There’s nothing worse than pulling your favourite white clothes out of the laundry, only to find out that the once-brilliant white has faded to look dull and dingy. The good news is that there are ways to reverse the damage and get those white fabrics looking fresh and like new again.

A Whirlpool washing machine is a great place to start — with tons of unique features that save time, energy, and wear-and-tear on your clothes, you’ll get the best whitening results. If you want to restore your white clothes’ natural look without the use of harsh chemicals like bleach, try out these tips for freshening up your fabrics and making white clothes white again.

Baking Soda and Lemon

Baking soda is the jack-of-all-trades when it comes to household cleaning, and it turns out it’s also a powerful, non-toxic bleaching agent. Adding a bit of lemon can also increase your bleaching power. To concoct an effective home bleach recipe, mix about ¼ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of lemon juice. Add the mixture to your washing machine along with your detergent, and your white clothes should come out brighter than ever.

Vinegar

White vinegar can help strip away residue left on your white clothes by soap and detergent, and naturally brighten fabrics. To make a simple vinegar soak for your laundry, fill a big stock pot full of water and mix in a cup of white vinegar. Bring the pot to a boil, then remove from heat. Add in your white clothes and let them soak overnight. The next day, run the clothes through the washer as usual and you should have a much cleaner, fresher-looking result than ever before.

Laundry Bluing

This unusual product makes your fabrics whiter — by dying them blue! No, your whites won’t come out turquoise, but it does give them a slight undertone of blue, which looks cleaner and brighter to our eyes than dingy-looking shades of yellow.

To use bluing liquid in a top-load washer, dilute it in water according to instructions on the packaging, start your wash cycle, and once the barrel is about halfway filled with wash water, add in the solution.

For a front-load washer, dilute about ¼ teaspoon of bluing in 1 or 2 quarts (1.89 l) of water, then add it to the dispenser drawer after the machine has filled with water. If your dispenser drawer locks during the wash cycle, just dilute according to the packaging and add as much as you can fit into the drawer before you start the cycle. Don’t add any other laundry products besides detergent — they can make the blue stain!

Whirlpool’s Touch Control Functions

Your Whirlpool washer comes with a variety of options to customize each wash cycle for your laundry’s needs. Most Whirlpool machines come with a cycle especially for white fabrics, so they should come out clean and bright every time. You should always wash white clothes in hot water when possible, so select the right temperature and soil settings using your machine’s Intuitive Touch Controls. Whirlpool washers also come with Adaptive Wash technology, which helps sense the needs of each individual load and gently flush away soap residue and grime without fading whites and colours.

Dry in the Sun

It might be tempting to throw your clothes right into your Whirlpool dryer and get the load done quickly, but try drying your whites outside instead. The sun has natural bleaching qualities, which can help give your whites a little extra push if they need it. Hang them in a clean, dry place where there’s no risk of stains, and let nature do the work for you.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

There’s nothing worse than fishing through a disorganized refrigerator when you’re in a hurry. It can be such a hassle trying to find what you’re looking for that sometimes it just seems easier to get fast food or a double espresso to hold you over ‘til your next meal.

If you keep finding yourself dropping major dollars and cents on drive-through fast food, when you’re rushing to make it to work or soccer practice on time, why not make the investment in a fridge that actually fits all your daily needs?

Check out these reasons why a Maytag fridge fits perfectly into your on-the-go lifestyle, and it gives you everything you need for snacking made simple.

Super Chill

Maytag’s PowerCold feature is a convenience like no other. Normally, adding items to the fridge fresh from your food shopping of right out of the oven makes the temperature of the whole fridge spike high above recommended levels. Not so with PowerCold.

This function helps keep the temperature of the whole fridge stable, no matter what you put in it, and even helps that fresh-baked food chill down faster. So next time you remember a little too late that you promised to bring the Jell-O to your kid’s class party (come on, it happens to the best of us), you might just pull it off with the help of your Maytag.

