According to the Department of the Environment and Energy, Australian households have several appliances and equipment that account for about one-third of household energy use. In fact, refrigerators, washing machines, television, electric stoves, and clothes dryers are typically the highest individual electricity users amounting to 60 per cent of the monthly electricity bill.

When it comes to gas, the total consumption of an average household in Brisbane is about 10,892 MJ, which is quite relative based on the individual usage of hot and cold showers, gas stove, gas dryers, and other natural gas heaters in the home.

How your appliances contribute to your energy usage and bills
When you noticed your electric bill goes up month after month, the typical reaction is to check which appliances contribute the most to your energy usage, so it is essential for you to know the energy required to run each appliance, which is often expressed in kilowatt per hour (KwH).

Here is the typical consumption of various appliances in your house:

• Air conditioner – Around 600 to 2000 watts per hour
• Clothes dryer – 4000 watts consumption per hour
• Refrigerator – 1000 watts consumption per hour
• Flat iron – 800 – 2000 watts consumption per hour
• Television – 80 to 400 watts consumption per hour
• Washing machine – Around 400 to 1300 watts per hour

How to use your appliances more efficiently
Here are several tips you can consider to cut down on your monthly power consumption and these will include the following:

• Washing machines are considered lifesaver for busy Australians, but they are one of the most significant contributors to energy bill, which sometimes amount to 7% of your monthly energy consumption. To save energy, you can always go for the maximum allowable load in your washer rather than running a load with only a handful of things. You should also run your washer in the shortest cycle possible.
• For air conditioners, you can set the thermostat to 25 degrees Celsius, and it’s the ideal setting for small to medium-sized room. You can also use the electric fan to help spread the cool air faster in the area.
• If you really need to use the dryer, make sure you dry at full capacity to maximize its use. You should also put similar clothes together, so it will only take the same amount of time to dry them.
• The fridge is another major power contributor to your electric bill, so it’s essential to find the best location to place it. Usually, it’s placed away from the stove and avoid direct sunlight. You also need to always close the door without delay to prevent the cold air from escaping inside the fridge; this will compel the machine to use more energy to compensate for the temperature outside.

Overall, when you’re buying a new appliance for your home, it is essential to check its energy star rating first before purchasing it. The higher the energy star rating, the more power-efficient it can be. You should also maintain your appliances to keep it in its full working capacity. We recommend you hire a reputable appliance repair provider like QLD Washers to maintain your washing machines and dryers. 

The lifespan of an appliance will depend on its brand and how well you maintain it. In fact, the number one reason why most appliances break down is the lack of routine maintenance. So, you’ll need to spend some time to check your washing machine, dishwasher, oven, refrigerator, dryer, and see if there are issues that could lead to significant repairs.

You should conduct some preventive maintenance to extend the lifespan of your appliances and to keep them working for many years. Here are some things you can do to keep them in good condition:

• Vacuum your refrigerator coils and remove any dirt, dust, pet hair and debris. You can also use a coil brush to do this task, but it will be more time-consuming.
• Keep your dishwasher drain and filter clean.
• Clean your oven after every use to prevent grease and food build-up.
• Always remove lint from your dryer vent to prevent clogging as well as any build-up of dirt and debris.
• Clean your washer’s interior every month with a small amount of liquid anti-bacterial soap, wipe up spills, dirt and grime from your machine’s exterior to remove germs and lint.

When to contact professional technicians
However, even if you follow all the tips we have given above, there are times when your appliances will stop working. During these times, we recommend that you seek out the help of a qualified repair technician.

So, here are telltale signs that your appliance needs a professional repair specialist:

• Your electric stove won’t heat up – If you have an electric oven and your range burners won’t heat up, then it needs to be replaced by a qualified technician.
• The dryer is emitting smoke – When there’s a smell of smoke coming from your clothes’ dryer, then it only means that lint is trapped in the exhaust vent. It needs a specialised tool to unclog it.
• Fridge compressor isn’t running – If you’ve noticed that your fridge has a faulty compressor and it’s not running as smoothly as it was, then it needs to be checked by a technician to pinpoint the issue and replace if necessary.
• Washer won’t spin – If your washer doesn’t spin, then there might be a problem with its motor. It needs to be dismantled by a repair technician to determine the source of the problem.

When hiring an appliance repair specialist, it’s essential to deal with a company that you can trust. You need to know their track record and if they’ve been in the business for years since this will give you an idea if they have the experience and skills to help you with any of your repair needs.

You also need to know if they have a team of qualified repair technicians who can accurately assess your appliance’s issue and solve the problem quickly and effectively, limiting your expenses and bring your machine back to its full operational condition.

QLD Washers is one of the leading appliance repair specialists in Brisbane; you can get in touch with us via (07) 3123 6792.

