Affordable Appliance Repair in Nairobi

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What are the common problems of appliances?

Not every appliance issue needs professional repair. In certain cases, the fixes are simple enough to do yourself. Are you experiencing any of the common appliance problems below? Before you contact an expert for help, read these tips from Bestcare Appliance Repair Nairobi Kenya

1. Smelly Washing Machine

A bad odor in your washing machine can defeat the purpose of the appliance! If you’re trying to get your clothes fresh but your machine isn’t cooperating, dump two cups of white vinegar and a half-cup of baking soda into the drum. Then run a cycle on the hot water setting to remove the smell.

This appliance issue frequently occurs in front-loading washers. To prevent future odors, leave the door open between washes to let it dry out. If you see any mold forming, check out this guide to cleaning front-load washer mold.

2. Inefficient Refrigerator

A semi-cool fridge is never a welcome sign. Not only are your drinks less than refreshing, but your food may also be on the verge of spoiling! This is a common appliance problem with a few potential causes. In some cases, your fridge may not need repair work; it could just need a cleaning. To be more specific, the coils on the back of the fridge may need cleaning. Unplug the appliance and pull it away from the wall before giving the coils a thorough vacuuming. If you don’t notice immediate cooling improvement, it’s best to reach out to a professional team—like us at Bestcare Appliance Repair—for refrigerator appliance repair in Nairobi Kenya.

3. Clicking Igniter on Gas Stove

If the igniter on your gas stove clicks and clicks without the burner ever lighting, check to make sure your burner cap is in place and properly aligned. If the cap looks fine, the source is likely a dirty igniter—a very common appliance problem. To clean, remove the burner cap and wipe away any debris. You can also use a metal pin to pick debris from the grooves. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, there are a couple of other reasons for a clicking gas stove—but it’s safest not to take a stove lighter apart without proper training. Contact a professional stove repair service to investigate.

4. Wobbling Washing Machine

A wobbling washing machine can produce quite a startling racket and isn’t a great way to get clean clothes. If yours is suddenly banging around, the machine may be out of plumb (i.e., not level). To level the washing machine, rotate the legs of the washing machine to lift or lower each corner until it’s straightened out. Another likely scenario is that the washer drum is off balance. Open the lid and rearrange the clothes so they’re more evenly dispersed within the drum. If this common appliance problem persists, don’t ignore it.

Continuing to run the machine could damage it further! Your washer probably has a loose drum or motor mount, which can be resolved with professional washing machine repair.

What maintenance do appliances need?

Major appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, washers and dryers are costly to repair and even more expensive to replace. But you can stave off those repairs and keep your appliances running longer by performing a few easy maintenance tips. You won’t need a lot of mechanical expertise to keep your appliances in tip-top shape—just some common sense and a little elbow grease.

Refrigerators

The best way to maintain your refrigerator is simply to keep it clean, inside and out.

Clean under and behind your refrigerator regularly. Whirlpool Institute of Kitchen Science expert Lucinda Ottusch says it’s important to remove and clean the refrigerator’s base grill often to improve air flow to the appliance’s components. Ryan Huntley, of RepairClinic.com, says that the coils at the bottom or behind your refrigerator need regular cleaning so the coils can efficiently cool the unit.

Wash the door seals. If the seals in your refrigerator door are sticky, it’s time to clean them. Ottusch says warm, soapy water and a soft cloth will do the trick. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the seals will make them last longer, Huntley says.

Don’t forget the ice dispenser. If your refrigerator has a built-in ice/water dispenser, you’ll need to clean that, too. The drip tray should be removed and cleaned at least every two to three months, Huntley says. He also recommends cleaning the ice bucket assembly once a month so your ice doesn’t pick up refrigerator odors. The dispenser’s water filter should be replaced at least every six months.

Dishwashers

The job of a dishwasher is to clean and dispose of the food residue you leave on your dishes. It’s a dirty job, indeed. But keeping your dishwasher clean is only part of your plan of action to keep it running at its best.

Fix the filter. Most new dishwashers use a filter system that traps food particles during the wash cycle. Ottusch says dishwashers that use a filter system are quieter and more energy efficient than older dishwashers that use a chopper system. Check and clean the filter regularly to prevent a buildup of food, pits, seeds and anything else that might get trapped there.