The Right Light

Maytag fridges also come with super bright, under-shelf LED lighting! No more squinting at the back of the fridge, wondering what on earth might be back there when all you want is to grab that string cheese and get out. Maytag’s BrightSeries lights are long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about them burning out on you, and they evenly light every corner of the fridge, making speedy snack-grabbing way easier.

Enjoy Every Drop

Never waste time waiting for a pitcher to filter your drinking water! Maytag’s built-in water dispensers come with Everydrop filters, eliminating the need for bulky pitchers and slow draining. You shouldn’t have to wait for fresh, delicious water in your own home – especially when you’re already running 15 minutes late for that track meet! Maytag’s in-door filters clear out contaminants in no time and make every drop that much more refreshing.

Snack Attack

Do you find yourself stuffing snacks in the fridge’s crisper drawers in a desperate attempt to keep them organized? Well, with a Maytag fridge, you don’t have to choose between fresh veggies and convenient cold cuts.

The temperature-controlled Wide-N-Fresh deli drawer lets you stash all your favourite meats, cheeses, schmears and spreads for easy snacking. It even fits wide dishes.

Storage Solutions

When you’re trying to cram shoes on a fussy toddler in the morning or wrestle with one last load of laundry before you head out the door, you might not have time to get everything together yourself. With Maytag’s adjustable door racks, you can make sure the kids’ favourite foods are well within their reach, so they can grab and go on their own. Or you could even put your own guilty pleasures far out of their reach, for late night snacking. Whatever you need from your storage space, these shelves are made to fit your lifestyle.

Maytag is made for you, so don’t get a fridge that makes your life harder! With these handy features, you’ll be up and out the door with your food in no time. No more fast food for you! Unless you want fast food. We don’t judge, and your Maytag keeps those leftovers fresh too. Whatever you’re keeping in your Maytag fridge, we can help you pick out the perfect unit and make sure you get all the features you need for your life on the go. Stop by and see our selection today!

Shop Our Maytag Refrigerators Online Now

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

Your dishwasher helps make cleaning easier every day, but what happens when your dishwasher is in need of some TLC?

Dishwashers are almost always dark and damp, making them a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Even though your dishes might come out sparkling clean after every wash, those hidden germs might be preventing your tableware from coming out truly sanitized. By giving your GE dishwasher a little extra attention, you can keep the fungus at bay and make sure your dishes are coming out as clean as they can be!

1) Sanitize the Gasket

The rubber seal on the inside of the door is the number one place where mould and bacteria collect, so be sure to give it a thorough clean every few weeks. A toothbrush and some soapy water are all you need to get the worst of the grime, but mixing some white vinegar into the water can help punch up the sanitizing power. Be sure to dry it off thoroughly with a paper towel when you’re done, or the germs will just start collecting all over again.

2) Clean Out the Filter

Check the dishwasher filter regularly for food particles and other debris. Rotting food is a huge source of mould in the dishwasher, especially if it gets circulated around the wash tub during cycles. If you want to keep mould from taking hold, clean out the filter about once a week, and give the filter fixture a good scrub in soapy water at least once a month.

3) Dry Out Your Dishwasher

Letting your dishes air dry after a wash cycle might be energy efficient and eco-friendly, but if you choose this option, you need to make sure your dishwasher is getting completely dry between cycles. Keep the dishwasher door open while air-drying dishes and maybe even after if you still see moisture in the tub.

4) Rinse With White Vinegar and Baking Soda

These handy household cleaners are just the thing for busting fungus in the dishwasher. They’re food safe, so they’re perfect for use around dishes, and they’re gentle enough so as not to damage the sensors and machinery in the appliance. Bleach and harsh chemicals can break the heat sensors in your GE dishwasher, and you definitely don’t want that.

To stop mould in its tracks and keep your dishwasher clean and fresh, run a hot wash cycle with nothing but a bowl of vinegar in the top rack. Then, sprinkle the entire inside with baking soda and run a short hot water cycle. You might even want to remove the racks from your dishwasher and wash them separately, to remove any caked-on debris or water scale.

If you give your dishwasher a thorough clean at least once a month, mould won’t stand a chance. The better you take care of your GE dishwasher, the better it will work for you! By giving your dishwasher a good clean every now and again, your dishes will be cleaner and your dishwasher will last longer than ever.

