This section contains various news and helpful hints associated with major household appliances. We also have helpful hint brochures available in-store for pick up. We will be adding to our site soon.
NOTE: We are not responsible for any and all hints that you may try on your own. Always call a service professional when trouble arises. Thank you!
Speed Queen Laundry Added! On September 8, 2009 we brought in the Speed Queen laundry lineup. Speed Queen is made in Ripon, Wisconsin so Dale's is proud to support our home state industries. Stop in and check out their line on laundry products. A link to their site has been added to our appliance page!
Helpful Hints:
Appliance Helpful Hints:
Dishwashers: Did you know you should only fill your dishwashers main wash bin with automatic dish soap? The only time you use both sections is if you are pre-washing your dishes. We recommend using Finish, formally known as Electrosal, tabs with Jet-dry rinse agent build right in. We have found they seem to work the best, and you don't have to make sure your rinse agent is full. Give it a try! We are confident you will agree. If not, you have hurt nothing, and you can go back to your old methods.
Front Load Washing Machines: Do you have a front load washing machine? If you do and you use regular washing detergent instead of HE detergent, you are ruining your machine. These machines use very little water, 18 gallons for a full cycle (check your owners manual to be sure). If you use regular detergents, you will cause your machine to over suds and end up with a mold or mildew problem. Please only use detergents with HE on the label. You can also cut back on the amount of detergent you are using. You have to remember they are selling detergent not washing machines. You can use 1/2 of the recommended amount, and your clothes will come out just as clean. You will have to experiment as conditions vary by your water type. Click on the Washing Machine Maintenance doc below for regular washer maintenance suggestions.
Washing Machines: Does water come in slowly to your washer? You probably have a plugged screen on your water hoses or water valve. On top loading machines you can back flush the water valve. Stop in for a pamphlet that will give you step by step instructions on how to do this process yourself. If this process does not work, then you will need a service call to have your machine checked and probably a new water valve put onto your washing machine.
Dryers: Is your dryer vented with plastic flex venting? Change it out immediately. Your dryer should only be vented with hard aluminum pipe. The reason being, the flexible pipe traps moisture and lint, which if left to build up can start a fire. Yes, the heat from your dryer can be hot enough to ignite the lint trapped in your dryer vent or in your dryer itself. Which brings me to another thought. When was the last time you had your dryer professionally cleaned? We have seen several instances of dryer fires. So please do yourself and your family a favor and call to have your dryer and dryer venting cleaned, and if need be, the venting replaced.
