Free, independent appliance help
Find help with everyday appliance problems
Friendly, step-by-step guides that help you understand what’s wrong, try safe basic checks, and know when it’s time to call a qualified technician.
Safety first: we only suggest checks that are safe for beginners.
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What needs attention today?
24 plain-English guides across eight appliance areas. Each one starts with a quick answer and a safety note.
- Refrigerators & FreezersNot cooling, leaks, frost and everyday care.3 guides
- Washing MachinesWon’t start, won’t drain, shaking and walking.3 guides
- DishwashersDirty dishes, standing water and odors.3 guides
- Ovens & StovesNot heating, burner problems and uneven cooking.3 guides
- MicrowavesNot heating, turntable trouble and sparking.3 guides
- DryersNot heating, slow drying, lint and vent care.3 guides
- Air ConditionersNot cooling, leaks and filter care.3 guides
- Appliance MaintenanceModel numbers, routine care and warning signs.3 guides
Popular troubleshooting guides
Good places to start
Refrigerators & Freezers
Refrigerator Not Cooling? Safe Checks to Try First
Refrigerator not cooling? Check power, temperature settings, door seals, airflow and dusty coils before you call a qualified technician.
Washing Machines
Washing Machine Not Draining: What to Check
Washing machine not draining? Learn the safe checks for kinked hoses, clogged filters, suds and settings, and when standing water needs a technician.
Dishwashers
Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes Properly? Try These Fixes
Dishwasher not cleaning well? Check loading, the filter, spray arms, detergent, rinse aid and hot water with these safe steps for spotless dishes.
Dryers
How to Clean a Dryer Lint Screen and Vent Safely
How to clean a dryer vent and lint screen safely, from washing the screen to clearing the outside vent hood, and when to hire a professional.
Air Conditioners
Air Conditioner Not Cooling? Check These First
Air conditioner not cooling? Start with thermostat settings, a dirty filter, blocked vents and frozen coils, then know when to call a technician.
Ovens & Stoves
Oven Not Heating Up? What You Can Safely Check
Oven not heating? Learn the safe checks for electric and gas ovens, from breakers and settings to locked controls, and when to call a technician.
Browse by problem
Know the symptom, not the cause?
Start from what you’re seeing. Each group links to the guides that cover it.
Not starting
Not heating or cooling
Leaking water
Noise, shaking or sparks
Poor performance
Error codes and manuals
Latest guides
Recently published
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Appliance Maintenance
A Simple Home Appliance Maintenance Checklist
A simple appliance maintenance checklist for beginners: safe, regular tasks for your fridge, washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven, microwave and AC.
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Air Conditioners
Air Conditioner Not Cooling? Check These First
Air conditioner not cooling? Start with thermostat settings, a dirty filter, blocked vents and frozen coils, then know when to call a technician.
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Appliance Maintenance
Appliance Warning Signs: When to Stop Using It
Learn the appliance safety warning signs that mean stop using it now, from burning smells and sparks to gas odors, leaks and repeated breaker trips.
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Dishwashers
Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes Properly? Try These Fixes
Dishwasher not cleaning well? Check loading, the filter, spray arms, detergent, rinse aid and hot water with these safe steps for spotless dishes.
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Dishwashers
Dishwasher Not Draining: Safe Checks for Standing Water
Dishwasher not draining and full of standing water? Check the filter, drain hose, air gap and garbage disposal with these safe, beginner-friendly steps.
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Dryers
Dryer Running but Not Heating? Safe Checks First
Dryer not heating but still tumbling? Check the breaker, settings, lint screen and outside vent first, and learn when a technician is needed.
Safety and scope
Our guides cover checks that are safe for most people: settings, doors and seals, filters, hoses, plugs and breakers. Some repairs need a qualified technician, especially anything involving gas, internal electrical parts, sealed cooling systems or microwave internals. We don’t replace your manufacturer’s instructions or a professional assessment.
Smell gas? Leave the home and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Smoke, sparks or a burning smell? Switch the appliance off at the breaker if it’s safe to reach, and get help.
An independent educational website
ApplianceCareNow publishes free information only. We don’t repair appliances, sell parts or take appointments, and we aren’t affiliated with any appliance brand, retailer or repair network. Brand names are mentioned only to describe products.
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