10 Simple Cooking Tips to Embrace in 2020

10 Simple Cooking Tips to Embrace in 2020

If you’re looking to step up your culinary game in 2020, we’ve got the dish on the most effective cooking hacks—easy to put in motion, even if you’re a beginner!

Tip #1: Always read (and re-read!) new recipes before you start cooking.

Before you say, “well, duh,” you’d be surprised how often home cooks skip reading over an entire recipe before making it for the first time. Since there’s often intermittent prep work in cooking and baking, it’s a good idea to have a mental blueprint prior to carrying out Step 1.

Tip #2: Store your spices in darkness when not in use.

Herbs, chilies, and spices lose their flavours more quickly when they are exposed to heat, as the flavourful oils can dry out under your bright kitchen lights. We’d also advise you to keep them away from the stove, especially away from overhead compartments that can be exposed to rising steam. Instead, store them in airtight containers or baggies in an out-of-the-way cabinet or your pantry to preserve the integrity of your spices. In this case, we have to fight the heat to keep the heat.

Tip #3: Slice out the core of the onion before you chop to prevent tears.

Much like carving a jack-o’-lantern, hollow out your onion by first slicing off the top root end. Then, using your knife, take out the inner bulb to chop rings or dice with ease! The inner bulb is the culprit behind watery eyes, as it contains a sulphur-based gas, which, when released into the air, makes contact with the moisture in our eyes, creating sulfuric acid. The more you know, right?

Storing fresh herbs like cilantro properly

Tip #4: Store fresh herbs in a container filled with water in your refrigerator.

For cilantro and parsley that won’t wilt after just a few days, try propping them up by their stem ends in a mason jar filled with water, and cover the leafy ends loosely with a plastic bag. When it comes to basil, make sure it is stored in a room-temperature environment, as coldness can cause damage to this particular herb. And voilà! You’ve got crisp fresh herbs for at least 2 weeks.

Tip #5: Wet your finger with water to retrieve fallen eggshell pieces.

Yup, it’s that simple! Instead of muttering under your breath as you’re fishing for a stray eggshell from your cake batter with a wooden spoon, just dab a wet (clean) finger in the bowl. The water from your fingertip will magnetize to the eggshell. And one and done!

Tip #6: Keep butter and eggs at room temperature for baking.

Bring cold eggs and butter to room temperature at least 30 minutes (but up to 1 hour) before baking. Just take them out of the fridge, and set them aside! Or, if you’re really pressed for time, place cold eggs in a bowl of warm water for 15 minutes, and microwave sections of butter for a few seconds at a time until they’re just malleable.

cooking tip - preserving brown sugar

Tip #7: Toss in an orange peel in brown sugar to prevent clumps.

To avoid chipping away at hardened brown sugar, just store your stock in a jar with an orange peel inside. The citrusy essence adds moisture and will soften the sugar and even sweeten it more, which we didn’t think was possible.

For other useful uses of orange peel, read this: 9 Unexpected Ways Orange Peels Are Way More Useful Than You Think.

Tip #8: Cook grains with tea-infused water for flavour.

Punch up the flavours of your quinoa, millet, brown rice or bulgur by cooking them in tea-infused water. The culinary expert behind this trick recommends smokey black teas, Earl Grey blends and chai flavours for robust taste.

Tip #9: Save a little pasta water to add to your homemade sauce.

After draining pasta, save the last half-cup of water if you’re making a sauce from scratch. The dissolved starch from the pasta water can thin out your sauce if it comes out too thick, and it can even out the consistency.

Cooking tip - apple wedge helps keep cookies moist

Tip #10: Store an apple wedge with your baked treats to keep them soft!

Cookies and other treats will absorb some of the apple’s moisture, keeping them soft and ready-to-eat for much longer.

