Washer Repair Pro’s Tips for Dealing with Holiday Glitter Apparel and Shoes

Washer Repair El Paso Texas

Aaah the holiday party season! For many fashionistas and families with children, it’s prime time for wearing glittery clothes and sparkling footwear. But what happens when the clothes and shoes come off at the end of the festivities? In most instances, it unfortunately looks like a glitter bomb detonated inside of the laundry room. So to help prevent those scenarios from playing out again this year, our washer repair pros wanted to provide a few tips for dealing with shimmering party apparel:

Do buy several wash bags that feature very fine mesh and launder the clothes using cold water. By placing your sparkly clothes in the bags first and then pitching them into the machine, you’ll likely keep any glitter that comes off during the wash contained to one area. And if any glitter does manage to escape the confines of the wash bag, it shouldn’t be too much trouble to clean the mess up.

Don’t put glitter clad footwear, like TOMS®, into the washing machine. It’s bad for your footwear and your washing machine. Instead, invest in a small wash basin and gently clean them by hand with an eco-friendly, bleach free detergent. Then let them sit out onto your laundry room table overnight to air dry alongside of your family’s holiday sweaters.

Do remember that not all glitter glue and holiday glitter sprays are created equal. Some won’t stain fabrics and are safe to use in both the washer and dryer. Others are not. So if you plan on letting the kids get crafty, remember to choose washable glitter products. And when it comes time to machine wash their shimmering creations, reach for alkaline detergents. Our washer repair pros have found that citrus and oxygen bleach based detergents have a tendency to destroy homemade glitter apparel in a New Mexico minute.

Don’t forget to thoroughly clean the washer’s drum when you are through. Otherwise, the glitter residue may transfer from the drum’s surface to future loads of wash. To remove the glitter from the drum, try using a handheld lint remover or an inside out piece of masking tape. Vacuum cleaners with soft attachment brushes may also help get rid of any glitter that may have fallen into hard to reach areas. To learn more about keeping laundry room appliances clean and running efficiently over the holidays, please contact us.

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SoBellas Appliance Repair El Paso Texas

125 Graphite Dr. Ste. D

El Paso, TX  79932

915-585-2811

Refrigerator Repair Pro Discusses Common Rubber Gasket Concerns in El Paso Texas

Refrigerator Repair El Paso Texas

Every now and again, our refrigerator repair pros receive calls from customers with concerns about their units’ gaskets. They are those rubbery strips that run around refrigerator and freezer doors. Sometimes they prevent the doors from closing properly and making a tight seal, which is the exact opposite of what they are designed to do. Here’s why:

Rubber gaskets, like all parts of a refrigerator, have a tendency to wear over time. For example, the chemicals and oils used to manufacture the rubber seal may evaporate. If they are not replenished, the rubber will have a tendency to get brittle and break apart. When that happens, the air from inside of the fridge may seep out into the hot kitchen or vice versa. And that may lead to condensation and energy efficiency problems.

A lack of lubrication is not the only reason why a refrigerator’s rubber gaskets break. The seal could also sustain damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight, harsh chemicals, fungi and a pet’s claws as well as food and beverage residue. Thankfully, most of those problems may be resolved with the use of window tint, routine cleaning tasks, gentle cleansers and proper pet care.

Our refrigerator repair pros also know that gaskets have a tendency to do more than tear or otherwise rip apart. They can also expand and contract to the point that it jeopardizes the integrity of the seal. This often happens when refrigerators are placed near HVAC vents, cooking appliances, poorly insulated doors and single pane windows.

For example, let’s say that the refrigerator is sitting directly underneath of a HVAC vent and the heat kicks on. The heat will likely cause the rubber gasket to contract, thereby allowing hot air to get inside of the fridge. If the air conditioner turns on instead, the rubber may expand, which would make it harder to open the refrigerator’s doors. And that could lead to tearing or separation should the homeowner try and force the fridge door open.

To learn more about rubber gaskets, including when to replace them, please contact us. Our refrigerator repair pros in El Paso have been repairing and replacing rubber gaskets with ease for years.

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SoBellas Appliance Repair El Paso Texas

125 Graphite Dr. Ste. D

El Paso, TX  79932

915-585-2811

 

 

Ways to Clean appliances with Lemon

When is the last time you cleaned out you refrigerator?  When is the last time you had a licensed appliance repair company come out and tune up your appliances? 

 

You don’t always need a professional for appliance repair, and when life gives you lemons, clean up your kitchen! Go green by cleaning your kitchen with the fresh  lemons to give your appliances that sparkle they deserve without squeezing your pocketbook.

 

Here’s some great tips to follow from SoBellas Home Services.

 

1. Microwave

 

Mix together 2 Tbsp. of lemon juice and 2 cups of water in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for one to two minutes. Allow bowl to cool down, then use mixture to wipe down the inside walls of the microwave.

 

2. Oven

 

Mix together 2 Tbsp. of liquid dish soap and 2 Tbsp. of lemon juice with 1 quart of warm water. Apply the mixture to the inside of the oven. Return after one hour and scrub with a sponge. Rinse well.

