If your Kenmore dishwasher or Sears Dishwasher is inoperable or blinking the "Clean Light" - fixing it is just a few button pushes away!

I just fixed my 655.16042400 unit. Several days ago this dishwasher failed and my husband decided that it was time to buy a new one. I didn't think that we could afford it in this economy. We had the dreaded blinking clean light!!

After an undue amount of research, I found the combination of key pushes that reset the dishwasher and it has been working fine since then!

There are a number of different sequences depending on your model - try:

1. 'normal wash' followed by 'heated dry' cycle five times -OR-
2. heated dry, followed by heated wash five times -OR-
3. "Hi Temp Scrub - Air Dry - Hi Temp Scrub - Air Dry" -OR-
4. Water Heat / No Heat Dry / What Heat / No Heat Dry.
5. THEN .... wait for all lights to go on and then go out. This worked like a charm for our dishwasher!

After the lights go off.. your dishwasher will run a partial cycle and then be back to normal.

No service call, no dishwasher parts to buy ... just a few buttons to push!

Labels: Dishwasher Parts

The sun is shining beautifully in the Ohio Valley this afternoon and I can't help but think about spring cleaning. Driving through the suburbs, I see the streaks of dirt on windows caused by the final melting of snow and it makes me think about what a mess my windows must be in!

Speaking of spring cleaning - many people do not realize that this is a great time to do some appliance checking and cleaning. Cleaning your dishwasher can keep parts moving properly without obstacles like that little piece of steak bone that was stuck all winter in the silverware container. Make sure you check that each of the following are cleaned and working properly:

• Dishwasher Drain Hoses
• Dishwasher Power Cords
• Dishwasher Pump Motor Assembly
• Dishwasher Spray Arms
• Inlet Water Valves

Cleaning out the clothes washer and scrubbing down the lint collector in your dryer - even having the vents cleaned. Not only are these little things important to make sure your clothes are cleaned and dryed properly - but they save energy. Saving energy saves money and who's not looking to save a few bucks these days.

Clean out the stove and microwave now too! Make sure you scrub down the grills on the microwave and make sure that the crud on the bottom of your stove is cleared out also.

Finally, use a degreaser and remove all the grease that accumulated on the inside of the stove vent.

... and everytime you tell yourself that you'd rather be outside enjoying the beautiful sunshine, just remember the money you will be saving on energy and in the long run by properly maintaining your home appliances!

Labels: Appliance Cleaners, Dishwasher Parts

Yearly Maintenance for Home Dishwashers

If your dishes are not getting as clean as they used to years ago, there is probably a shortage of water getting into the machine. This is usually caused by a broken or worn out water inlet valve. These valves are located behind the lower kick panel and need replacing every 3-7 years, depending on water conditions. Many do-it-yourselfers can make this repair. It just requires a few common hand tools:

• an adjustable wrench,
• a Phillips head screwdriver, and
• adjustable pliers

To find the right water inlet valve for your dishwasher, make sure that you have your model number.

• Inspect and clean your dishwasher.
  You don't need to clean the interior of your dishwasher if you use it regularly. If it goes un-used for a week or more and begins to mold or smell bad, you can clean it using Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer.
• Repair broken and rusted dishwasher racks.
  If the plastic coating wears off the dish rack tines in your dishwasher, they will corrode and rust. The rust particles will then get into the pump and cause much more serious problems. Repair kits are available by clicking here. Prior to making the repair, be sure to clean up the rusted spots on the dishwasher rack with household sandpaper to make the repair last much longer.
• Clean your dishwasher filter.
  On many basic and/or European dishwashers, there's a filter near the bottom, or under the lower spray arm, that needs cleaning regularly. If you have this sort of filter, consult your owner's manual for how to remove and clean it. If the filter is damaged, replace it to protect the dishwasher's pump and motor seals.
• Clean your dishwasher spray arms.
  Over time, small holes in the spray arm(s) of your dishwasher may become clogged with bits of paper, toothpicks, glass, etc. Take a moment to clean out these holes to ensure you're getting the best cleaning ability from your dishwasher.
  If you find glass in the spray arm, there are probably glass pieces in the pump housing as well. You may want to disassemble the pump to check and clean it. Also, the glass may have damaged the motor spin seal. If this has happened, you will often see a water leak at the main pump motor. Replace the motor spin seal if necessary.

Labels: Dishwasher Parts

There is a ton of news these days on how Michigan is struggling - but we saw a ray of hope in this press release that Whirlpool, a major appliance manufacturer recently released:

Whirlpool Corporation Ranks Among Fortune's 'Most Admired Companies' in
the Electronics Industry

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., March 12, 2009 ( http://www.michiganpr.net/ )

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) has been named one of FORTUNE magazine's "Most Admired Companies" in the electronics industry. Whirlpool ranked sixth overall in the electronics industry and saw its industry rank rise from 11 the previous year.

The company's highest scores in the survey came in the Use of Corporate Assets, Corporate Social Responsibility and Quality of Management categories.

The rankings, which are published every year, reflect the observations and opinions of appliance and electronic executives who rate their peers and rivals on nine attributes: innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, corporate social responsibility, quality of management, long-term investment value, financial soundness, and quality of products and services, and global competitiveness. The voting took place in late 2008.

About Whirlpool Corporation
In addition to being included in FORTUNE's "Most Admired Companies" list, Whirlpool recently was named one of the "100 Best Corporate Citizens" by Chief Responsibility Officer magazine, one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by Ethisphere magazine, one of the "Top 50 Most Respected U.S. Companies" by the Reputation Institute and one of the "Best Places to Launch a Career" by BusinessWeek.

Additionally, the company's Whirlpool brand was named one of the 10 top greenest brands by U.S. consumers, according to a BrandWeek magazine survey. Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion, 70,000 employees, and 69 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be
found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com.
SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation

http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/

Whirlpool's headquarters in in Benton Harbor Michigan, which is on the west side of the state. The automotive headquarters are all on the east side of the state near Detroit. Nonetheless, Whirlpool seems to be surviving amidst a state crisis.

Labels: Michigan, whirlpool parts

The MOST important periodic maintenance for any dryer is a clear exhaust.

Many clothes dryer failures can be traced back to an improperly maintained vent system. This causes premature failure of the dryer bearings, dryer elements, dryer ignitors and other critical dryer parts.

• For best drying results and safety, clean the lint filter before each load.
• When drying only one or two items, toss in a few items of varying size to promote good tumbling action and improve drying results. Many times, I will through in clean damp towels to keep things tumbling well.
• Dryers with an Auto-Dry cycle will not dry properly with a very small load in the tumbler.
• Never use white plastic exhaust duct on any dryer!! This material is not only flammable, but it increases drying time tremendously!
• Do not use the foil-looking stuff, either! Use only flexible metal duct or rigid duct. The new periscope vent kits also work well for dryers in tight spaces and will eliminate any chance of hose kinking.
• Improper venting or a clogged vent will give the following results:
• Long drying times
• Clothes are too hot at end of cycle
• Dryer is noisier than it is supposed to be
• Clothes still hot and damp after cycle ends
• Automatic sensors fail to shut off
• Premature failure of heating element, motor or bearings

If your vent runs vertically, such as thru a wall to the roof, expect extended drying times (not to mention premature failure of the motor, drum rollers and heater).

Fortunately, we carry the best products for any homeowner to use to maintain a safe and efficient dryer!

Labels: Clothes Dryer Parts