For more cooking tips, stop by our store, and check out our impressive array of kitchen appliances. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, we’ve got something for everybody!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

7 Common Dishwasher Problems (and How to Fix Them)

7 Common Dishwasher Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Dirty, smelly, possibly covered in cheese. Is there anything more frustrating than opening the dishwasher only to find the dirty dishes are still there?! I mean, the main reason you buy a dishwasher is so you don’t have to deal with dirty dishes. C’mon dishwasher, you had one job.

A little maintenance goes a long way when it comes to appliances, but the truth is nothing lasts forever (sadly). That doesn’t mean it’s hopeless, though. With a handful of simple tricks, you can fix some of the most common dishwasher problems and bring that sparkle back into your dishwasher and back into your life.

1. My Dishes Are Still Dirty

This is at the top of a list for a reason. Dirty dishes are common and frustrating. Easy fixes first; check if your dishwasher has a manual filter and make sure that it’s clean and clear of debris. Then, as you load your dishwasher, make sure that the spray arms can rotate freely, spraying water throughout the drum. If they’re blocked or obstructed, you won’t be getting optimal cleaning performance. If the problem continues, check if your spray arms are clean and moving freely as grease and food particles can prevent them from spinning.

Also, stop pre-rinsing your dishes! Modern dishwashers use sensors to determine the soil level of the dishes. If you rinse them off too much, your dishwasher may select a shorter cycle than is necessary. Modern detergents also use enzymes that activate when they come in contact with food particles. If you remove the particles, your detergent will be less effective too.

2. My Dishes Aren’t Drying

The easiest fixes here are to add Rinse Aid to your dishwasher when you start the load to assist drying, and to make sure you don’t stack plastic against plastic or other hard to dry materials. It’s also a good idea to open the dishwasher door when the cycle is complete to release steam and prevent condensation from settling on your dishes (some higher-end machines even open automatically). If your dishwasher has a heating element, you may have to check if it is working properly. Check also the fan if your dishwasher has a stainless steel tub that uses blown radiant heat to dry.

3. My Dishwasher Smells Bad

If your dishwasher smells bad, make sure your filter and screens are cleaned of any grime and food residue. Check the spray arms and gasket on the door to make sure there’s no grease or food waste there as well. If you’ve done that, then it may just be time to sanitize the drum. Place a small bowl with vinegar in the upper basket of your empty dishwasher and run the sanitize cycle (or the hottest cycle you’ve got) to blast away bad odours.

Leaking Dishwasher

4. My Dishwasher Is Leaking

The number one cause of a leaky dishwasher is a worn gasket around the door. Thoroughly inspect the gasket and check carefully for any cracks or wear that would suggest an imperfect seal. If the gasket isn’t the problem, then double-check that your hoses haven’t disconnected somewhere along the line.

Unfortunately, the next few common problems may require a service call if the hints fail to solve the problem.

5. My Dishwasher Won’t Start

If your dishwasher won’t start there’s often an electrical problem, and if you’re lucky that means there’s a very easy fix. Ask yourself, have I tried turning it off and on? If not, then do that. If it’s still not working, try unplugging and re-plugging in the machine and double-check your breaker to make sure power is feeding the unit. If it’s a mechanical problem, then it may be that your door isn’t latching properly and a simple realignment will get things sorted out.

Professional fixing a broken dishwasher

6. My Dishwasher Won’t Fill

If possible, check your intake valves and make sure that the screen is clear and that there’s no blockage obstructing water flow. If that’s not it, then the float and/or float switch located at the bottom of the drum could be the problem. Make sure that the electrical connections are intact and that the mechanism hasn’t been damaged or blocked in any way.

7. My Dishwasher Won’t Drain

There could be a few culprits here. To start, check that the air gap connection to your dishwasher hose beneath your sink hasn’t become clogged with debris. While you’re under the sink, make sure that your drain lines are straight and not kinked, and examine the hose for any clogs. If that doesn’t clear up the problem then there may be an issue with your pump or sensor, in which case it’s time to call in the professionals.

Hopefully, some of these helpful tips have gotten your dishwasher back in tip-top shape, but if your DIY has died and service can’t save it, then head on over to our store where one of our appliance experts will show you all the best in dishwashers.

