Homes Plus
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MILWAUKEE — Main- floor laundry rooms are more the norm than the exception now and many new-build or remodeled spaces have given the work- horse washer and dryer exceptional settings with adequate shelving and stor- age, drying racks, and high- end countertops, faucets and sinks. The washer and dryer themselves are now designed to be not only more functional and ener- gy-efficient, but also aes- thetically pleasing. Appliances are so user- friendly that homeowners often forget that washers and dryers need regular maintenance. Appliance Gallery offers some tips to make sure your laundry room remains in tip-top shape. "After your washer has washed a load, allow the interior of the machine to air out by leaving the door partially open," said Stephen Erb, appliance manager. "This will allow air to circulate and help dry out any remaining mois- ture in the drum or on the gasket. To clean the wash- er's drum, use a mild, non- abrasive, chlorine-free cleaning agent. Rinse and then dry with a soft cloth. Do not use steel wool or any other abrasive cleaning agents. Wipe the gasket with a soft cloth to remove residual water or any deter- gent." If your washer emits a bad odor, which can happen as residue from detergent and fabric softeners accu- mulates, run the empty washer with a cup of white vinegar, or liquid chlorine bleach. "The existence of any residual detergent can be a sign that too much deter- gent is being used," Erb said. "For high-efficiency washers, use only HE deter- gents to prevent over-suds- ing." Your washer's exterior can be a magnet for dust, fingerprints and spilled detergents. Clean with a soft cloth using hot soapy water or a mild, non-abra- sive cleaning agent. The control panel can be cleaned with just a damp soft cloth. "Clean your detergent dispenser too," Erb said. "Remove the dispenser from the washer according to the manufacturer's use and care guide and place the dispenser under warm, running water. Lightly wipe away any remaining deter- gent residue and reinsert the dispenser." Ensure that all drains have strainers to keep hair, soap, and debris from enter- ing and clogging the drain lines. Use a strainer on your washing machine hose. Hardware stores have strainers specially designed to fit laundry hoses. Erb also advises to install a flood alarm to warn of water from the washing machine or water heater leaking from the appliance or overflowing sinks. He added that it's very important to clean your dryer vent and ducts to remove lint build-up. "If the ducts get clogged, it can be a fire hazard. If your dryer vent hose is old-school vinyl accordion type, upgrade to metal duct work." Lastly, Erb said to consid- er replacing a worn-out washing machine with a more efficient front-load model. FEBRUARY 2016 HOMES PLUS 5 "Quality Conscious, Customer Focused… Every Job, Every Day" 7945 Harwood Ave. ,Wauwatosa,WI 53213 Office: 414.988.4565 www.milestoneplumbinginc.com *Must mention this ad. Only valid for first time customers. 248346001 No Trip Charge for First Time Customers * MP#998631 In Home Floor & Window Fashions 241 N. Milwaukee Street Waterford, WI Showroom and In Home Hours By Appointment 262-534-3344 www.InHomeFloor.com 56034 *Manufacturer's mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 1/30/16-4/11/16 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2016 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas. WIN16MB1 Make the smart choice today. Save energy year-round. Ask about rebates on energy-efficient Hunter Douglas window fashions. Save $100 * or more with rebates on qualifying purchases from January 30-April 11, 2016 247926001 248387003 BRIGHTER CONCEPTS www.BrighterConceptsLtd.com 414-332-8865 Offer Expires 5/30/2016. *Call for details. 248387002 30 80 150 For All of Your Home Needs For All of Your Home Needs How to maintain your main-floor laundry room