CANTON -- The RepairGuru(TM) from appliance parts and maintenance advice, has the facts regarding some commonly held myths about home appliance maintenance and repair.

MYTH: Appliances are difficult to repair yourself, you should always call a professional to do the job.
FACT: Appliance repairs are often quite easy for a typical do-it-yourself person with basic hand tools and mechanical aptitude. Appliances have become easier to repair in the last fifteen years. However, there are some basic safety rules to follow: always unplug the unit or turn off the circuit breaker; turn off any gas or water supplies to the appliance; be careful of hot or sharp surfaces; and always wear eye protection. For more helpful information about your appliances or to order a part visit www.repairclinic.com.

MYTH: If I didn't get an icemaker with my refrigerator, it's too late now.
FACT: Most refrigerators are pre-wired to accept an add-on icemaker and installing it yourself is a fairly simple task. It's a matter of running the water lines and hooking up the wiring. Be sure to get an icemaker that is compatible with your refrigerator. While you're at it, add a water filter to the line for better tasting ice cubes.

MYTH: Appliances don't need routine maintenance.
FACT: Several appliances do need routine maintenance.

Every Use:

• Clean the lint filter on the dryer after every load to prevent hazardous build-up and for more effective drying.
• Keep the interior of the microwave clean to prevent burns and other damage.

Every Year:

• Clean the condenser coils under the refrigerator.
• Clean any accumulated lint from the dryer and venting.
• Clean the humidifier and replace the filter/pad.

Every 3 - 5 Years:

• Replace the washing machine rubber fill hoses. After time, a hose can burst causing a catastrophic leak. For additional peace of mind, replace the rubber hoses with durable stainless steel ones.

MYTH: I have to put up with the noise associated with drying athletic shoes in my dryer and can't dry delicate items.
FACT: Most manufacturers make racks that fit inside the dryer and remain stationary, allowing the items to dry without tumbling. Using the rack and the "Air" setting is a faster way to safely dry shoes and fine washables.

MYTH: Putting foil in my range's drip pans is a good way to keep them new and clean.
FACT: Foil covering the drip pans can block the oven ventilation holes and cause a short circuit in the electrical burner socket. Drip pans are readily available and inexpensive. Replace them for a fresh, clean look.

MYTH: Fixing appliances is always expensive. It's cheaper to buy a new one.
FACT: You can save up to 75 percent of the cost of a repair by doing it yourself. Usually the parts you need are inexpensive. A good rule of thumb is if your machine is five years old (about one-third of its expected life), don't spend more than two-thirds of the replacement cost on the repair. Of course, your machine may last anywhere from three to thirty years depending on a lot of factors. Ultimately you'll have to weigh several variables to decide when it's time to replace it.

MYTH: Not using an appliance often will make it last longer.
FACT: For some appliances, limited use actually creates problems. For instance, if you don't use your dishwasher for several weeks, the seals may dry out, causing a failure of the main tub spin seal or pump seal.

MYTH: Rusting dishwasher racks may look bad, but they won't hurt the dishwasher.
FACT: The rust particles and metal flakes can destroy the water spin seal. The sharp edges can also scratch some types of dishes. Kits are available to easily repair your racks with vinyl paint and tip tines. A little work now may prevent a future expensive repair.

MYTH: Gas range burners heat faster than electric ones.
FACT: Most electric burners will actually heat things faster than gas, but gas burners allow for faster changes in temperature, thus more control.

MYTH: Refrigerators naturally lose freon over time and need to be recharged.
FACT: The freon or other refrigerant should never leak out, dissipate or break down.

MYTH: Today's laundry detergents work just as well in cold water as warm or hot.
FACT: In northern climates, the incoming cold water can be as cold as 40 degrees. Modern detergents work best at temperatures of 60 degrees and higher. Measure the temperature of the incoming cold water. You may want to use the warm cycle in the winter for more effective cleaning.

MYTH: The lint build-up in my dryer and venting indicates a bad lint filter or other problem.
FACT: All dryer lint filters will allow small particles to pass through. Because the exhaust air is quite moist, these particles will eventually accumulate and clog the vent, as well as migrate into the body of the dryer. Clean around the lint filter and the vent every year to remove any lint deposits.

The RepairGuru(TM) is an online presence at www.repairclinic.com that provides consumers with helpful information for every major household appliance including troubleshooting, diagnostic advice, maintenance tips, and answers to common questions.

About RepairClinic.com

Founded in March 1999, RepairClinic.com is an online source for home appliance parts. One of USA TODAY.com's Hot Sites, RepairClinic.com offers a vast selection of household appliance parts, troubleshooting advice and maintenance tips, making it easier for consumers to get the parts they need to repair their own appliances. RepairClinic.com applies the latest in Internet, e-commerce and warehouse technology to the traditional market of appliance repair parts, delivering exceptional customer service to the do-it-yourself consumer.

Top of Page