Rinse out mineral deposits. Hard water is tough on dishwashers as mineral deposits (as well as bits of food or other matter) can build up in the water holes in the dishwasher’s spray arm. Huntley says you can clean out the water jets in the spray arm with a toothpick. Also, the water inlet valve can begin to clog, which means your dishwasher won’t get the proper amount of hot water. You’ll need to replace a clogged water inlet valve. For general cleaning, Whirlpool’s Ottusch recommends a dishwasher cleaner such as Affresh to help remove some of the hard water deposits.

Washing Machines

Top-loading washers require little if any home maintenance, according to Huntley, but front-loading washers need more care.

Leave the door open. Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science expert Tremitchell Wright says it’s a good idea to leave your washer door open after you’ve completed a load of laundry. This will allow air to circulate in the washer, rather than trapping in moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew problems. Wright also recommends using a cleaner designed for washing machines once per month, such as Affresh tablets. He also recommends checking the door’s rubber gasket (called a bellow) to make sure it’s clean and intact.

Don’t overload it. Huntley says that overloading the washer can wear out and break some of the machine’s components more quickly than with typical usage. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maximum capacity so your washer will last longer. That goes for dryers, too.

Dryers

Clothes dryers go hand-in-hand with washers, but dryers have different maintenance needs. You know you should empty the lint trap after every load, but there are several other things you should do to keep your dryer going strong.

Keep the exhaust vent clean. Both Wright and Huntley stress that it’s important to make sure your dryer’s exhaust vent is clean. Wright recommends cleaning it at least once per year. Be sure to check the outside air vent, too.

Make sure the dryer is level. If your dryer is tilting or hopping around while it works, then the components supporting the dryer’s drum will wear out more quickly. Additionally, your dryer will be a lot noisier.

It doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to do a little simple maintenance on your major appliances, but the payoff is big. A clean, well-maintained appliance can run well for years, which will leave more money in your pockets and you won’t be on a first-name basis with your repairman.

What is the most common cause of appliance failure?

Refrigerator Damage Caused by High Voltage Surge

High Voltage Surge is the leading cause of peril to refrigerators.. When there is an increase in voltage from a power surge, it causes an inrush of electrical current within the refrigerator. This surge generates an excessive amount of heat, which can damage multiple parts of the refrigerator. Three components in particular that we often see damaged by a high voltage surge are the control board, the compressor, and the ice maker.

The control board is the most sensitive component in the refrigerator. Therefore, it is easily damaged when a surge of electrical current creates excessive heat. Refrigerators with a damaged control board can often be repaired, as the board is relatively inexpensive and easy to replace on its own.

While not damaged as often as the control board, the compressor can also be damaged by a powerful high voltage surge. A strong electrical event can damage the windings that provide the start and run functions of the compressor, causing premature compressor failure. Because the high cost of replacing the compressor, the refrigerator often requires replacement if the compressor is damaged.

A voltage surge can also damage the refrigerator’s ice maker. When the inrush of current causes additional heat within the component, it can lead to a short in the ice maker’s electrical connections. The ice maker assembly is relatively inexpensive to replace and, provided the parts are available, a refrigerator with this type of damage can often be repaired.

Refrigerator Damage Caused by a Lack of Maintenance

Refrigerators typically last 17 years or longer with little routine maintenance. However, without this maintenance the lifespan can be much shorter. The three most common reasons for failures that we see as a result of wear & tear are a mechanically locked compressor, failure of the fan motor, and dirty condenser coils.

The refrigerator’s compressor is the heart of the cooling system; without a working compressor the refrigerator cannot function. As with any mechanical component, the functionality of the compressor diminishes with age. Eventually, the compressor may not turn and will become mechanically locked. When this occurs, you will hear a constant humming sound from the compressor as it attempts to start, and it will be very hot to the touch. If the compressor is constantly starting because the refrigerator is filled to capacity or the coils are dirty (see section on dirty coils below), this condition may occur prematurely. If the compressor does fail, it is typically cost prohibitive to replace. However, compressor replacement can be the more cost-effective option for high-end refrigerators.

The fan motor is another mechanical part subject to failure. With age, the fan motor bearings can become gummed up with dirt, preventing the motor from running. It is often possible to replace the fan motor to repair the refrigerator, provided the part is available.

Dirty condenser coils are another common wear-and-tear-related failure. Without a regular cleaning, the coils can become clogged with dirt and dust. This prevents the efficient transfer of heat from the refrigerant to the air, causing the compressor to work harder and fail prematurely. This problem can easily be prevented with routine condenser coil cleaning.