Shop our dishwashers online now!

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

6 Simple Tips to Keep Your KitchenAid Stovetop Clean

6 Simple Tips to Keep Your KitchenAid Stovetop Clean (2) (Large)

KitchenAid cooktops are the name of the game when it comes to high-quality cooking appliances. Gas and induction stovetops from KitchenAid come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs to suit all your cooking needs. But with all the cooking you’ll be doing on your KitchenAid range, how do you keep your device clean and free of food and oil buildup? Here are a few quick tips to keep your stovetop looking brand new.

Daily Maintenance

A messy stovetop can do more than ruin the look of your kitchen—it can also be dangerous. A buildup of food and grease on cooking grates can quickly become a fire hazard. Grime stuck in the burners or on the cooktop surface can also keep your food from heating evenly and ruin your meal. This kind of messy buildup can be easily prevented by giving your stovetop a quick wipe down after every use.

Prevent the Mess

Splatter shields and grease-guard screens are both great ways to put a stop to cooking messes before they get started. Grease guards look like flat strainers, and they can be placed over a pan to let steam out and keep hot oil in. Splatter shields can range from simple foil barriers around a burner to high-tech ventilation systems. KitchenAid offers its own built-in downdraft ventilator, which doubles as a splatter shield and helps capture heat, smoke, steam, and grease. After a messy cooking session, all you have to do is remove the grease filters and run them through the dishwasher.

Act Fast

Oil and grease stains are easiest to clean if they’re still wet. That means jumping into action as soon as you notice a spill. Wet oil spills can be cleaned up by simply dusting them with cornstarch, flour, or baking soda. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe it right up with a paper towel. If the spill has already hardened, pour on some dish soap and let it soak for a few minutes before going to work with a sponge. Try to avoid using anything too abrasive that might damage your cooktop, especially if you have an induction stove.

Start Simple

Most stovetop messes can be cleaned with simple soap and water. If you have a traditional gas range, start by removing the grates over the burners and soaking them in a solution of hot, soapy water. This should break down most of the grease and food particles and allow you to wipe the metal clean with a sponge or scrub brush.

Induction cooktops can typically be cleaned easily by wiping them down with a bit of dish soap or cooktop cleaner, hot water, and a sponge. Just make sure the stove has cooled before getting started. This should do the trick on most cooktops, but for tough stains, you might need to step up your game.

6 Simple Tips to Keep Your KitchenAid Stovetop Clean_2

Getting Tough on Stains

If your stovetop has too much baked-on gunk to clean with simple soap and water, there are a few more tried-and-true methods that should restore its natural shine. Vinegar is one of the most popular ways of cleaning up tough stains. Just spray down the burners and stovetop with some white vinegar and allow to sit for about 20 minutes before wiping off with a clean cloth. Baking soda can also be effective—just make a paste out of water and baking soda and spread it on any tough stains. Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes, then scrub it all away with a sponge or brush.

Restoring Sparkle

When all the grime is removed from your stovetop, you’ll want to do a final polish to remove any soap streaks. Wipe down any stainless-steel surfaces with a bit of rubbing alcohol and cloth to leave your KitchenAid looking brand new. Be careful—alcohol is flammable, so make sure it’s all evaporated before using the stove.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

Why is Your Refrigerator Freezing Your Food?

Why is Your Refrigerator Freezing Your Food (Large)

When your fridge gets too cold, it’s not just an inconvenience. Iceberg lettuce with icicles, milk slushies, and carrots that are way too crispy, extreme temperatures and temperature swings can wreak havoc with your food increasing your spoilage and costing you money.

So what should you do if your refrigerator is over-cooling and ruining your meal plan?

Well, I’m glad you asked…

1) Check Your Fridge Temperature

The first thing you need to do is check the temperature of your fridge. Health Canada recommends that you set your refrigerator temperature below 4 degrees Celsius (40 Fahrenheit), while most manufacturers agree that the ideal temperature is anywhere between 3 – 5 degrees Celsius (37 – 41 degrees Fahrenheit). If your refrigerator does not display a numeric temperature, then it’s probably a good idea to invest in a small appliance thermometer so you can manually check and correct the cooling levels as necessary.