If this advice came too late for your old, mouldy dishwasher, it might be time for an upgrade. Come by our store to check out the latest models GE has to offer and get more appliance care tips from our expert associates!

Shop Our GE Dishwashers

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

If you are a proud owner of a Samsung electric glass cooktop, then you probably already know how its sleek exterior can really make your kitchen stand out. Conversely, when it’s covered in stuck-on food and littered with burnt debris from previous meals you’ve cooked, it can just look plain unsightly.

So, how do you keep your Samsung cooktop from looking like a desolate garbage wasteland? By following these simple tips, you can quickly and painlessly clean your cooking space so you can continue to stare at your beautiful reflection through the glossy surface.

1) What You’ll Need

• Paper towels
• A sponge
• A microfibre cloth
• Rags
• Medium bowl of hot water
• Dish soap
• Baking soda

Are you ready to start wiping grime off the face of the earth? Or maybe just your glass cooktop? Here’s how you do it.

2) Chill and Let It Cool

Spilling while cooking is always going to happen, but don’t attempt to clean up those spills on the cooktop until you give your cooktop a few minutes to cool down before wiping off the surface so you can reduce the likelihood of severe burns.

One way to make sure your heating elements are completely cooled off is by flicking a couple drops of water over them and seeing if they sizzle. If they don’t, then you’re generally good to start wiping away any mess left behind from what looks like a summer camp food fight.

3) Chuck the Chunks

Simply grab a paper towel and gather up all the food debris. You most likely won’t get everything, since it’s difficult to get melted food off your cooktop, so just wipe up as much as you can. It will probably look like a giant smear of grossness, but don’t worry, it’s only the first part of the process.

4) Soap, Soak, and Soda

Pour dish soap in a bowl of hot water and then let your rags soak in the sudsy goodness. While your rags are absorbing and heating up, sprinkle the baking soda over your glass cooktop. And when we say sprinkle, we really mean pour as much as you want on because the more the merrier, am I right?

And now that your once glossy stovetop looks like the top layer of powdered sugar crepe, it’s time to add on the rags. Ring out each rag gently and then lay them flat so your entire cooktop is covered in washcloths. And now we wait for 15 minutes…

5) 15 Minutes Later …

Unless your cooktop looks like it could use a little extra love, 15 minutes should be all the time you need to get the results you want. Remove the rags from your cooking surface and you’ll see that the scum has lifted and loosened from your glass cooktop, which will make cleaning this cooktop up a piece of cake. Just use the washcloths that you removed to wipe the debris off and it’ll come off easily.

There will probably be some leftover water and crumbs to clean up still, so take your sponge and use the soft side to wipe away the bits and soak up the rest.

6) Dry and Be Done

You’re almost there! Use a microfibre cloth to get the last of any water and give it that final shine. And that’s it! Your Samsung glass cooktop has been restored to its stunning self once again!

Of course, nobody likes wasting 20 minutes to give their cooktop a deep cleaning, so the best way to maintain your pretty glass cooktop is by simply wiping it down after every meal you cook on the range.

Keeping up with your cooktop is an easy process, but if you wait too long to thoroughly clean it, you could be taking a chance on scratching the surface. Visit us and view our array of the best Samsung cooktops and ranges to find the right one for your home. Just give it a little love and it will last for years to come!

Shop Our Samsung Cooktops

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

What is the configuration of your refrigerator? Is it a French door style? Top freezer? Side-by-Side? Bottom freezer? You may be thinking that it doesn’t really matter what refrigerator you have, as long as it does its job and keeps your food cold. The truth is, they’re all great, but one kind of refrigerator can be more beneficial for your lifestyle than another. Next time you’re in the market for a new fridge, take these reasons into consideration for why you may want to get a Bosch Bottom Freezer Refrigerator.

1. Space Saver

If you host parties, store a lot of leftovers, or just have a large family, you’re going to want a refrigerator with a lot of space. Luckily the Bosch Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator was made with more than enough space to go around. In the freezer section of the fridge, there are slide out drawers and pull out shelves that make organizing easier.