 

3. Fridge

 

Slice a lemon and place in small bowl. Sprinkle a dash of table salt and 2 tsp. of baking soda onto lemons. Place uncovered dish in the middle of refrigerator and let sit for three to five days.

 

4. Dishwasher

 

Mix 2 Tbsp. of lemon juice with 1 cup of white vinegar. Pour into the bottom of empty dishwasher and allow for one cleaning cycle.

 

5. Stovetop

 

In a small bowl, mix 2 Tbsp. of lemon juice with 2-3 Tbsp. baking soda to form paste. Apply paste to stovetop and wipe away with warm, damp sponge or towel.

 

Follow these do-it-yourself cleaning tips and help save money on costly appliance repairs . To help prolong the life of your appliances, combine these tips with regular visits from your local appliance repair professional to perform needed maintenance and internal cleaning.

 

 

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SoBellas Appliance Repair El Paso Texas

125 Graphite Dr. Ste. D

El Paso, TX  79932

915-585-2811

 

 

Repair 101: 6 Steps to Cleaning Your Refrigerator

Refrigerator Repair El Paso Texas

From forgotten spills to expired food, your refrigerator may be in need of an intense scrub down. Not only will a good cleaning rid your appliance of any unpleasant odors, but it will also increase its efficiency level. Below we've provided you with a step by step cleaning guide to help you achieve a spotless refrigerator.

1. To begin the process, clear out all items and throw away any food that has expired. Starting with a blank slate will enable you to reach every nook and cranny of your fridge. 
2. Once the appliance is empty, remove its shelves and bins for a good old soak in hot, soapy water. If your kitchen sink isn't big enough, you can use your bathtub or your laundry sink. To soften the dried food covering the surface of the shelves and bins, we suggest leaving them submerged for at least an hour.
3. While the shelves and bins are soaking, concentrate on wiping down the inside of your refrigerator. You can either use a store bought all-purpose cleaner, or you can make your own cleaning mixture with vinegar and water. Before finishing up, pay close attention to the appliance's door gasket. Scrub any dirt off the seal and look for cracks or rips in the rubber. If you find any, the gasket will need to be replaced.
4. After an hour has passed, using a sponge, wipe down and rinse the shelves and bins. You can either dry the parts off by hand or lay them out to air dry, before placing them back in the refrigerator.
5. Now comes the restocking of your fridge. Prior to placing any jars or containers back into your appliance, clean them off with a wet rag, to ensure they won't soil your freshly washed shelves.
6. Since the interior of your refrigerator is clean and smelling nice, its time to focus on the outside of your appliance. First and foremost, you need to clean the condenser coils. Leaving them dirty will eventually cause a spike in your energy bill, and you'll risk shortening your refrigerator's life expectancy. Once that's done, move on to wiping down the exterior of your appliance. Soapy water and a sponge should do the trick, however if your fridge is stainless steal, you may want to consider using a dab of vinegar to get rid of unsightly fingerprints.

Keeping your appliance clean helps you avoid costly refrigerator repair expenses. If you're concerned with your fridge's performance, please contact us at SoBellas El Paso Appliance's Repair and we'll be happy to help you.

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SoBellas Appliance Repair El Paso Texas

125 Graphite Dr. Ste. D

El Paso, TX  79932

915-585-2811

SoBellas Home Services

 

 

El Paso Appliance Repair Tips: Is Your Induction Cooktop on the Fritz?

Appliance Repair El Paso Texas

 

Induction cooktops have been gaining in popularity the last few years. And as appliance repair professionals, we’ve made it a point to become familiar with problems that tend to crop up with today’s models. That said, the next time your induction cooktop is not working, consider taking the following actions:

 

Check the Control Panel – Look to see which induction cooktop setting is activated. Some contemporary models have lock modes that may keep the unit from turning on or shutting off as expected.

 

Check the Electrical Panel – If the induction cooktop’s settings appear to be correct, head off to check your home’s electrical panel. Check to make sure that all of the circuit breakers or fuses are in the right position and in working order.

 

Check the Power Cord – Should the electrical panel seem to be in fine, working order, pull the induction oven away from the wall and check the electrical connection. It’s also a great idea to look closely at the plug and cord. If they show signs of wear or damage, they could be the chief problem.

 

Check the Voltage Requirements – Sometimes contemporary induction cooktops require more voltage than a home’s electrical outlet can handle. So it’s best to check the owner’s manual and ensure that the outlet you’re using is up to snuff.

 

Check the Cookware – Our appliance repair pros have noticed that some folks forget to use the right cookware and that can make a difference too. It can either cause the cooktop not to heat up or damage its surface.

 

Check the Surface – Speaking of which, a damaged surface may cause an induction oven to fail as well. The list of accidents that could shorten the life of the cooktop includes those that involve cracks, scratches and melted plastic.

 

Call an Appliance Repair  Pro – And if none of those actions resolve your home’s induction cooktop woes, be sure to call an appliance repair pro. We can examine the cooktop further and make any repairs needed to get families cooking again.