2) Review Where Your Store Your Food

This may come as a surprise, but some parts of your refrigerator are colder than others. As a general rule, when the middle shelf is at 5 degrees Celsius, the bottom shelf is closer to 2 degrees. Most refrigerators take advantage of the temperature range by creating storage areas for more sensitive foods in the colder areas i.e. produce drawers.

That said, if you’re placing food randomly in your fridge, then you may be setting yourself up for trouble. Try to store your produce in the best storage areas for them; meat and fish should be stored on the lower shelves, dairy and deli products in the middle, while precooked and ready to eat items can go up top.

Keep in mind, the rear of the fridge is closest to the cooling element, so it’ll be cooler towards the back of the shelves than the front. And just as a general rule don’t store sensitive items on the door. Refrigerator doors are subject to more temperature fluctuation than the interior, and food can spoil quickly in the wrong circumstances.

Why is Your Refrigerator Freezing Your Food (2)

3) Make Sure Your Refrigerator Is Filled Up

Your fridge is designed to operate best under ideal conditions. That means keeping it well stocked so that air flows properly within the refrigerator cavity. Understocked and you’ll waste energy maintaining temperatures and risk more extreme temperature swings when you add product. Overstocked and you can block airflow, creating warm and cold pockets that can damage your food. Keep it organize and relatively full and you’ll be good.

4) Ask for Help

If you can’t keep your refrigerator from freezing your food no matter what you do then it’s probably not a usage problem, it’s a service problem. Contact a reputable appliance repair person to inspect your machine and ensure it is operating correctly. Sometimes a simple fix can solve the issue.

If the problem recurs, then it’s probably time to buy a new fridge. Browse our selection of refrigerators online or visit our store where one of our appliance experts will be happy to help you pick the best refrigerator for you.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

The Ideal Temperatures for Your Refrigerator and Freezer

The Ideal Temperatures for Your Refrigerator and Freezer

In order to keep your food fresh, it is vital to store it at the perfect temperature. Both your refrigerator and freezer compartments have ideal conditions that slow the development of bacteria and ensures your food is preserved properly. Not to mention that it also lets you save on your electricity bill!

If you want to get the most out of your food storage, then keep reading. I’ve got a few helpful tips on how to best manage your refrigerator temperature.

Starting With Your Freezer

Setting your freezer temperature is the easiest thing to do. As per Health Canada, your freezer needs to be set at -18 degrees Celsius to slow the metabolic rate of spoilage and preserve your foods’ nutrient level.

To reduce food loss in your freezer, simply make sure everything is stored in an airtight container and be sure to date everything so you can eat it before you get freezer burn.

If you’re not sure how to freeze your food properly, this great guide from Food Network could help: Your Ultimate Guide to Freezing Food.

Now, this is where it gets complicated…the fridge.

The Right Fridge Temperature

Ideal Refrigerator Temperature

As a rule, the interior temperature of a refrigerator varies between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius, with Health Canada recommending that the ideal temperature be set below 4 degrees Celsius. But perfect preservation is about more than just temperature and there are a number of subtleties that are good for you to know.

First off, the temperature is not the same at different levels of your refrigerator. As a general rule, the bottom of the fridge is the coldest and the temperature rises as you climb. For example, on the middle shelf, the average temperature is approximately 5 degrees Celsius, while the lowest shelves are colder, at about 2 degrees Celsius.

This is why you should place different foods on different levels, depending on their needs in terms of temperature:

  • Store your vegetables and produce in the bottom drawers.
  • Place your meat and fresh fish on the bottom shelf.
  • Put your dairy products and deli products on the middle shelf.
  • Store precooked and ready to eat items on the top shelf.

Misplacing your food can lead to more loss through overcooling and/or undercooling. And as a general rule avoid storing sensitive items on the refrigerator door where temperatures are more likely to fluctuate.