2. Eye Level Convenience

One of the greatest things about a bottom-freezer refrigerator is the convenience of its design. Moving the freezer to the bottom allows you to be eye-level with your food instead of having to bend down to see what’s inside. The refrigerator usually gets more daily use than the freezer making the bottom-freezer location seem like a more logical choice. (Statistics show that you use the fridge section 8 times more than the freezer section.) Also, you’re less likely to lose as much food in your fridge! Bosch Bottom Freezer Refrigerators allow you to see all the nooks and crannies of your fridge, so nothing should ever go bad in the deep dark corners.

3. LED Lighting

Speaking of “dark corners”, instead of lighting only coming from the top of the fridge, Bosch refrigerators have LED lights on the sides that ensure all your food will be in the spotlight. You’ll also save money with LED lights since they use less electricity than conventional fridge lights and last the refrigerator lifetime.

If you are someone who likes the comfort of a refrigerator at eye-level and prefers a well-organized freezer, the Bosch Bottom Freezer Refrigerator was made for you! Check out the different styles that Bosch has to offer at your local appliance store!

Shop Bosch Bottom Freezer Refrigerator online

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

Imagine your kitchen has absolutely no major appliances. It’s basically a blank canvas, ready for you to install completely new Bosch appliances of any design and with any finish you want.

So, what do you choose?

It’s not an easy decision to make. Stainless steel may be a timeless finish, but maybe you’re looking for black appliances that make a statement in your kitchen. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong, but we’ve got the lowdown on all the different appliance finishes available to you. Take these finishes into consideration when in the market for a new suite of Bosch appliances.

Contemporary like stainless steel

If there’s one appliance finish that people love, it’s stainless steel. And how could you not? This appliance finish goes well with EVERYTHING. It has the power to make any old kitchen feel new and modern.

Most stainless steel appliances are fingerprint-resistant now as well, making these guys perfect for those curious kids who like to put their little fingers all over the place. If you’re looking for something that will play it safe in your kitchen, getting Bosch major appliances with a stainless steel finish is the way to go.

Black when you’re feeling bold

If you love drama, black or black stainless steel may be the next best colour for your Bosch appliances. It’s such an intense hue that when paired with any other colour (especially white), it makes quite the vivid contrast. If you are all about making a statement, this will definitely do the job!

You may want to stay away from this appliance finish if you have a smaller space. Having a lot of black in a small area can make your kitchen look tiny and crowded. Avoid this finish altogether if you want an open and bright kitchen.

White brings in the light

White appliances are classic and clean, making every minimalist shout for joy at the sight of them. While it seems like they may get dirty often due to their milky exterior, this is a small price to pay. It’s all worth it for the amount of brightness a white-appliance-filled kitchen can bring into your home. Not to mention, it has the ability to expand a small room, so it seems much larger than it actually is.

If your ideal kitchen has light coloured marble countertops with white cabinets, adding white appliances to the mix will really illuminate the entire room.

Who says you have to choose only one?

If you can’t make up your mind about which appliance finish you want, there’s nothing wrong with mixing and matching! Talk to an expert today to get more information on Bosch appliance finishes and which ones would look best in your home!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

If you’re looking for the perfect dishwasher, then you’ve probably heard of Bosch. As the number-one-selling dishwasher brand in the world, Bosch is the most trusted dishwasher on the market.

But what makes Bosch dishwasher the better choice?

It’s Quiet.

Bosch’s patented Eco Silence design uses two small suspended motors to reduce noise and vibration compared to traditional single motor dishwashers. With multiple layers of insulation, a solid moulded base to absorb sound, and precision spray technology that reduces noise by aiming water away from the drum, Bosch dishwashers are the quietest in their class.

Flexible Design Solutions.

With 5 timeless design options, a Bosch dishwasher is the perfect addition to any kitchen. The RackMatic adjustable middle rack offers 3 height options and 9 different rack positions. Even when it’s full, you can adjust it with the touch a button.

