How to Keep Your Appliances in Good Condition

Household appliances save us time and effort. Imagine life without a washing machine or dishwasher. It wouldn’t be much fun. Unfortunately, many household appliances don’t last more than a few years. A cynic might argue that manufacturers deliberately build appliances with a limited lifespan, so they can sell you a new one after five years. We don’t know if this is true, but one thing is certain: if you look after your appliances, they will almost certainly last longer.

If your dishwasher, fridge, oven, or other appliance is faulty, check whether it is under warranty. And if your washing machine is faulty and you need washing machine repair and maintenance advice from Hotpoint, give them a call.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure you get the maximum life possible out of your appliances. Ignore them at your peril!

Fridges

A shiny new fridge is a joy. It’s clean and hygienic inside with no mouldy mushrooms lurking in the vegetable tray and the shelves are just begging to be filled with food. But, as proud as you may be with your new fridge, it is essential that you don’t switch it on for 24 hours when you first bring it home.

Fridges are often transported flat. The oil in the compressor needs time to settle before you switch the fridge on for the first time. Otherwise, the oil may end up in the refrigerant lines rather than the pump, which will lead to the pump wearing out much sooner than it should.
It is also a good idea to vacuum the coils at the back of the fridge from time to time. This helps to keep them dust-free. If dust is allowed to settle and form an insulating layer, the fridge will need to work harder to maintain the correct temperature.

If you take good care of your fridge, it should easily last 15+ years.

Freezers

Freezers generally last a long time and require very little maintenance. If you have a frost-free freezer, it doesn’t need to de-frosted. Older models don’t have this facility, so you need to defrost your freezer when ice begins to build up. To do this safely, empty the freezer and switch it off for 24 hours, or as long as it takes to defrost.

Frost-free freezers have a drain pan. Clean it out from time to time or mould will build up. A solution of bleach and water is fine.

Washing Machines

Washing machines don’t usually last more than five years, but with some care and attention, you can keep your washing machine in perfect working order for longer.

Always empty pockets before you place garments in the machine. Coins and other metal objects cause untold damage to a washing machine drum. Foreign objects can also get caught between the door seal, which will damage it and cause a leak. Smaller objects can get stuck in the drain hose, which is equally damaging.

Prop the door open after you empty the washing machine. This allows the drum and other components to dry out. If the machine is left closed and wet, mould might build up inside, which is a health issue.

Dishwashers

Make sure you clean out the drain filter regularly. This is where food waste ends up. If it is allowed to build up, the dishwasher won’t drain properly. You probably use your dishwasher daily, but if you don’t use it that often, pour some mineral oil and water into the bottom of the machine to keep the seals moisturized. Otherwise, they will dry out and the next time you run a load, water will leak out everywhere.

Hard water can cause numerous problems with household appliances, so pop a hard water tablet into your washing machine or dishwater every week or so. It is possible to keep your appliances in good working order for longer than you would expect using the tips discussed above.

6 Signs That Your Kitchen Needs Some Updating

Your kitchen is one of the most valued rooms in your house. It is the central place where people tend to gather, share meals, entertain, and catch up with family members. For many, a total remodel is financially out of the question. However, there are times when you really have no choice but to do some updating, especially when something is either broken or so out-of-date it is no longer serving its purpose. Below are six signs that your kitchen needs to be updated.

Leaking or Slow-to-Drain Kitchen Sink

When you turn off your kitchen sink and it doesn't turn off completely, besides getting annoyed, you realize that it needs to be repaired. It is important that you fix it correctly or you can end up in a worse situation. The most critical first step is to find out where the leak is coming from, be it the faucet or the handle.

Both of these could actually be signs of more serious underlying problems. These plumbers in Melbourne point out that “if your sink is slow to drain after doing the dishes, it could be a sign of a blocked drain as they are frequently attached to the overflow”. If you are hoping it will clear up on its own, the chances are very slim that it will. If the blockage is severe, it will become increasingly more difficult to clean it. It’s best to have a professional take a look at it and get it fixed.

Outdated Appliances

New appliances will make any kitchen look nicer. But there are other more practical reasons why updating your appliances is a good idea.

Usually older appliances use more energy than the newer models and can increase your utility bills. There is also a chance that old wiring can cause a fire. If your safety is in jeopardy, it is time to replace that older appliance.