If you want to get even more control, there are refrigerators on the market that have specialized drawers and compartments with narrower temperature bands and better humidity control.

Grabbing a small appliance thermometer is a good way to monitor fridge temperature. This enables you to get regular accurate temperature readings and thus be reassured that your food is being well-preserved.

Full, But Not Too Full

Ideal Refrigerator Temperature

Although there is no specific rule on the matter, you should avoid overloading your refrigerator. An overstocked fridge can impede the free circulation of air, which can lead to both warm and cold pockets in the refrigerator that can speed up spoilage.

Even though some refrigerator models cool your food faster than others, it is wise to not push the limits by keeping too great a quantity of provisions. However, at the other extreme, you should also keep in mind that a refrigerator left virtually empty will consume more energy than a well-stocked one.

Saving Food, Saving Energy, Saving Money

In some cases, your refrigerator can represent up to 25 percent of your monthly electricity bill. This is why it’s important to find the correct food-safe temperature to avoid wasting food and electricity.

Each refrigerator has its own specifications, particularly as regards energy consumption. It’s important to consult the specifications label to avoid unpleasant surprises. If you can’t find the label, you can always find the information on the Internet or by consulting your retailer.

Remember, whether your refrigerator has a capacity of 10 cubic feet or 30 cubic feet (cubic feet is the most popular measure of refrigerator storage), the general rules of food storage are the same.

Going, Going, Gone…

If you still can’t keep your food from spoiling then it’s probably time for a service call. Contact a reputable appliance repair person to inspect your appliance and ensure it’s operating correctly. Sometimes a simple fix can solve the issue.

If you need a new fridge, our Appliance Experts will be happy to help you find one that suits your needs.

Start browsing our refrigerator selection online now.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

4 Reasons to Make the Switch to Convection Cooking

4 Reasons to Make the Switch to Convection Cooking

Convection ovens continue to be one of the hottest trends in home cooking. But what makes it so special? Traditional radiant ovens use elements or gas to generate heat inside the oven cavity to cook your food, and it’s imperfect at best. Depending on the location of the elements and the size of your oven, your food may cook unevenly, and you may have to contend with cold spots that just don’t heat up the way you want them to.

Convection ovens take home cooking to the next level. Using a fan and exhaust system, convection ovens circulate hot air inside the oven cavity and remove moisture at the same time.

So why is that such a big deal?

1. It Cooks Faster

Convection ovens typically cook 20% – 30% faster than traditional radiant ovens. The circulating air moves through the oven cavity quickly, preheating in less time and cooking more efficiently. It’s recommended that you check your dishes often, especially towards the end. Because convection cooks much faster, you’ll need to assess the look and smell of your food for readiness rather than depending on your timer.

2. It Cooks Evenly

One of the best things about convection is the ability to cook multiple items at the same temperature and consistency anywhere in the oven. You’d never be able to bake 3 trays of cookies at the same time in a traditional oven, but in your convection oven you’ll have 3 trays of perfectly browned cookies every time.

And because a fan is circulating the air throughout the oven cavity, you don’t have those cold spots, that inconsistency that can ruin your meal. In higher-end models, a True convection system is used. In True Convection (also called European Convection), a third element placed by the fan heats the air evenly before it is blown into the oven, guaranteeing consistent cooking temperatures every time.

Remember, convection cooking is all about cooking with moving air, so use baking sheets and roasting pans with lower sides to allow for air circulation and don’t overcrowd your oven or you’ll reduce the effectiveness of the fan.

3. It Browns Better

Nothing browns food quite like a convection oven. The hot air blowing over the food surface will cook the inside of the dish faster and at a higher temperature than the radiant heat. As the exhaust system pulls the moisture from the air; the sugars in your vegetables will caramelize and brown, the fats in your meat will render and create moist, succulent meals with a crispy brown skin, your pastries will be flakier than you’ve ever seen and your roasted potatoes will be perfectly brown and crisp on the outside and fluffy soft on the inside.