Add Bosch’s FlexSpace tines, 3 different third rack designs, and the deepest tub on the market and you’ve got one of the most versatile dishwashers ever made.

Exceptional Performance.

Above all else, with a Bosch dishwasher, you get exceptional cleaning performance. Bosch’s PrecisionWash System uses intelligent sensors to repeatedly scan dishes and adjust the wash cycle as needed. The Grindless triple filtration system quietly and effectively removes all food particles from the tub and the automatic water softener ensures that hard water deposits aren’t left behind.

In short, when it comes to dishwashers, Bosch just does it better.

Whatever you’re looking for, with a Bosch dishwasher for every budget, the perfect dishwasher is waiting for you.

Don’t waste any more time, shop for our Bosch dishwashers HERE.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

Considering a Samsung Convection Oven is a testament to the fact that new things can produce great results! Discover how replacing your traditional range or wall oven with a convection oven could give you a more evenly cooked meal.

How it Works

Convection ovens use a fan, unlike conventional ovens, which blows out hot air all over your food. Instead of having to turn your food throughout its cooking process, a Samsung Convection Oven would eradicate that step and evenly surround your food with the hot air. Fine Cooking explains it best by saying, “When cold air blows against you on a blustery winter day, you feel colder more quickly than you do on a windless day of the same temperature.”

Why It’s Better

From cooking faster to saving energy, Samsung Convection Ovens beat the traditional oven in a number of ways. If you’re someone who likes to cook a lot, having a convection oven should speed up the cooking time by 25 percent. Not to mention, conventional ovens tend to get humid, which isn’t exactly what you want. Having moisture float around can mess up certain foods which is why having a Samsung Convection Oven circulating the air helps diminish the moisture from hurting the food you’re about to enjoy. And because convection ovens usually cook food faster, you’ll be using yours far less than with a traditional oven.

In addition to offering you innovative features and outstanding good looks, Samsung appliances are also powerful when the time comes to put them to work. Find one at your local appliance retailer to start cooking those meals at lightning speed! You’ll never want to go back to the traditional way – not when everything you cook comes out evenly cooked while also saving you money!

Talk to a sales associate to learn more about Samsung’s Convection Ovens available in wall ovens and ranges, their specific features, and why you need one in your life!

Read more about convection cooking in our previous blog article: Your Convection Oven Cooking Questions Answered

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

Different can seem scary and intimidating. Although induction cooktops are a fairly unique and new style of cooktop, they should be anything but scary and intimidating. The norm may be electric and gas cooktops, but don’t let the fear of “different” steer you away from discovering the power and skill of a GE Profile induction cooktop! Educate yourself on how they work and you’ll be shopping for one at your local appliance store before this article is over!

Save Energy

One of the best things about induction cooktops is their ability to heat up pots and pans quickly while also saving a lot of energy.

The way induction cooktops work involves an electric current that circulates through a coiled wire underneath a glass cooktop. Amazing enough, the glass surface, sitting just above it, doesn’t get hot! Only when a metallic pot or pan made of ferrous metal (it attracts a magnet) touches the glass surface will the pot or pan get hot, but never the glass surface! Because induction cooktops work by only sending heat to the metallic object, no heat escapes into the air and is wasted.

Induction Technology, GE Profile Cooktop

Save Your Limbs

Say goodbye to burning your fingers and hands when you have a General Electric induction cooktop. Because the cooktop works to only heat up the pot or pan, if you happen to bump into a burner, you won’t feel a thing. Unfortunately, if you happen to touch the pot or pan, you’ll still get burnt.

Save Messes

One of the worst problems with a standard electric or gas cooktop is how easy it is to get them dirty. When you have food spills while cooking, there’s not much you can do to save the mess; the cooktop is too hot to wipe down. Luckily, induction styles don’t heat up the cooktop, allowing you time to move the pot or pan away from the burner and easily wipe up the mess without hurting yourself. The cleanup is so easy, it won’t be hard to keep an induction cooktop in pristine shape for quite some time!

When we think of innovative kitchen appliances, we think of GE Profile induction cooktops. This sort of technology may not be your traditional appliance, but it’s the way of the future!