Wear and Tear

Nothing stays new forever no matter how well it is maintained. Normal wear and tear is expected, but when the damage is more extensive, you need to do something. For instance, if your dishwasher or refrigerator is leaking, it can cause water damage. Water damage can cause your floor to peel or buckle and it can also lead to mold growth.

Chipped or cracked floors and countertops can cause dangerous bacteria to grow. When you replace them, not only will they look nicer, you will be protecting your family from mold and bacteria that can make you sick.

Your Cabinets are a Mess

It is not uncommon a cabinet doors to fall off its hinges. This is a simple fix as all you have to do is replace the hinge. Re-painting or staining your cabinets can go a long way in making something old look fresh and new. However, if your cabinets are literally falling apart and no longer useful, you should look into replacing them.

Not Enough Storage

Older homes were usually built with an insufficient amount of storage space in the kitchen to store all your pots, pans, dishes, and all the other modern things you use. This tends to lead to crowded countertops and cabinets and makes it difficult to find anything. You might want to consider investing in some updates like adding hidden storage areas, a pantry, or a movable island to add more storage space and improve your kitchen's functionality.

Increase the Value of Your Home

If you are looking to sell your home, the best investment you can make to get a competitive price for it and to sell it faster is to put some money into updating your kitchen. Kitchens that are dated (bathrooms too) are a significant barrier for resale. 

It isn’t necessary to completely remodel your kitchen to make it more marketable. As a matter of fact, homeowners who do minor kitchen remodels usually get an 81% return on their investment, while major high-end remodels only see a 59% return.The reason for this is that not every potential buyer likes the latest expensive trend. Many are only interested in shiny and new fixtures and appliances.

It is your kitchen and you know best when something old just isn't working for you anymore. It is good to know that there are many things beside a total and expensive remodel that can help your kitchen give you the look, feel, and functionality you want.

Quick design tips to personalise your newly-bought home

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Just bought a new home and finally realising your Australian dream? Congratulations!

Looking to personalise your new home but aren’t sure how to start or worried about your limited budget? This is the perfect article for you. We’re showing you a couple of design/decoration tips that are bound to add beauty and value to your new home.

The kitchen. As your home’s heart and soul, the kitchen deserves all the attention you can give when you first move into your spanking new home.

Adding colour coordinated pans and pans for starters are an easy way to create a great theme, especially if you want a kitchen with personal touches. You can also store your pots in a different way if you’re saving money and don’t want to replace them. Just hang them from a pot hanging rack to create a nice display that doubles as storage saver. Win-win!

Today’s homes are now beginning to pave the way to the garden plants back into the indoors. Adding a favourite leafy colour to the kitchen is a great way to enliven it and add a living decoration. Herbs and plants instantly freshen up a room and make a more natural environment that’s perfect for cooking.

Whether you like flowers, candles, vases or even fruit bowls, a centrepiece in your dining room can transform your table in a matter of seconds! The one thing to remember with centrepieces is to ensure that it isn’t too distracting. A piece too large or tall may get in the way of your conversations with people around the table or may minimise the space for your plates and cutlery.

The Hallway. Your hallway is where everyone traverses every day to go to different parts of the home, therefore it needs special care.

First off, adding mirrors can transform an area since it instantly brightens up space by reflecting any light, natural or from other sources. Choose mirrors that match your style and personality. Next, adding photos allow you to showcase your favourite family photos to visitors and family members as well.  If you want a modern look, try having your photos printed in back or white, or simply add a sepia filter to transform them into vintage wonders.

The living room. If your family loves lounging around the living room, or if you’re big on entertainment, then customising your home when you move in should be a priority as well.
Use rugs to either boost the floor space or the furniture you currently have. You’ll have a plethora of options to choose from that appropriately matches your taste and the other furniture in the room. In any case, don’t yourself to colour schemes. Experiment things and see what works in personalising the living room.

Adding throws and cushions can also add plenty of personality and style to the living room. Be creative on this one and have a go at putting your chosen designs/colours together and see how they look.

Moving into a brand-new home is an exciting event since you have a blank canvas ready to be transformed to a loving home complete with any mood or theme you like.
If you’re still on the process of purchasing a home or are considering to move from your current one, the Alkimos house and land packages in North Perth are perfect considerations as it lets you choose a home with just the right space and features your growing family needs. Simply choose from the many available home designs or even make changes once the property is turned over to you.

Best of luck with designing/decorating your new home!

Popular RV Design Trends

Even if you aren’t in the RV industry, you may keep an eye on RV design trends for any number of reasons. One big reason is for RV owners who want to rent out their vehicle. There’s a huge and continuously growing market for RV rentals around the country, and many owners are finding that it’s a great income source for them.