4. It Saves Energy

Convection ovens cook faster and more efficiently. Simply put, you won’t run your oven as long and you won’t have to turn it up as high as a traditional oven. In fact, a good rule of thumb is to reduce the suggested cooking temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sounds too good to be true, right? There’s more. Because convection is a feature on your oven, you don’t have to use it. If you’re new to convection cooking and you want to experiment, you’ll have the choice to use it or not. Take your time, and before you know it, you’ll be perfecting browning Holiday meals like a pro.

So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to our store where one of our experts will walk you through our selection of convection ranges and wall ovens.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

6 Cutting Edge Appliances to Take Your New Kitchen Over the Top

6 Cutting Edge Appliances to Take Your New Kitchen Over the Top

Designing a new kitchen or renovating is always exciting. There’s so much to consider from finishes to flooring and, of course, new appliances. It’s the one opportunity you’ll have to make your kitchen entirely your own. So why would you settle for just an average kitchen?

People are taking kitchen design to the next level by expanding their appliance choices and seeking out complementary appliances that fit their individual lifestyle. These state-of-the-art appliances expand the functionality of your space, add personal touches to your design, and are also really fun to use. That’s a win-win baby!

Without further ado, let’s take a look at 6 of the hottest complementary appliances that are a must-have for anyone looking to make the most of their kitchen.

1. Wine and Beverage Solutions

Wine cooler

Wine coolers and beverage centres are what I like to call the standard in Social Refrigeration. If you’re looking to expand your cold drink storage, love to entertain, or even if you just enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, a dedicated beverage solution is a perfect addition to any kitchen.

Wine coolers come in single, dual and even triple cooling zones in undercounter and full-sized options capable of holding nearly 200 bottles. Available in multiple finishes, there’s a wine cooler for everyone from the occasional glass lover to the most discriminating sommelier.

Beverage Centres are strictly a compact design, with freestanding and built-in undercounter options available. If you want cold drinks at the ready, save space in your fridge, or make it easy for little hands to help themselves, then these are a fantastic upgrade to any kitchen or dedicated recreational space. Look for options that offer wine and beverage storage if you really want the best of both worlds.

2. Built-In Coffee System

Bosch Built-in Coffee maker

Who wants barista-style coffee brewed right in their kitchen? Everyone, right? Built-in coffee systems are the must-have appliances in any upscale kitchen. From lattes to espressos to the perfect drip, built-in units do it all. At the high end, you’ll be able to find plumbed units that are easier to operate and less hassle to maintain, but no matter what you choose, it’s hard to beat the high performance, personalized taste, and convenience that comes with making your own perfect cup of coffee.

3. Trash Compactor

Trash Compactor

Alright, this next one isn’t for everyone. But, if you’re living in a home with limited garbage collection then you should definitely consider a trash compactor. Available in both freestanding or built-in configurations, garbage compactors come in a range of sizes and compression strengths. Look for models that have odour reduction and anti-obstruction features to avoid the most common problems. And it goes without saying that if you’ve ever wanted to crush your garbage into giant cubes, then this is a no brainer.

4. Home Cultivator

Danby Herb Grower - Cultivator

There’s almost nothing better for your health than eating right. A home cultivator is the perfect way to add fresh, organic, home grown herbs, micro greens and vegetables to your family’s diet year-round. It’s good food you can trust, right at your fingertips. Their compact size makes them an easy fit, and plumbed units will automatically water your plants too.

5. Ice Maker

Ice Machine

Many refrigerators come with ice makers now, but if you love to entertain then a stand-alone ice maker could be a perfect addition to your kitchen. Available in built-in, freestanding, and smaller portable models, an ice maker can create anywhere up to 55 pounds of ice a day. A dedicated unit will give you clearer ice cubes without mineral impurities, and you’ll have your choice of cubes, nuggets, flakes, tubes, and crushed ice to perfectly cool any drink.