How to Clean Front Loader Mould  
Your front-loading washing machine may have served you for years, and it has some significant advantages and features – it uses less water, it’s quiet and uses less detergent. In general, it’s an essential part of your laundry room, but one day when you opened the washer’s door, you are suddenly shocked to discover that it is accumulating mould.

Front loaders have airtight doors that seal with rubber gasket. The rubber seal usually traps moisture, and this is the main reason why mould and mildew grow and thrive inside the machine.

Another reason for this issue is high sudsing detergents and liquid fabric softeners, which leave behind films and residues that invite mould growth. So, it is always advisable to use eco-friendly detergents, because they usually blast away residues their counterparts leave behind.

Unlike top-loading washing machines that have a slightly loose-fitting metal door, which can easily let the air out and allow the tank to dry out between loads, front-loaders are sealed tight, so it takes more effort to maintain them.
 
How to prevent mould:

• Air it out – Try to leave the door of your front-loading washer open to allow it to dry thoroughly between cycles.
• Choose detergent wisely – When buying a detergent, choose the one that is made explicitly for front loaders. Try checking your manual for recommended detergents.
• Always remove loads promptly – Make sure you always remove wet clothes as soon as the cycle is done. You can set your washer to beep after each cycle, so you don’t forget.
• Dry gaskets – Using an old towel, wipe underneath and around the door gaskets to ensure that you dry out water and remove mildew that is trapped in the folds. This will prevent any mould build-up in the long run.

 
What to do if your washer has developed mould:

• Clean dispensers – First, you need to remove the detergent dispensers and give them a good scrubbing. Try to remove any mould build-up that usually gathers inside the crevices.
• Run cleaning cycle – The next step is to run an empty wash cycle and set it to hot water setting. This will remove any mould and mildew buildup inside your washer.
• User a commercial residue busting solution – If the problem persists, try repeating the whole cleaning cycle but now add a residue busting solution that is commonly available in appliance and detergent stores. This might take several cycles to get the mould and smell out.

 
However, if you have tried every all the steps that we have enumerated in this article and it still smells, and the mould keeps growing back behind the drum, then there might be a clogged drain or filter. To properly check if your appliance can be fixed, we recommend that you hire a qualified repair specialist since they can effectively dismantle the machine and clean it for you. They also have the experience and equipment to do this task properly without breaking your washer.

Washing machines are a necessity in most households, and they have various features that are tailored for both convenience and cleaning the latest cloth fibers. Although there are critical differences between front and top loader, we’ll explore the pros and cons of these washers in this article.

Choosing between a top load and front load washer can be considered as a personal choice, but we think you should make your selection based on the benefits and other performance factors. However, it is important to note that your old washing machine may have many years of service left in it. Contact Brisbane's washing machine repairs service to find out if your machine can be fixed before buying another. Here are some of the things you should think about before you make the final decision:

Benefits of a top loader

• Ease of use

 
For many homeowners, a top-loading washer is more convenient because you don’t need to bend over just to unload or load clothes. This is relatively true with older people or those with joint issues since top loaders stand at an ideal height, and you don’t need to bend down to use it. However, this issue can be remedied when you choose a front-loading washing machine because you can install the units on a laundry pedestal, which raises the unit to about 12 to 15 inches.

• Adding clothes in mid or right after starting the cycle

 
Another great feature of top loader is its ability to add clothes either in mid-cycle or just after starting the cycle. They are also more effective in collecting lint and distributing fabric softener than front-loading washers.

• Wash clothes faster

 
Most top-loading washers have an agitator that speeds up the whole process of washing clothes since it creates motion by shaking and forcing water through the machine, and this could lead to more vibration within the washer. So, top-loading washing machines with agitators typically wash quicker.
 
 
Benefits of a front loader

• Gentle on clothes

 
Top-loading washers are typically much easier on your back, but they are also rougher on clothes especially if the washer is overloaded. However, front-loading washers are gentler on your clothes. Although slower than top loaders, they are better at cleaning clothes and are more energy-efficient. This is one factor you should consider before making your final decision.

• Advanced motors and suspension systems

 
Typically, front loaders are more expensive, but this is justifiable since they give a more quality clean and they have advanced features. Besides, they are also quieter than top loaders thanks to their advanced suspension systems and advanced motors.
 
The upfront cost for a front-loading washer is generally higher, but this will even out in the long run since the total expenses will even out.  
 
Making your final decision
 
Choosing between a front loader or a top-loading washing machine will significantly depend on your personal requirements and budget. You should also take into consideration your laundry room and the amount of space you have there. This will give you a bird’s eye view on what type of washer is ideal in your home. Not to mention, you should also consider the pros and cons we have listed above.
 
Overall, you should take some time and list down all the features you need in a washer before making the final decision. A washing machine is a major investment in your home, so you must choose the one right for you.