Start shopping GE Profile induction cooktops right now!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

Your fridge is probably the most important appliance in your home. It’s the hub of your kitchen, you use it every day, and having one that you can rely on can make or break your mealtime experience. Plus, a Whirlpool fridge is a big investment! So, shouldn’t you be doing all you can to keep it in tip-top shape?

If you’ve just bought a new Whirlpool fridge you love or are looking to add some mileage onto your reliable old refrigerator, there are some things you can do to maximize your time together and make your fridge more effective than ever. Try these five tips to prolong your refrigerator’s life and keep it working at its best.

1. Clean the Coils

The cooling coils are the beating heart that makes your Whirlpool refrigerator tick. They can usually be found either behind or underneath the unit — two places that collect a lot of dust, dirt, and pet dander. Those coils are what keeps your food cold and your fridge functioning the way it’s supposed to, but when they get buried in layers of gunk, their efficiency is going to take a nosedive. If the buildup gets bad enough, the coils could even burn out altogether! Every few months, be sure to vacuum out the coils and remove any stray debris to reduce that extra strain on your fridge.

2. Keep the Top Clear

It can be tempting to use the top of your refrigerator as an extra shelf for storing stray cereal boxes and other snacks for easy access, but resist that temptation! Your refrigerator releases excess heat through the top of the unit (which is why it’s always a bit warm to the touch). Placing things on top traps the heat in, forcing the motor to work harder to maintain optimal temperatures inside the unit. Over a long period of time, this can do serious damage to your Whirlpool refrigerator and the food you keep in it, so play it safe and keep the top clear.

3. Keep It Full

The best-kept secret of the refrigerator world is that fridges actually work much better when they’re full! It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true — as the items in your fridge get cold, they help keep the temperature of the whole unit down, letting the refrigerator itself relax a little and delegate some of the work. Now that’s teamwork! So don’t be afraid to take a little extra time the next time you’re whipping up dinner. The more food you have in the fridge, the less strain on your refrigerator’s motor, keeping your Whirlpool fridge in better shape for longer.

4. Keep the Seals Well Maintained

The quickest way to a fridge full of spoiled food is a problem with the fridge seal that’s left unresolved for too long.

The seal (or gasket) along the inner edge of the fridge door is what keeps all the cold air in and the warm air out. Leaks or gaps in the seal can not only drop your refrigerator’s temperature low enough to allow bacteria
to start growing on your food, it also forces your fridge to work double-time trying to make up for the lost cold air.

Luckily, it’s pretty easy to detect a loose seal — just stick half a dollar bill into the door and shut it. If the bill easily slips out, the seal needs some fixing. Usually, giving the gaskets a thorough scrub with soapy water and a sponge will clean out any debris keeping it from sealing properly, but if the problem persists, give your local BrandSource dealer a call and we’ll make sure you get the expert help you need to fix it up good as new.

5. Clean and Defrost It Regularly

The best thing you can do to keep your Whirlpool fridge working its best is regular maintenance. Cleaning out loose debris, and giving the shelves a good soak and scrub will do wonders for keeping your fridge in good shape. Most modern fridges are pretty good at preventing frost or condensation buildup, but if foods are put into the fridge or freezer while they’re still hot or if liquids are stored uncovered, moisture can get into the system and gum up the works. Just to be safe, you’ll want to defrost everything once or twice a year and make sure the fridge gets some TLC every month or so.

Whether you’re looking forward to a long and happy life with a brand-new Whirlpool fridge or trying to put off a new fridge purchase for another year, these tips will help you get as much as possible out of your fridge for as long as possible.

But if you’ve tried all these tips and you’re still seeing your fridge’s efficiency go downhill, it might be time to invest in a new one. Start fresh with a Whirlpool fridge that has all the latest in self-defrosting, energy efficiency technology and keep it around for a long, long time by starting with these tips from day one. If you’re looking for a fridge that will last, look no further than your favourite local appliance store! Drop in or give us a call for all the info you need about the fridge of your dreams.

Amanda, Your Appliances Expert