6. Warming Drawers

Warming Drawer

Designers love warming drawers. The drawer’s thin, sleek appearance is the perfect complement to other built-in appliances and can help create that showpiece installation in your kitchen. Practically, having a warming drawer means everything you cook will always be served at the perfect temperature. If you’ve ever prepared a big holiday meal, you’ll know that it can be challenging to prepare all the food at the same time. With a warming drawer, no matter how long it takes for each dish to cook, you’ll always be able to serve your food at the perfect temperature.

Now that you’ve had a taste of some of the hottest (and coolest) appliances to complete any kitchen renovation, head on over to our store for more in-depth info and advice.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

6 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Kitchen Appliances

Cleaning microwave with lemon and water

Wasn’t it just the new year? It seems like 2020 just started, and yet here we are already entering spring. And that means one thing. Yeah, it doesn’t really excite us either, but it’s here again: spring cleaning time!

We aren’t just here to help you with a basic spring cleaning, though — you can handle the dusting and vacuuming on your own. Instead, we want to help guide you through the nooks and crannies and appliance alcoves that might be missed in your run-of-the-mill cleaning. There isn’t anything run-of-the-mill about our appliance store, and the same goes for the expert cleaning advice we have to share!

1. Microwave

Microwaves tend to see a lot of kitchen traffic, but they also tend to get messy, too. The good news is there’s an easy way to clean your microwave out: Put a half of a lemon in a bowl with some water. Microwave the solution until it begins boiling, then let everything soak in for a few minutes. The next part is easy: Just wipe everything down to find your microwave all clean and lemony fresh!

2. Garbage Disposal

This is one of those scary areas to clean – there’s just been one too many horror movies that have scenes involving garbage disposals! The good news is that you can clean them without getting too close to the blades. And again, we’re going to call some fruit to the witness stand.

First, fill up the sink with dish soap and water. Wait until it has drained, and then throw some cut-up citrus fruit into the disposal. Run it to chop up all the fruit, and ta-da! Clean as can be.

3. Blender

A word of caution here – you always want to be careful cleaning your blender. Be mindful of the blades, especially if you have filled it with water and are washing it out by hand. Been there, done that. You don’t want to do that.

There’s an even easier way to clean out your blender, though: Fill it halfway with soap and water and run it. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Also, make sure not to use too much soap, or it can cause everything to leak while blending!

4. Dishwasher

Bosch-100Series-Dishwasher-in-Stainless-Steel_Racks-1024x683
Bosch Dishwashers

Your dishwasher cleans things, but how do you clean something that is supposed to clean other things? Well, when life gives you lemons, use them to clean. Duh.
Run a load with the washer empty, but use powdered lemonade instead of your normal detergent.

But if you keep having problems with your dishwasher, however, it may be time for a new one. We’ve got loads of amazing Bosch diswashers at even more amazing prices – all just waiting for you to take one of them home.

5. Electric Tea Kettle

Just because you boil hot water in it doesn’t mean it can’t get dirty! You want to be sure to clean out your tea kettle too, no different than you would any other oft-used appliance.

The battle to clean a tea kettle is against hard water and limescale, which means the answer is either vinegar and water or lemon and water. Pour either of those combinations into your kettle and set it to boil. Once it is cool you can empty it and it should be clean!

6. Coffee Maker

You drink out of this every day, and yet when was the last time you actually stopped to take a second to clean it out? Yup. That’s what we thought. A clean coffee maker is a sure-fire way to make certain that you are starting your day right.

A vinegar-water mixture run through the machine can help clean it out, but you’ll want something a little stronger for the pot itself. Try water mixed with baking soda – mix it together, pour it in the pot and give it ample time to break down everything that has built up. There. That should do the trick.

Cleaning is hard work, but it’s hard work that pays off. It will keep your appliances in good shape and help make sure they live a long and fruitful life. Of course, if you are having any problems with your appliances – or are in the market for new ones – just stop on over! We are always here to help you with any of your appliance needs, no matter how big or small.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

A “Dos and Don’ts” Guide for When It’s Laundry Day

A “Dos and Don’ts” Guide for When It’s Laundry Day

From the way you wash delicates to the way you put clothes in the dryer, you’ll want to follow this guide on the right ways to do your laundry.

