Kitchen and laundry fixes before you call for service
Garbage disposals, dishwashers, the fridge, the washer and the dryer. A lot of appliance service calls end with a technician cleaning a filter or pressing a reset button. These guides show you how to do that part yourself.
Where to start: A disposal that hums but won't turn is jammed, and you can free it with a hex wrench. Standing water in the dishwasher usually means a clogged filter. If the fridge seems to run all the time, clean the condenser coils. In the laundry room, a dryer that takes two cycles needs its vent cleaned, which also cuts the fire risk.
What are you dealing with?
Unjam a garbage disposal
Clean your dryer vent
Get rid of a smelly washing machine
Clean your refrigerator coils
Dishwasher not draining? Here's the fix
Garbage disposal leaking? Find where
Clean dishwasher spray arms for cleaner dishes
Common questions
Is it worth repairing an old appliance?
Try the free fixes first: cleaning filters, coils and vents solves a surprising number of problems. If a repair would cost more than about half the price of a new one, replacing usually makes more sense.
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
At least once a year, and more often with a big household or a long vent run. Lint buildup is a leading cause of dryer fires.
Looking for something else? Browse all guides or see emergency steps.