Last year was record-breaking for the RV industries, and particularly the Thor and Winnebago companies. Winnebago’s sales went up more than 75 percent in 2017. Analysts have described the RV market as being “on fire,” and Millennials are a key demographic for RV companies.
With that popularity, comes increasing demand from renters but also growing competition. For example, according to Outdoorsy, they have more than 1,130 RV rentals available in San Diego alone.

Owners have to keep up with the design trends and know what discerning renters are looking for if they want to remain competitive.

The following are some popular RV design trends this year.

Minimalism

RV renters, and particularly the highly coveted Millennial group of renters, really tends to like minimalist design concepts. In fact, they often embrace minimalism in multiple areas of their life.
Minimalism works well in RV design concepts because it’s clean, fresh and uncluttered.
Keep the accessories to a minimum, color palettes light and airy, and decorate with the use of natural items, like a potted plant.

Vintage

Another popular design trend that renters might like is the vintage style. This works especially well in a classic Airstream vehicle. You can provide renters with a throwback to days gone by.
Incorporate vintage style with items like quilts or antique accessories.

The idea of using a map as wallpaper on a feature wall is also a fun way to integrate a vintage sense of style into the interior design of an RV.

Luxury Elements

Something else that renters might like in an RV is the inclusion of some elements of luxury. For example, providing an espresso machine or a high-end coffee maker can be a perk that goes a long way in the eyes of your potential renters.

Another way to include some luxury is by splurging on more expensive bedding. There’s nothing more inviting for any traveler than a bed that looks clean, inviting and super comfortable.

You don’t have to go overboard, but do think about what a more high-end renter might appreciate.
You can also think about what your renters might enjoy when they’re actually in their destination and include some of those items. For example, what about portable hammocks and inflatable hammocks? They’re hugely popular and can be a great addition to a camping trip.

Finally, wherever you can try to add storage space. Even if renters are only going to be in the RV for two or three days, they’re going to want and need storage space. Look to all the tiny house shows and websites if you want some guidance on how to creatively incorporate additional storage.





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Saving money with DIY plumbing

As I got ready to write this post I went back to my portfolio on Houzz to see if I had any bathrooms posted there. Sure enough:

by Paul Anater -

I'm a one-time kitchen and bath designer and although I don't ply that trade as a profession any more, my years in those particular trenches left me with an unshakeable sense of what I can and cannot do when it comes to working on my house. Iworked on many, many bathrooms over the years and three years ago I designed and managed the renovations of two baths in the home I share with my partner Frank.

I'm pretty handy and I did do some of the tile work in the master bath and I hooked up the new faucets in the hall bath. I'm capable of more than that of course, but I know that there's a profound difference between my swapping out a P trap under a lavatory sink and what would surely be a ruinous attempt of my trying to re-route water supply lines for a shower. I have a strong sense of my skill level and I wouldn't hesitate to swap out a shower fixture or a toilet. By the same toekn, I would never dream of trying anything having to do with rough plumbing.

Rough plumbing pretty much means plumbing behind the walls and fixtures are any part of a bathroom you can see.

I see the same programming on HGTV and DIY that every body else sees and a lot of those shows spread a message that with the right "can do" attitude anybody can tackle any household project. That's simply not true and as I say all the time, plumbing is a profession for a reason.

What just about anybody can do is make cosmetic changes and keep up with maintenance tasks. Painting a bathroom is a simple cosmetic change that just about anybody can take on. Changing out things like towel bars are relatively easy to take on too.

You really don't need to hire someone to do routine maintenance either. If your toilet's running all the time you just need to change the flap valve and provided you follow the instructions, you can complete that without the help of a plumber and save at least $150.

Clogged drains are another maintenance task that you shouldn't need to call a plumber over. I'm a brand ambassador for Roto-Rooter and their line of home plumbing products. Shower drains get clogged with hair and soap scum and when that happens, they slow down. If you're experiencing a slow drain, get some Roto-Rooter Gel Clog Remover or Hair Clog Remover and try that first before you call a plumber.

Follow the instructions on the bottle and the odds are pretty good that you'll fix your problem and save a bundle at the same time. I like these Roto-Rooter products more than the other brands that are out there. Roto-Rooter products are more concentrated and they just work better. Roto-Rooter products are readily available at retailers you already patronize, so give them a try.