DO Wash Delicates Inside Out

Your delicates should be treated with the utmost care, which means turning them inside out before gently tossing them into the washing machine. When you wash your delicates right side out, they can rub against your other garments which causes pilling and tearing—especially if anything were to snag on another piece of clothing. Inside-out washing is a safe way to protect your delicates from any damage.

DO Wash Your Appliances

Just because your washer and dryer can clean your clothes, it doesn’t mean they can clean themselves! Make sure to wipe down your washing machine and dryer thoroughly every couple of months to keep them void of bacteria—but also in better condition so that they last longer.

Read this How to Deep Clean Your Top Load Washer.

DO Shake Clothes Out Before Transferring to Dryer

If you tend to transfer your clothes from washer to dryer without even paying attention to the state that piece is in, then this tip is for you. Shake each article of clothing out so that you aren’t throwing clumps of clothes into your dryer. This allows your clothes to dry all the way through and also saves you from having to iron out the wrinkles.

GE Top Load Washer and Dryer
GE Top Load Washer

DON’T Put Too Much in Washer and Dryer

Each garment needs room to circulate and when they’re squished between other clothes, there’s a good chance they won’t get the proper wash they need. Stuffing your washer and dryer is not only bad for your clothing, but it’s also bad for your machines! Make sure to check your washer and dryer’s manual on how much they can handle before trying to fit 2 weeks’ worth of laundry into 1 day.

DON’T Use Cheap Detergent

While we all love a good bargain, sometimes, going for the cheapest detergent is not worth it. Try out different kinds to see which you like best on your clothes. You could even try making your own from scratch! Find a DIY recipe you like to help keep your clothes fresher and the environment safer.

DON’T Leave Stains Sitting Too Long

Stains only start to stain when they’ve been sitting too long. So, when a spill or accident happens it’s best to attack the mess immediately before it becomes your shirt’s newest tattoo. Rub the stain with a little dish soap and water before throwing it in for a quick wash.

You can’t avoid laundry day forever, but you can make it easier! Check out our GE washer and dryers and the innovative features they come with to make your laundry woes a thing of the past!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

4 Tips to Incorporate Spring Cleaning in Your Kitchen

4 Tips to Incorporate Spring Cleaning in Your Kitchen

Clean out those cabinets and wipe down your appliances with these easy tips this spring!

Declutter your Kitchen

Spring cleaning is all about getting into the deep, dark corners that never get washed, and thoroughly cleaning them. But it also means purging your home of unnecessary items you don’t need anymore. Start your mission off by opening each cabinet and kicking out the Tupperware, cups, and other utensils that clutter your space.

Make a DIY Cleaner

From glass to appliances, when it comes to your kitchen, all you need is one cleaner to do the job. Make your own organic, all-purpose spray with only a few simple ingredients: vinegar, castile soap, lavender or lemon essential oil, and water. Use this concoction on everything from your oven to your walls and wipe off with a microfibre washcloth.

Loading Whirlpool Dishwasher 3rd rack

Use Your Dishwasher

Obviously, you already use your dishwasher, but you probably only use it on things like your dirty dishes. It’s time to think outside the box for this spring cleaning and throw in a few unorthodox items that could use a good washing. Soap dishes, pet dishes, sponges, microwave trays, drip pans, spice containers, fridge shelves, and more!

Shop Whirlpool Dishwashers

Look for Expiration Dates

While the milk may be able to go a day or two longer than its expiration date, it’s important that you throw out everything that has already moved past its “best if used by” date. Remember that canned goods, pasta, and other non-perishables may last longer, but they still have a date they expire by.

Keep the place you eat spotless by using these tips while spring cleaning. And if you are looking to add pristine new appliances to your kitchen, stop by to see our selection of Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid appliances we have in store for you!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert