All appliance guides
Every ApplianceCareNow guide, grouped by appliance.
Refrigerators & Freezers
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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.
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Why Is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?
Refrigerator leaking water? Learn the common causes, from a clogged defrost drain to a loose water line, and the safe checks you can try first.
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How to Deal With Frost Buildup in Your Freezer
Freezer frost buildup usually comes from warm, humid air getting in. Learn the safe checks, how to defrost, and when frost signals a bigger problem.
Washing Machines
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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.
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What to Do When Your Washing Machine Won't Start
Washing machine won't start? Check power, the door or lid, control lock, delay start and water supply with these safe steps before calling a technician.
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How to Stop a Washing Machine From Shaking or Walking
Washing machine shaking or walking during spin? Safe fixes for unbalanced loads, uneven feet, shipping bolts and floors, and when to call a technician.
Dishwashers
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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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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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How to Get Rid of a Bad Dishwasher Smell
Got a bad dishwasher smell? Clean the filter, door seal and spray arms, check the drain and air gap, and learn which smells mean stop now.
Ovens & Stoves
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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.
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What to Do When a Stove Burner Won't Heat or Light
Stove burner not working? Safe checks for electric coil, smooth-top and gas burners: power, settings, seating and cleaning, plus when to call a pro.
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Why Your Oven Cooks Unevenly and How to Improve It
Oven cooking unevenly? Learn how preheating, rack position, pans, airflow and oven temperature affect results, and when uneven heat needs a technician.
Microwaves
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Microwave Runs but Doesn't Heat: What to Know
Microwave not heating but still running? Learn the few safe outside checks you can try and why the repair itself is almost always a technician job.
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How to Fix a Microwave Turntable That Won't Turn
Microwave turntable not turning? Check the glass tray, roller ring and center coupler, clean the track and settings, and know when a technician is needed.
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Microwave Sparking or Arcing: What to Do
Microwave sparking? Stop it right away, remove any metal, check for food buildup or a damaged interior, and learn when to stop using it for good.
Dryers
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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.
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Why Your Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry Clothes
Dryer takes too long to dry? Learn the common causes, from a full lint screen and blocked vent to overloading, and the safe checks to try first.
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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
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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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Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?
Air conditioner leaking water? Learn why condensate drains clog, why window units drip indoors and coils freeze, and the safe checks to try first.
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How to Clean or Replace an Air Conditioner Filter
How to clean an AC filter or replace it safely on window, portable and central air units, how to tell when it's dirty, and when to call a technician.
Appliance Maintenance
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How to Find Your Appliance Model Number and Manual
Find your appliance model number on the rating label, then use it to get the right owner's manual, error code meanings and support.
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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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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.