 

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SoBellas Appliance llc

El Paso, Texas Corporate Office

125 Graphite Dr Ste D

El Paso, Texas  79932

915-585-2811 Main

915-585-2810 FAX

 

 

 

SoBella's Appliance Repair Team's Tips for Keeping Kitchens Cool

Appliance Repair El Paso Texas

It’s no surprise that most of us love to eat home cooked fare but hate the extra heat that comes with being the kitchen. So other than spending a lot of money on take-out, what’s a self-respecting Texan to do? Our appliance repair team members have a half-dozen tips that may help solve the common, summer time dilemma once and for all:

Retire the Self-Cleaning Feature

One of the easiest ways to beat the seasonal heat is to retire your oven’s self-cleaning feature. That’s because most self-cleaning features have a tendency to generate an overwhelming amount of heat, which is apt to stress out you and your home’s HVAC system beyond the breaking point.

Bring the Kitchen Outdoors

Besides bypassing the oven’s self-cleaning feature, consider bringing your culinary skills and kitchen equipment outdoors. Bust out the smokers, barbecue grills, campfire grates and solar cookers. While you’re at it, don’t forget about the sun tea jugs and outdoor drying racks. They are ideal for summer use too.

Break Out the No-Bake Recipes

Breaking out all of your family’s beloved, no-bake recipes is a smart, heat busting idea as well. If you don’t already have a large assortment of no-bake recipes, don’t panic. There are many listed all over the internet, including close to 100 that are posted on the Reader’s Digest’s website alone.

Show the Stove Top Some Love

If you absolutely have to cook indoors, consider showing the stove top some love. Use it to prepare quick meals that don’t require a lot of heat. Great examples include pasta salads, steamed veggies, cheesy macaroni, pan-fried fish, chipped beef over toast and oriental stir-fries.

Remember the Mighty Broiler

Depending on your oven and culinary skills, remembering to use the broiler may help to get rid of a bit of heat too. Some of the modern oven’s built-in broilers cook foods fast and don’t let heat or smoke escape into the kitchen. Older models, however, may not be as energy efficient. So it pays to have our appliance repair pros check out the broiler first.

Get Reacquainted with Old Buddies

Re-introducing yourself to a few old pals is a fabulous way to beat the heat as well. By buddies, we are referring to other kitchen appliances. Pieces of kitchen equipment that come to our appliance repair pro’s minds are pressure cookers, countertop toaster ovens, self-contained bread machines, countertop grills, crock pots and microwaves.

To discuss these tips and other ways to keep your home’s kitchen cool during the summer months, please contact us at 915-585-2811. At SoBellas, our qualified professionals can service and install kitchen equipment on the spot. Plus, routine, year round maintenance agreements are available too.

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SoBellas Appliance Repair El Paso Texas

125 Graphite Dr. Ste. D

El Paso, TX  79932

915-585-2811

 

 

FW: Get Ready for Grilling Season!

 

4 Tips to Get Ready for Summer   Grilling season is just around the corner. Save yourself time and headaches by following these simple tips before you begin cooking with your grill. Your grill will love you for it! Remove Spider Webs from Gas Valve Openings     Spiders love to spin webs or nests inside small valve orifices. It's important to remove these and other obstructions to ensure smooth flow of gas to your burners.   Steps to Remove 1.     Take out cooking grates, briquette trays and burners. 2.     Inspect the venturi opening and orifice for any signs of spiders, or their webbing. 3.     Use a small wire or straightened paper clip to clear out any obstacles. If the blockage will not come out you may have to remove the orifice with a ½ deep socket and then clear the blockage. 4.     Check all burner ports for blockage from cooking debris and grease. Use the paper clip and poke through any ports that appear to be blocked or restricted. Do not do this to the ceramic ProSear burners or damage may occur.   Clean Out the Grill Firebox   Debris, gunk and other substances can build up over time inside your grill. Remove the grates, and check inside the grill and remove any build up inside before you start to use it.   Check All Hoses and Fittings for Wear and Tear   Your outdoor kitchen relies on gas to light all burners. Make sure all gas fittings and hoses are tightly secured and free of any wear and tear.  Inspect all hoses for cracks, abrasion or leaks. All fitting should be leak tested with a 1:3 solution of dish soap and water applied to all connections and checked for bubble formation which would indicate gas leaks. If any are found they must be repaired prior to using your grill.       Check All Wiring Connections for Frayed or Chewed Areas   Rodents love to chew on wiring, and often strip the plastic off to use in their nests.   The most likely places are the wires connected to the transformer.  If you notice chewing, you will need to order a new transformer, and you may want to store the transformer inside when you are not using the grill for long periods of time.   Remove Spider Webs Clean Firebox Check Hoses Check Wiring These 4 simple steps will ensure a great grilling season and years of use out of your grill.   Spiders Love Propane?!   Especially in winter, spiders will spin webs inside gas valve openings because they love propane gas. Be sure to clear out any webs!